First TT of the Season

[SheFly]

Amazingly, the weather last night cooperated, and our club held it's first TT of the season! At ride time, it was sunny, temps in the 50s (that is balmy for us in the Northeast right now), and a light wind (tailwind out, headwind back).

This was my first ride on the new TT bike and new aero bars (see http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=14378). The Vision bars are MUCH lighter and more aero than the previous bars I had, making the front end seem much "twitchier" than I was accustomed to. At times during the race, it literally felt like I was all over the road. The other things was that descending at speed was a little bit scary - the bars put me further over my front wheel.

After a warmup, I was 4th off the line, with DH starting 30 seconds behind me (that's always an incentive to me - how far can I go before he catches me?). I quickly got into the aero position and was off. At first, I felt great! Speedo indicated that I was moving along nicely at about 24 mph, and I didn't feel like the effort was too taxing (although my HRM said 177 bpm!). DH passed me and was amazed at how long it took him, and said that I was moving really fast (and looking good ). I managed to keep him in sight for quite awhile...

The backside of our loop is slightly hillier and more difficult than the front side. I was getting tired, and literally gave up at one point. When I saw my HR hit 160, I kicked myself and forced myself to go harder, despite whatever my speed/time were saying. Kicking up the final climb, I actually saw 12.9 mph - not good. However, it is all downhill to the final turn, and I managed to come in at 26:41 for 9.75 miles (a little more than 22 mph).

I didn't feel great last night, and was disappointed with my time. DH and my friends were great though - it WAS the first race of the season, and I can only [hopefully] get faster from here...

SheFly

pic is just before the finish line...

[equus123]

you got a great little position there. bike fits you really well congratulations. i have my first race tomorrow and it's a TT. the weather isn't supposed to be too pleasant this weekend so hopefully the nasty stuff holds off long enough in the morning.

[SheFly]

you got a great little position there. bike fits you really well congratulations. i have my first race tomorrow and it's a TT. the weather isn't supposed to be too pleasant this weekend so hopefully the nasty stuff holds off long enough in the morning.

Yup - the bike is a great fit! Thanks. Now if I can just get the motor to go along with the equipment ....

Good luck tomorrow - weather on the east coast sounds yucky!

SheFly

[RoadRaven]

Well done SheFly - as you say first race of the season... its hard not to disect races - even ones you feel pleased with. However, this TT gives you a beginning point for the season. Well done on completeing.

Have I done my calculations right? You had an average of over 35kph? Wow, thats what I hoping to get to! Well impressed. And over a hilly course too. Nothing to be disappointed in there, my friend.

Am looking forward to hearing about the next one.

Pic is great by the way. You've managed to get yourself quite low

[AZSpinner]

Great start to the season SheFly! I'm envious! If you have things hummin' along that fast already, just think what you'll be doing by the end of the season! Best of luck to you.

[han-grrl]

What a great pic!
You look soopa doopa fast!!

Way to go!

[mukluk]

Enjoyed reading your report. Great job. I didn't look at your picture(s) yet but I am sure I'll be impressed. Keep us updated on your racing!

Moments Later... Wow!!! Love your bike!!! Looks Waaaaaay FAST!!!