Frequently asked questions about RTB...
So you've looked over our general team information and still not sure if team membership is for you? Maybe this will help….a list of our most frequently asked questions….
What does my membership fee go towards?
There are a couple of folks whose only job is to run RTB. They gather sponsorships, rent facilities, hire coaches, plan socials, make brownies, etc. All that takes a lot of time, and they need to be compensated. There’s a website to maintain, bookkeeping to keep track of, food to buy for meetings…. It all adds up. The folks at RTB who keep track of the budget are keenly aware of the value of YOUR dollar, and we work hard to make it go as far as possible and see to it that you get a tremendous value for your membership. What are the benefits of a Team Membership?
The benefits include sponsor discounts, race discounts, team workouts, reduced training costs, free educational meetings, Team Meetings, newsletters, and a community of folks with the same goals to connect with. One of the most intangible but powerful benefits is participating at an event in the RTB uniform. Raise the Bar is well-known and there are always spectators yelling "Go RTB!" when a kit passes by. This is true for events around the country as well as the local events. And in uniform, you have an automatic 'in' to make new friends of other teammates. It's a great way to find and meet each other! Find more info about RTB team benefits HERE Do I have to pay a membership fee every year?
Only if you want to stay on the team! Memberships are 12-months long from the date you sign up. You’ll get a full 12 months of multisport benefits with your membership each year. Do I have to wear a uniform?
We'd like that, yes. The first reason behind having members wear a uniform is to advertise for our sponsors. Multisport is expensive, and our sponsors help us keep the cost down and in trade for that, we get their name/logo out at training and races. The other great reason to wear a uniform is that it connects you with other team members and family members on race day. At every race in the Pacific Northwest you’ll have friends to connect and share stories with – and people to cheer for on the course. They’ll cheer for you too. What is the difference between a Team Workout and Coached Workout?
A Team workout is a group of RTB members coming together for some good old-fashioned training. Typically there’s a workout leader that kicks things off. A Coached Workout has a coach on board that leads the workout. There is always a fee for Coached workouts since we believe in paying our coaches, and because facility rental fees are often involved. Who do I contact for more information?
Chris Wallace or Jake Borrego ([email protected]) can answer questions about sponsorships, coaching, the team or other questions you might have about RTB in general. How do I get a uniform?
Contact Brad Williams for the latest uniform information. He will know when/if there will another order and what extras we have to buy. I am brand new at Triathlons and don’t know where to start.
We were all there once, too. Triathlons can be complicated at the beginning. The team is full of seasoned veterans that will answer questions and help you get on your way. Our Team Facebook group is a great place to surface your questions and get some help. Northwest Tri and Bike is a great resource for new and experienced triathletes alike. The shop is staffed with experienced triathletes who can answer or find the answer to any question on your mind. (RTB members get a great year-round discount there). Do I have to have experience to join the team?
Heck no. The great thing about Multisport is you can jump in at any time in your life with litte or no experience. If your goal is to do a triathlon at some point, joining RTB is a great way to start. But by joining the team, you’ve put yourself in a community of folks that are excited to participate at whatever level they can, and many of the folks on the team have a good deal of experience and knowledge that they’re happy to pass along. Do I have to be a runner to do a triathlon?
Nope. The last leg of a triathlon is called the “run”, but many many folks that come to the sport have left their running years behind them and choose to ‘walk’ the run. There are also quite a few of our members that are working their way toward becoming runners after years of walking. Do I have to be a swimmer?
Nope again. Duathlon is a growing facet of multisport that requires athletes to bike and run only. If you have no interest in swimming, Duathlon is for you! And we’ll support you all the way. Will I fit in?
Yes. The one thing our team members have in common is their desire to do something fun and challenging. Multisport seems to draw those types of people and since you're reading this, you’re probably one of them. I normally do pretty well at races. Will I fit in too?
We have a group of athletes on the team that manage to snatch some local overall race wins and age group placings. If you’re one of those types, we’d love to have you. So would our sponsors when they see pictures of you in an RTB uniform zooming across the finish line or standing on a podium with an award in your hand. Do I have to be a Team Member to participate in Raise the Bar classes or workouts?
No. Of course we would like you to be but you are more then welcome. Your class fees will be little higher and if you plan on taking many classes or making a major triathlon purchase (wetsuit, bike or running gear), you will find it’s cheaper to join Raise the Bar and take advantage of the available discounts. |