Located in Canberra, Australia, the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club is a friendly and welcoming sports club that caters to individuals of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned triathletes. With over 30 years of history, the club has grown steadily and now boasts a membership of around 300 members, including 50 new novices each year, making it the largest triathlon club in Canberra.
The club's name, “Bilbys,” is inspired by the Australian marsupial known for its speed, agility, and cunning, although the founding members ironically deny these attributes. The Bilbys offer a range of training sessions across the three disciplines of triathlon, including swimming, cycling, and running. In addition to training, the club organises various social and fun events throughout the year to foster a sense of camaraderie and community among its members.
For those interested in joining the club, the Bilbys recommend starting by attending a Tuesday night running session. During the summer months (October through March), these sessions take place at Dickson Oval, starting at 6pm and ending around 7:15 to 7:30 pm. In winter (April through September), the sessions are held at Southwell Park 2, starting at 5:50pm. Tuesday nights are the club's most popular training sessions, providing a great opportunity to connect with coaches and learn more about the club.
Alternatively, prospective members can also attend one of the swim sessions. Arriving a bit early is recommended for first-timers, as it allows them to speak with a coach and get any questions answered about the swim session and the club in general. However, it's important to note that the club's ride sessions are uncoached and require participants to have existing bunch riding skills, including hand signals and the ability to participate in a paceline lead change.
For those looking for a comprehensive introduction to the club, the Bilbys offer a Novice Programme in October and November. This programme is specifically designed to teach swimming, riding, and running skills to individuals who wish to complete a triathlon. With dedicated coaches guiding participants every step of the way, the Novice Programme is an excellent opportunity to join the Bilbys and develop the necessary skills to excel in the sport.
Membership in the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club involves joining Triathlon ACT, either as a competing or non-competing member, and selecting the Bilbys as the preferred club. Additionally, a membership fee is required. It's important to note that the non-competing Triathlon ACT licence does not permit participation in triathlon races and does not provide insurance coverage during training.
Overall, the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club is a vibrant and inclusive community of triathletes who share a passion for the sport. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced athlete seeking like-minded individuals, the Bilbys provide a supportive environment and numerous opportunities for growth and enjoyment.