Thanks everyone for the tips and suggestions!

Veronica, Gear, as in gear not stuff, got it. Good idea on making sure bike is in easier gear, no telling how my legs will feel at first.

AlpRabbit, I have a helluva time getting my wetsuit off. I will unzip and start it as I'm making my way to transition and maybe use the suit strippers to help me.

TriGirl, I will definitely take advantage of the swims on both days before. I want to get out to the lake soon just to see the course, just to visualize how it will be. I found the map online from last year's, do you know if it is the same? I swear if we don't get rain soon we won't be able to swim anyway, and between that and the heat we may not be able to wear wetsuits. That wetsuit gives me confidence because of the buoyancy, I really hope they're allowed. I'm going to plan on them not being just in case.

Is there an opportunity to get in the water before I start to get my suit wet and adjusted? I would guess once the waves start, there wouldn't be.

Thanks all.