John, I checked out that link -- wow, some interesting bikes on there! They might be a bit out of my price range, though. But after reading some of the stuff on that site, I have a better feel for the general sturdiness of folding bikes, and if I can find one that I can afford, that may end up being my solution. I had the impression that folding bikes were more for little jaunts to the store, rather than long rides, but they had a number of bikes on there that are designed for touring.

I'm still going to check out the possibility of bringing my own bike, because it would be best for my training to be riding on the bike I'll be using in the race. Hey, of the Captain can bring his, maybe I can bring mine!

ChatKat, I hadn't noticed that you were in WL before -- we're neighbors! I run the dirt path alongside Westlake Blvd regularly, and when I was training for my last triathlon, I did many weekend rides around the lake. I live over by Amgen, in Rancho Conejo Village.