We're heading into Race #5 of the local race series, with a big crew set to make their way down the Bellarine Peninsular to Portarlington.  It's been over a month since the last race, so our short coursers have been chomping at the bit to get back out there!  We've got some athletes well in the hunt for series points, others using this as a stepping stone on their way through to Challenge Melbourne, we have some first timers making their debut and we have those who simply just love this course and can't wait to be part of it again!  Check out the Weekend Training Sessions below to see where to meet for a pre-race session in Portarlington.

This weekend's racing was brought to you by Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival, where National Titles and double qualifying points were on offer!  Ready all about the Sunny Coast (or not so sunny!) in the wrap up this week.

There's loads more info on road closures/works on Beach Rd and around Albert Park Lake as we get closer to the GP, a couple of changes to the training sessions this weekend (and a TBC on Hot Laps location depending on works), and important Save the Date for all those who've been hanging out for our EOSP (end of season party) and a fantastic tutorial from Steph-bassador on how to pack your baby (re:bike) for travel.  Make sure you read our Partner's Platform this week, as we recognise the efforts the guys at PUKA UP (and Craig from GIANT South Yarra) are going to in raising awareness about mental health, emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.  Let's help spread the message to 'Stamp Out Suicide' #StigmaStopsWithMe

Nestle (settle or lie comfortably within or against something) in your favourite spot and enjoy.  Read on!

Get excited, because this year is going to be the best one yet!  The committee are well-organised and have been busy planning a fancy affair to celebrate all the goodness of Tri Alliance Season 2017/18.  Stay tuned for the announcement of the new venue and how you can secure your tickets!

It is with lots of happy tears that we farewell one of our favourites this week.  Jed and Chris have made the decision to pack their boxes and head up north for a sea change and the beginning of the next chapter for them.  We have so much to be thankful for with Jed being an athlete and then an even better coach with Tri Alliance over the last 5 years.  He has trained, he has raced, he has rehabbed and most importantly he has helped many with his kind, caring and easy approach to the training/life balance.  Thank you so much Maaaaate for....everything!  We know you wont be a stranger, we know we'll be seeing you around, but know that everyone down here will be missing you a lot!   

Have you entered Race #5 on the 18^th March?  We love this race weekend on our calendar – such great location, different course (#notbeachroad) and the vibe is awesome.  If you haven’t been down, you simply must make this part of your schedule!   We usually make a weekend of it, heading down Friday and coming home either Sunday night or Monday morning and find it easier to book a house to share with our crazy crew.  If you're looking for someone to bunk with, need a lift down or simply want some advice, shoot us an email and we'll put you in contact with others in a similar situation.  FYI - we are fairly certain all accommodation within our networks are full, but do know some peeps are still looking, so let us know if you hear of anything!  

The Melbourne Grand Prix 2018 programme commences on 20th March. The Grand Prix race will be run on March 25th. As part of Race Week, Albert Park will close to the public next week.

This week, the VIS Car park is closed to the public. It will remain closed for a time after race day.  Road users should expect that Aughtie Drive will be closed for several minutes at a  time from today until the week after race day. Lakeside Drive will continue to be closed during the day and soon will close to the public.  Aughtie Walk which is the shared path between Aughtie Drive and the lake, will become increasingly congested with Grand Prix build vehicles for the next 3 weeks.

A reminder that the working hours for the Grand Prix are from 7-5 on weekdays and 9-3 on weekends.

Melbourne Water will start works to upgrade the 100 year old Brighton Main Sewer from Monday 5 March 2018.  

Changes to traffic conditions

We have a whole bunch of NEW skewers (on order - we sold out too quickly so be patient while the new ones come in) - for sale only.  Existing athletes need to ensure they have the correct skewer to attend wind trainer sessions going forward.  You can purchase these from us at session with cash or card, or you can pre-purchase on the Tri Shop website prior to the session commencing.  Cost $10.

Our friend, and GIANT South Yarra store owner, Craig Jansen is about to tackle a monster ride from Sydney to Melbourne with 27 others from March 16-23, to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

The @pukaup ride embarks on a 1,433km journey from Sydney to Melbourne in just over 8 days. 1,433 is significant as it’s exactly half the number of people who took their own lives in 2016, over 2,000 of them men.   This isn’t just another charity ride, it’s so much more. This is a call to action ride, and the action is to rid society of the stigma surrounding #mentalhealth, to raise awareness of the epidemic and to help stamp out suicide.

We have to create safe and supportive places for people to talk about their mental health and emotional well-being. This ride WILL raise awareness to look after yourself, your family, your friends and your loved ones.

This post isn’t about asking for donations; it’s about raising awareness, it’s about starting a conversation and it’s about spreading the message.  All that we ask is that you follow @pukaup, share their post and hopefully it starts a conversation.

#pukaup #stigmastopswithme #2866