TT Questions

[Fuji Mommy]

I am very new to cycling but would like to do my first tt. I was wondering though if anyone had any advice for me. Also, at what speed should I be able to ride in order to not look like a total idiot? (The course is a 10 mile flat.) I have never road as hard as I possibly can for 10 miles so should I do that first or should I just go out and give the tt a try? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Sarah

[Eden]

Hi,
Welcome to TE and wonderful world of racing. Which TT are you thinking of doing? Are you coming up for the Green River TT? or is there something a little closer to home.
If you look at the website you'll often be able to find past results from the course, which will give you a general idea of where you will fall in the end - keep in mind that weather/wind conditons will make a difference so it will only be a general idea! If you can look at several sets of results you'll probably see some of the same names and the trends. You'll want to look at the times for the women's cat 4 (beginners).

There's a thread with lots of good info that's been collected here http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=12489

a few general tips for beginners
1. you don't need any special equipment to do a tt, but a begninner will get the most bang for her buck by getting a pair of clip on aerobars. be sure to put them on your bike and practice a little before your race day! If you don't have/dont' want clip ons yet, do the whole race in your drops.
2. many beginners go out too hard and burn out before the end of the race or don't go hard enough and get to the finish with lots of gas in the tank. It can be hard to find that point at which you are giving just enough. Ideally you keep just under the level of maximum exertion until just before the finish, when you give it everything you've got. This does take practice! so don't expect to get it just right on your first race.
3. find out if you will be held at the start (you are completely clipped into the bike and someone holds you steady until you start). You may want to get someone to help you practice this once or twice before you race, if for no other reason than so you will not be too nervous at your first race.

Good Luck!

[Gowest]

I am also new at the TT this year - I have done two - one a hill climb and one a 20K flat. I used the clip on aero bars and agree with the advice posted earlier. It is a good idea to know what level you can sustain for the entire course - either via heart rate or power (which most of us do not have power meters on our bikes) Also you may want to practice the turn if there is one - there was on my 20K and also the start if you will be held. My other advice is to stay focused - don't worry if others pass you - concentrate on what you are doing - and only on yourself. Don't worry about being slow - the slowest person is the one who never starts. My own personal experience was that after the 20 K #ell bent for leather effort - I was fatigued for two days afterwards - more so that a 100 mile ride!!!

I hope you love it as much as I did. I had zero expectations - as I had never ridden the flat course before and went out and just did it - and guess what - I beat some of the local "sponsored" team members - at 40 years old I was darn proud of myself. Now the bug has bitten and I am hooked. I can suffer an extreme amount if I know when it will end. It's just you and the road and it is an awesome feeling.

Good luck - tell us how it went!

debi

[Starfish]

I so appreciate this question and thread. I am a super slow rider, really, but I harbor notions of wanting to TT. Very inspirational and helpful - thanks!

[Fuji Mommy]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will let you know how it goes even though it will probably be a couple more weeks before I actually do it (it runs every Thursday).

Thanks,
Sarah

[RoadRaven]

I see Eden has already recommended the "Training for Time Trials" thread

And she has also given you the best advice regarding the most useful piece of equipment that will give you the biggest improvement with no extra effort - aero bars.

The bigger you are, the more wind resistance you present, therefore the more of a difference aero bars will make.

For me, aero bars made nearly 2kph difference. For my friend, shorter and more petite than me, they make just on a 1kph difference.

Enjoy
Welcome to the ultimate compulsion in cycling - the Race of Truth...

[RoadRaven]

I was fatigued for two days afterwards - more so that a 100 mile ride!!!

Then you rode well, Debi. Thats how it should be.

It's just you and the road and it is an awesome feeling.

And thats why I luuurve TTs too

[Gowest]

Now that I am so hooked - I need some more "toys" . Some women like jewelry - I like bike stuff. Are there brands of TT bikes that are more proven than others??? I don't ride women-specific bikes as I am not proportioned like most women - my legs are long...How about a good TT saddle for women?? To say the least - my TT was sore after my TT!!! I am also considering a helmet.....any suggestions?????

Debi

[RoadRaven]

My bike is a giant TCR2 aero.
I have bull horns on now, and different aeros to the ones it came with.
Next purchases will be;
- a bladed seat post
- a more aero front wheel - probably a tri-spoke