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Thanks for the thoughtful reply. It all seems like very good advice.
I'm slightly worried that I'll be very disappointing (in the eyes of those in this thread) in my actual execution of these TTs. My "training" only really consists of an 11 mile hilly commute on a fixed gear a couple times a week, some running, and maybe a bit of weekend riding. I'm over-weight, but also under-motivated to go on a diet. Throw in a 2yr old and a busy life, and you have a strong cocktail of excuses and unexceptional physical preparedness. I figure I'd rather maximise what little training effect I'm getting out of the commute rather than hoping that it will transfer to fell running. And TTs look fun and less faff than any kind of road racing :)
I've always trained alone, and pretty much always ridden alone. After being a member of a running club for 5 years, I've only just started going to some training sessions as I generally find the group atmosphere a bit alienating. Running and cycling have always been solipsistic pursuits for me. But on the flip side, I really enjoy the atmosphere of competitions (as long as I'm allowed to compete, albeit in my own mediocre fashion). I don't mind being crap, as long as I can train, compete, and hopefully improve over time.
And as for kit, I'm too tight to become too worried about it. If I really get the TT bug, I might try and pick up a cheap TT set up like this. But I doubt that'll be needed any time soon.
It's all irrelevant until I've done a few TTs anyway. Maybe I'll like it, maybe the aero-extensions will be put back in a box in the shed never to be seen again. It has to be worth giving it a shot either way - @Aldosterone has posted me a LFGSS skinsuit, so I'm committed now either way :)
Nef-
Maybe I'll like it, maybe the aero-extensions will be put back in a box in the shed never to be seen again
These can both be true. I haven't ridden a TT bike for two years, but I've ridden plenty of TTs in that time
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I'm slightly worried that I'll be very disappointing (in the eyes of those in this thread)
Don’t be. Anyone who TTs is alright in my book, wherever it takes them 1hr15 or 47mins for a 25.
gbj_tester
Sam
Hi Nef,
I know I’m a bit late posting on this topic, but I’ve been away and off grid.
I wouldn’t criticise the advice above, but I do feel there are a couple more points to be made.
Beginning
If you’re about to start a time trial career you needn’t worry about getting things right in your first event; inevitably it won’t be perfect. And it should not be, because the main pleasure is to see your performances improve, which is normally a slow process.
I started racing (as an adult) at the age of thirty and it took me twelve years to get to my best season – I might have gone on improving but non-cycling life events got in the way.
Fitness
There’s not much discussion of fitness above, but for me preparation by achieving the best possible physical state was the number one priority.
How to go about training seems to me to be highly personal; inevitably in includes the maintenance of enthusiasm and motivation. There are some who can get good results training by themselves but, for me, riding and racing alone would have destroyed my enthusiasm.
So, ride some TT’s in what’s left of this season, but think about next year. Here are some questions:
Are you in a good club which caters for your interest in the sport?
Could /should you take part in early season training runs (traditionally from mid Jan. onwards)?
Can you find a suitable chain gang? (good for speed)
Could you include some road races or track in your programme? (even better for speed!)
Kit
Don’t worry about it, ride what you’ve got. If you have perfect kit and don’t get good results quickly you will be lost to the sport – and the sport will be lost to you. Perhaps it’s worth mentioning that I got some of my best results on a bike similar to your own (late) Rory O’Brien.
I hope you get as much pleasure out of time trialling as I did – good luck with your new sporting career!