Originally posted by Dogmama

I wasn't clear before - sorry - during the actual race, who takes your things?
During the race your gear lives in the "transition area". Most races have these areas roped off and have course marshalls guarding the exit/entrance. Only registered racers with numbers are allowed in the area. Most promoters have some sort of rack for hanging your bike. Hang your helmet on your bike (handlebars work well). Have energy drink and/or water ready to go in your bottle cages. Lay a towel next to your bike. Place your bike shoes (unless you feel ready to try the shoes-on-the-bike trick!sunglasses and running gear (shoes, hat?) on the towel. Some people use the towel to sit , as they transition. I prefer to stand and use the time putting on shoes to stretch.

If the weather isn't cooperating for riding, I'll sometimes do winter bricks: spin inside on the trainer for ~30 minutes, then go outside (I'm warm by then) for a 30 min run. I actually LIKE to run in the rain