Around here, we do lots of preaching about riding more and driving less, but we know that sometimes you need a car to get to a race or for a weekend getaway. But before you hang your £3,000 bike on a £30 rack, read on to find out which method

the car with the wheels over the back window but clear of the registration plate. That said, you can't access the boot when the rack is fitted. Although bikes are easy to fit into the frame and are securely held by arms that swing down and clamp

if your cleats break.Other usesCar-rack tie-down: Toe straps are great reusable fasteners. Unlike bungee cords, which are only tight if you fully stretch them, the metal teeth of the clasp cinch the strap to any length. Secure boot-mounted racks - in busy

's good to start to eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the challenge ahead. Many triathlons start early in the morning, so it's always a good idea to travel to the race venue the day before to register, rack your bike and walk around

or cadence work is possible while commuting. Limit the gearing and spin away. A single-speed bike could help you here."Lighten the loadLeave your lock attached to the rack where you park your bike, and stock your workplace locker or drawer with extra shoes

I like to think I'm a well brought-up triathlete. I wave at other runners and swim in the correct direction during lane swims. I draw the line at loaning other competitors my bike, for obvious reasons, but you take my point. I think I'm well behaved

is to give yourself plenty of time to travel, arrive and get ready," he says. "Find out how far the car park is from registration, and where transition is. Consider how many competitors there will be. Don't leave yourself 10 minutes to rack your bike and go

he'd picked up. The sick feeling was accompanied by dread.He realised he might not be able to race, but kept hydrated in the hope of a fast recovery. He racked his bike on the Friday and, although he still felt unwell on the morning of race day