Courage to ITT

tx_newbie

Any newer cyclists out there who've ITTed "just because?" I'm not (yet) a card-carrying member of the USCF, and have only been cycling for one-year (1900 miles) but I'm hooked.

I definitely plan on TT next year, but a new TT series just popped up locally (small field; 20K, 600 ft of elevation) and now I'm thinking of doing it. I'm not fast, I'm not experienced, I'm still building the motor (hence, my previous intention to race NEXT year). My goal isn't to win--my goal is merely to show up to race and get a personal understanding of ITT.

What's the worst that can happen? The UCSF gets my day-license fee, and the local HS gets all the proceeds for acting as the staging ground. I keep telling myself I won't get demoralized by finishing last (if at all)--for me, a bad day on the bike is better than a decent day at work.

Any thoughts/experiences on this "just do it" approach?

(my rig consists of a 2002 Allez A1 with ultegra gruppo, short reach ITT/mini-aero bar; I can borrow some XERO wheels if I decide on the ITT)

Pendejo

I'd recommend that you do them. It will be great training because you will almost certainly force yourself to go harder than you would in practice. The more TTs you do, the better prepared you are for the next one. And because you have no "reputation" at stake yet, you can experiment without worry.

Your most basic strategy is to go the fastest speed you can that you think you can hold for the distance (not including hills, of course). One minute that might be 15 mph and another that might be 20 - it's a constant conversation, and sometimes argument, between your mind and your body.

wakarusaslowrcr

I like the Nike "JUST DO IT" approach just fine. I started racing just last year and my first sanctioned event was a 10k TT. You don't have to be stressed over pack riding skills, covering breaks, getting dropped etc. You have one goal and that is to finish the distance as fast as you can....pretty simple.

A tactic that I have been using (again I'm pretty new as well) that was suggested to me by a coach is to run the race in thirds. In your case the first 4 miles at a pace that you are sure you could maintain for the whole 20k, 2nd 4 miles at a pace that is a bit harder and then try to bring it home the best you can that final 4 miles.

It takes time to get better at TT'ing as you learn what your body is telling you and how much pain you can endure.....you are only racing yourself and that stopwatch.

pistole

- one racer advised me to switch from current speed to average speed , on the computer. And stick to a figure.


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tx_newbie

Thanks for the replies/advice so far! The TT is next weekend and I'm going to l scout the route this weekend...

For a 20K TT, how stripped down does the bike get? Lose the water bottles, lose the saddle bag (?...there's supposed to be a pick-up van, if necessary); the terrain is hilly, so maybe lose the mini-aero/TT bars?

Thanks

azdroptop

I think it's great that you want to do a TT. It doesn't matter how fit or expericence you are. If you plan to get better there is no better teacher than an actual race.

Clip on bars for sure. Keep one water bottle and carry a bottle, at least a small one. Make sure to spend sometime in the bars BEFORE race day. A couple important tips for your first TT. Warm up well before the ride. At least 30 minutes. Maybe a 10 min warm up very low intenstiy and then a couple of efforts with rest inbetween, say 5 minutes in duration to get your HR up to or near your TT HR. Then cool down about 10 min and head to the start line about 10 min before your time slot. Second, don't go out too fast/hard at the start. You will hate yourself if you do. : ) Think of the ride as a carpet unrolling. It starts out slow speeding up more and more as it unrolls, then snaps open at the end. Find your rhythm from the start and settle into your TT HR. Riding or driving the course before hand is a great idea and will help you know where the climbs are and where you can really push it. Know where the finish line is. Most of all have fun!!!!