Want to not only be riding but competing well into your 80’s? Sharon Roggenbuck seems to have discovered the secret.
She turned 83 in October, 2021, and is still competing in triathlon, completing over 200. She isn’t slowing down either: she was preparing for a duathlon event in Spain when we caught up with her. Find her profile here: https://www.triathlon.org/athletes/profile/8173/sharon_roggenbuck
Sharon has an 18-year-old Terry titanium bike, and has logged over 34,000 miles on it. She has ridden in local Multiple Sclerosis rides for 26 consecutive years, in her home state of North Carolina. She has completed a total of 33 events, and she is always a top fund raiser.
Sharon’s weekly routine consists of two 30 to 40 miles rides, a swim, and 1 or 2 short runs. She confesses a lack of love for the swim side of triathlons, adding that her four jumps out of airplanes were easier than swimming in triathlons!
I did my first triathlon in ’81 when I was in my early 40’s. I had been running competitively for a few years and triathlon was a very new thing. The first two or three triathlons that I did I used one of my kid’s bikes. It didn’t fit me but I didn’t know any better. Then I decided that if I was going to be doing triathlons I had better get my own bike. Being only 4’10”, there wasn’t a whole lot to choose from. I got a Nishiki, the smallest frame I could find and had good components put on it. I used that bike for several years until I discovered Terry.
At last a bike meant for women, even short women! My first Terry was steel, a beautiful forest green. I used that bike for a number of years as I continued doing triathlons. I then convinced myself (and my husband) that I deserved better. In 03, I bought my titanium Terry. That is still my one and only bike!
Besides triathlons, I also enjoy riding the roads around home and venturing out on week-long biking/camping trips in different states.
Thirty three years ago I did my first NC 2 day bike ride to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. I have done this ride in NC every year since and in many other states. I generally raise over $10,000 for MS each year. I usually do back to back Century rides, or at least a Century on the first day, and a shorter ride the second.
This picture is at the end of my most recent MS ride in New Bern, NC, in 2013. I’m 83 now, I still do triathlons, long rides and MS rides on my sweet little Terry.
Terry Amabassador, Kathy Hahn, in Chill Tri Shorts & Sun Goddess Jersey in Mont Ventoux
[clearfix][vertical-spacer]
Terry Ambassadors agree – Chill Tri Short Sets a New Standard for the Best Triathlon Shorts
Whether it’s the infamous Ironman with its 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and full marathon run to the finish line, or a local event that’s more do-able for mere mortals, triathlon is a uniquely demanding sport. Whatever length the race, competitors are training to high standards in three very different disciplines.
Triathlon also presents challenges when it comes to choosing equipment, including apparel. Time spent transitioning from each leg of a race to the next is an important factor in overall performance, and to keep that time to a minimum it’s a big advantage to have an outfit that can be worn for all three. That way you don’t lose time changing clothes between stages.
What are the Best Shorts to Wear in a Triathlon?
The outfit that helps a triathlete swim, ride and run as fast as possible is fairly specialized, as you might imagine. These days, apart from cold water events where some kind of wetsuit is needed for the swimming leg, most triathletes choose either a one-piece or two-piece triathlon suit, designed to be worn throughout the race and perform well in each stage. The one-piece is essentially a short sleeved or sleeveless body suit. The two-piece resembles a pair of bike shorts and bike jersey, but with some specialized features. It’s more versatile and easier to deal with than a one-piece, especially for nature breaks.
The two piece configuration is where the Chill Tri steps in, and it’s designed to stand among the best triathlon shorts available. It features quick drying, high compression fabric that aids performance and muscle recovery, and is both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic. The 6 inch leg length is optimized for performance and comfort throughout the swim/bike/run stages of a triathlon.
The chamois is a critical component of the Chill Tri Short. It provides a critical level of on-bike comfort for both racing and training, but is smaller than a typical chamois. A regular cycling chamois would absorb a lot of water during the swim and be a real hassle to deal with afterwards. Our new Tri Comp chamois avoids that problem entirely. It’s designed to drain and flex so it is comfortable during the swim and run portions of a triathlon.
[clearfix][vertical-spacer]
How Does the Chill Tri Perform in Competition?
We turned to a couple of our Terry Ambassadors to put the Chill Tri to the test in real world triathlons.
Stacy Dietzler
Stacy, based in Tennessee, competes in triathlons and endurance cycling events. She was among the customers who requested a triathlon specific short, so we really value her opinion of the Chill Tri.
I was so excited to see the new Terry Chill 6 Tri Shorts! I have been a loyal Chill 7 shorts wearer for the past several years. The tri shorts are as comfortable as the Chill 7 shorts and the compression feels great along with the light fabric. They don’t ride up and the legs stay put.
I’m wearing them 3-4 times a week as I begin to train for a Half Ironman in October. I look forward to wearing them during open water training swims and testing out the light-weight chamois, which has no bulk, eliminating any drag. Because I live in a hot and humid city, the Chill Tri will be ideal for running as well.
I appreciate Terry putting a lot of effort into the needs of a triathlete and launching the Chill Tri Shorts!
Kathy Hahn
Kathy lives in Pennsylvania, and competes in triathlons and other multi-sport events, in addition to enjoying century rides.
This year, with Covid restrictions beginning to lift, I was able to compete in a local in-person short course duathlon. I planned to wear the Chill Tri Short, and added a Soleil Long Sleeve Jersey to my collection, as the weather in early May in Pennsylvania can be quite unpredictable!
As expected, race day morning started off in the mid 40’s along with 15 mph winds, and by the end of the race, progressed to the high 50’s and lower 60’s. Since there was so much “Chill” in the air that day (pun intended LOL) I ended up wearing the Chill Tri shorts under a pair of old running capris so I’d have a little more coverage on my legs, but they were awesome to run/bike/run in!
Ordinarily, I NEVER wear 2 pairs of bottoms when I run or ride, as I can’t stand the feel of two waist bands. However, these Tri shorts have a super soft, wide waist band, so I didn’t even know they were there! Also, the thinner chamois was perfect for this short course duathlon and I did not feel them on the run at all! I am certain they would be well suited for longer distance events, as well.
The long sleeve Soleil jersey totally “checked off all the boxes,” as I was comfortable throughout the entire event, both running and riding!
My first official Tri is not until later in the summer, but I always make it a habit to wear new things in training before actual race day. I look forward to doing my open water training swims in the Chill Tri Shorts in June, in preparation for the New Jersey State Triathlon on July 18th!
[clearfix][vertical-spacer]
Inspired? Maybe you should try a Tri too – and when you do, Terry has you covered top to bottom, with our best triathlon shorts, the Chill Tri Short, plus a multitude of high performance jerseys to mix and match.
