My first pairs TT

[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.

[RoadRaven]

Yeah... maybe... I guess if you are well-matched over whatever the terrain is then it may be you can do a slightly faster time than you might post on your own.

It would be fun to have a go at it though.

[midlife]

The association is ATTA - Australian Time Trial Association. Events vary from state to state, depending on the available venues. The next one is an ITT - the last one was the only pairs one. I did the first ITT and it's back on the same course, so will be interesting to compare - though I haven't done a lot of work since - been running more. One of the others is a hillclimb - 7km climb so it gives you a good idea of how you go over different terrains. Run training is currently to do a race called the Great Train Race. We have a cute little old steam train (tourist now) that runs in the ferny hills outside of Melbourne and the idea is to try and beat the train over 13.2kms - it is loaded with spectators. If it's wet it slips on the rails more so more chance of beating it. There are two trains and in my best race I just missed beating the second one by 2 mins - took me 75mins. Doubt I will beat that time now, but hey, it's fun, scenic and hilly. You can catch the train back to the start, just means all your muscles seize up on the way!! Sorry to 'drift the thread'

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  ).

Thanks Roadraven! Yeah the indiviual winner did it in 44mins Some hotshot!! Average seemed to be around 57.

The advantage of pairs is if you work together well, you both get a rest, and it's up to you how much time you spend at the front (or in my case, are ABLE to!!) And yes, it distracts you from the pain!!