My first pairs TT

[midlife]

A Time Trial Association has started doing events in my state this year and I have done a 20km one (first to leave, last back - I think it's called getting value for your money ) I missed the next couple of events (weather and one was a hill climb) but decided to have a crack at a 30km pairs event. Took along a good (old) friend who is a wizz at such things and learnt a lot from him about riding as a pair. Unfortunately the wind was a pain and slowed us down, as did the hills which I am useless at and hate (even with compact chain rings - yes I know I need to practice!) We did it in 68mins and I got a new top speed of 58kmp (sorry don't know it in mph) and was rather pleased. It's very low key and lots of fun. Easter eggs handed out afterwards too. But the winner got a 'golden bunny'

Oh yeah, our pair's combined age was 112 years That's my excuse!
Next month I hope to do the 20km again and see if I can improve my time, though unless I do some velodrome work it may not happen!

[RoadRaven]

OK... how does a "pairs TT" work?

Is it like a team time trial but only with two of you?

I think we call them "two-up" here...

[midlife]

Two cyclists and the time is taken when the second rider crosses the line.

If you are smart you take short turns at the front, either the front rider drifts out and the second rides up the inside (the change over can be verbal or an elbow out to indicate 'your turn') Second rider rides as close as they can to the front bike to draft and conserve energy for their turn. We swapped every 400m or so. When we hit a cross wind we rode '3/4 wheel' I was tucked in partly behind him.

This is a good theory, but gets stuffed up on hills, or when one rider can't match the pace of the other. We kind of agreed on the speed we hoped to maintain beforehand and adjusted as we went.

Some events have 3/4 team members. These pacelines require more skill and practice - bit like you see on the track at Olympics and other team pursuit events. Usually with a paceline someone is always swapping places. It's fun but you do need to concentrate. I have only practiced it, but good for the bike skills.

Some people rode side by side, but it kinds of defeats the purpose.

Hope that helps

[RoadRaven]

Yup... thats what we call a 2-up TT.

Our club hasn't had one of those, but every series (4 per year based on each season) we have started having one 5-up TT.

Personally I luuuurve individual TTs. They are my main focus when I train.

Hey, 68mins on a hilly course for your first TT of any type is a great time. Well done, glad you are feeling proud of your effort - it is so much fun (well, a bit of pain too ).

Good luck on next months 'pairs'. Will you have the same partner and same course?

And of course I am also wondering if this 'TTA' organises any individual TTs...?

[RoadRaven]

oh... btw... at our race on Saturday we got chocky eggs too, as well as the usual bickies and a cuppa...

[aicabsolut]

I don't see a lot of advantage to a 2up TT. You don't get much time to rest. It's sort of like an ITT with moral support . Sounds fun though despite the winds.