Take Full Advantage of Team RTA - UPDATED

Voted #1 Tri Club in Northeast

Biggest IRONMAN Triathlon Club
​in New Jersey

How to Get the Most Out of Our Triathlon Club

Why did/should you join Team RTA? People join triathlon clubs for a variety of reasons. More likely then not, meeting other like minded people and learning more about the sport fall somewhere on your list.

As an RTA club member, you get to enjoy a long list of benefits. Group workouts/meet-ups and various discounts are the most obvious, but that’s just the beginning.

Team Races, post race parties, social events, and access to two full time coaches are a few other benefits. In short, RTA is here to help connect you with your Teammates and ultimately help you achieve your goals.

Below I will help you understand how you can get the most out of your RTA triathlon club membership.

Use the Team App (GroupSpot)

This is where all of our internal communication lives. And in order to stay in the loop, it is VERY IMPORTANT to turn on / allow notifications from the app, Group Spot.

You can post questions (training related, gear, training meet-up, see who's doing the same race(s) as you, ect), message the entire group, create a smaller message group of club members and you're also able to find a lot of other great resources.

Some of these resources include:

• Team Roster - connect with club members close to where you live for training. We strongly encourage you to use this and connect with club members that are close to where you live and have similar goals. (Top right, 3 horizontal bars, members/roster)
• Team Gear - Show your colors! It is not uncommon for random spectators to yell ‘GO RTA’ as you run or ride by at a race rocking our flashy team kit. And, there’s NOTHING BETTER then when you get or give support to fellow teammates while racing. PLUS, our gear is bright, unique and hard to miss – which makes it easy for your fans to spot you on race day. Here you'll find info on our Team tri kits, cycling jerseys, bib shorts, hats, water bottles, t-shirts and more. The MAJORITY of club members wear the RTA Tri Kit ("PIN" tab)
• DISCOUNTS - From local vendors to online retailers and race registration discounts, you will find that your membership will likely pay for itself in exclusive club savings alone. *In the past we have always had race discounts, but since the COVID shut-down, we have decided to stop asking race directors for discounts (out of respect) for the immediate future. ("PIN" tab)
• Events - Socials, Team Races, Webinars, Clinics, Camps and more will be posted here on the main page and under the calendar tab. Team Races can also be found on the bottom of our Tri Club page on our website.
• Webinar Archives - here you'll find a library of recorded webinars from Coaches Chris & Elizabeth as well as the accompanying presentation slides. ("PIN" tab)
• Bike Trainer Workout Files - do you have a smart trainer? Coach Chris has created a library of fun and challenging bike workouts that will adjust resistance automatically lead you through a specific workout to help get your fitter. ("PIN" tab)

**DONT FORGET TO TELL THE PERSON CHECKING YOU OUT AT LOCAL VENDORS THAT YOU’RE WITH RTA SO THAT YOU GET YOUR CLUB DISCOUNT**

In addition to what was mentioned above, club members receive special “club” pricing on camps, clinics and other events throughout the year.

Be PRESENT!

The more people on the team that you know and/or who know you, the more fun you will have and the more you will benefit from the club.

The best way to meet and learn from other members is to BE PRESENT!

However, you are certainly NOT expected or obligated to attend anything. We completely understand family, work and other commitments trump tri club activities :)


Team App (Group Spot)

Do you have a question about something? Are you looking for company on your next bike ride? Want someone to car pool with to your race? Feel free to message the group through our Team App. 


Team Socials / Parties / Events

This is a great time to meet and get to know others in the group outside of training and racing. No spandex allowed! Events are typically (but not always) posted on the calendar page of our Team App. We also (always!) send out communication via our Team App via notifications.


Group Workouts / Meet-Ups

Over the years we have come to accept that most of our club members are very busy with family and work obligations. The majority of our membership base live within a 35+ mile radius of Ridgewood. Needless to say, RTA is spread out a bit and covers some geography. As a result, we only offer regularly scheduled virtual "Group Workouts" on Zwift during the colder months.

We have found it has been best for club members to connect through the Team app, at social events and Team races to schedule their own group workout meet ups that suit their schedule, goals and proximity to training spots.

Finally, do NOT be shy if you’re a beginner… RTA has a plenty of beginners and you'll likely find many others in the same position as you. But that's not all! You should absolutely take advantage of connecting with more experienced triathletes in our group. You can significantly ramp up your triathlon learning curve by doing this.

Remember: just because someone is new or experienced, does NOT automatically mean they are fast or slow... or doing a particular distance race.

Connecting with your teammates is the BEST way to get better and become fitter, have fun and make lasting memories!


Team Races

​Our Team Races are always a ton of fun.  We typically get 15-30+ club members to participate and with our flashy team kits, we are hard to miss.  At many Team Races (depending on the venue) we end the day with a post race party and celebration at the Team tent and trailer – complete with food, drinks and music. At “destination races” we also like to plan pre-race Team Dinners.

While triathlon/running is technically an individual sport and we see it differently.

*Our set up for each Team Race varies based on the location, logistics and team participation of each race.

Become a Leader

We are always looking for new leaders within the group. Do you want to lead or organize a new or existing group workout? Are there ways you think the club can improve? Do you have a special talent that you would like to share? If you have any ideas or suggestions to make the club bigger and better… SPEAK UP!

There You Have It!

Remember, the more you put IN, the more you will get OUT!

There’s a steep learning curve to understanding the sport of triathlon, but with the help of your teammates and coaches Chris & Elizabeth you have lots of great resources. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new or an old pro, we can all learn from each other.

Enjoy the journey and have an awesome season!