I've been reading the forums here for a while now but finally have something to add. I just did my first time trial last Sunday and it was pretty cool. I have a lot of work to do on myself (6'3" 260 lbs), and my bike (1987 Spalding Blade w/ Suntour mechanicals and *****in chrome wheels, 28lbs). I've alway loved riding bicycles but just in the last year or so realized how much I love it.
The course was flat and 10 miles total, (5 out and 5 back). There was a vicious crosswind that was little help going out and pure murder coming back. Even the guys with all the aero stuff were getting hammered. I managed to finish the course in 36 minutes. I think I could have hit 30 minutes without the wind even though my bike is anything but Aero. I hope to try some Criteriums in the Spring and maybe a century by the end of the year. I offer my encouragement to anyone who is thinking about racing to go ahead and do it. The TT was not intimidating and is really just a battle of your mind and body. I'm sure I'll get smoked when I try a Crit but it looks like I wouldn't be the first one to do that. I appreciate any tips or suggestions on training, I currently ride 4 days a week ( 10 miles 2 or 3 times on weekdays and at least one long ride on the weekend, 18 - 22 miles) Take it easy.
The course was flat and 10 miles total, (5 out and 5 back). There was a vicious crosswind that was little help going out and pure murder coming back. Even the guys with all the aero stuff were getting hammered. I managed to finish the course in 36 minutes. I think I could have hit 30 minutes without the wind even though my bike is anything but Aero. I hope to try some Criteriums in the Spring and maybe a century by the end of the year. I offer my encouragement to anyone who is thinking about racing to go ahead and do it. The TT was not intimidating and is really just a battle of your mind and body. I'm sure I'll get smoked when I try a Crit but it looks like I wouldn't be the first one to do that. I appreciate any tips or suggestions on training, I currently ride 4 days a week ( 10 miles 2 or 3 times on weekdays and at least one long ride on the weekend, 18 - 22 miles) Take it easy.