My first time trial

A bit of background about me, I only started cycling last year after being easily persuaded to do the London to Paris charity bike ride in aid of Ormiston. The 310 mile ride was quite possibly the best decision I have ever made as it gave me the platform to join my local cycling club, meet new people and join in the fun! I had one go at our 9.5mile timetrial last year of my make-shift TT bike. I just put clip-on bars onto my handlebars and suddenly I was “aero” like the rest. Result. I didn’t do too badly (in my opinion – what really counts) but I was hooked. I was itching for more but had to wait for the spring to have a proper crack at it.

With winter over, I have spent most of this year having a go at my local club time trials, they vary between 5 miles and 21 miles, some flat and some “undulating”! I had set myself a goal of trying to win my club’s TT league, but with few women turning up I was racing against myself most of the time but improving nonetheless.

Nearing the end of the year, I volunteered to help out at the E2/10 race with another lady from my club. This was the one down the A11 from Six Mile Bottom. Handing out rider numbers and chatting to a few, I was kind of gutted I couldn’t do it. After a brief discussion with John from Chelmer, he told me that there would be another in a couple of weeks on the same course and I should enter it. Me being me, unsure of my own capabilities, I asked what the times were and if I even stood a chance! Thinking about it now though, who cares what my time is, I am racing against myself and it would be my first “proper” TT against cyclists outside of my club.

I literally had no idea who to do it – the application that is. The cycling, well it’s a case of just keep pedalling!! I was lucky that I had a number of guys in my club who were very supportive in helping me sign up – what sites I had to register on etc. Signed up viahttp://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/Home paid my sign on fee (much cheaper than sportives that’s for sure), guessed my 10mile time – I had never done a 10mile, only 9.5 or 11. They use your best time on the distance to work out your handicap (I found out after).

20th September 2014 arrived. It was E2/10 day. I was incredibly nervous, but also very excited. I had two of my London to Paris cycling friends (Jo & Sue)coming to do it too which made the event even more exciting. They are both so very supportive and as we hadn’t done this kind of TT before, I guess we were all in the same boat – SCARED. Arriving at the HQ, signed on, we decided we’ll drive the course. It was a good decision as it made us realise just how long 5 miles out and back was, realise it’s not a flat road – like it feels in the car doing 70mph and also terrify me with the amount of lorries and cars on the road. With anxiety already at peak, it started to rain. Oh joy! I’ll be honest, between the three of us there were a couple of comments about still doing it – surely they’d cancel.

We got down to the start line to have a warm up. It was raining quite a lot now. Already soaked from standing in a puddle I pedalled off up the road, getting about 2 miles out then realising that I really need to raise my saddle. I was borrowing a bike from Aprire (London bike company) which I hadn’t ridden before (error no. 1) getting back to my car and realising I didn’t have any allen keys (error no. 2) I borrowed one off a nice couple and raised it slightly. I stopped to check it with one of the guys from my club also doing the TT and said I was starting in about 15 minutes so very little time to tweak or even warm up for that matter. Jo my L2P friend was also having technical difficulties – her gears weren’t working.She was starting a minute after me so was having a bit of a flap too. Jon put me on his turbo and just said spin the legs. This is where I found out that you need different skewers to use on a turbo! I had about 9 minutes. Having a panic I thought ok I‘ll take a gel, this was probably more for the confidence boost than the actual energy as it wouldn’t have fully kicked in by the time I was half way round.

Start line. Jo behind me. Jon supporting from the side. I pushed off up the A11. If I had a heart rate monitor on, I dread to think how high it peaked at that point. Surprisingly though, once I negotiated the transition onto the road, I secured my place in the worn line – on the road, not on the white line which I had originally thought was where you were supposed to ride. Overcoming that fear was a big change point. I was well and truly in the line of traffic. Most of the ride is a bit of a blur, all that was going through my head was my friend Bob saying I could do it in 23minutes. I joked at him and worked out what speed I would need to do to do it in that. Laughing I thought I would never be able to hold 26mph for 10 miles. Never. Coming off the A11 and onto the roundabout was a bit hairy to say the least. And inconsiderate driver undertook me and then stopped in front of me. I had to brake hard and then didn’t have time to change my gears to pull away easily. I wasn’t used to the gears being on the front – I normally ride a road bike with clip-ons remember! Pulling away again round the roundabout sitting upright was hard. Going back down theslip road to join the A11 again, 5 miles to go now. I reluctantly checked what average I was doing, 25mph ish. No way! This gave me a boost. I looked across the dual-carriage way and saw Jo in her bright green Chelmer kit. Another boost – my friendly fear was that she would overtake me. I was also closing on a guy in front. Just keep pedalling. I over took the chap. My average was going up. I could see the finish and just kept trying to push. With my legs not wanting to go any faster I just focussed on crossing the line. A lorry came by very close and blew me onto the white line. Panic and adrenaline kicked in and I dug in. legs burning and eyes (or visor) slightly blurry from the rain. Finish.

Thinking about it now, it was one of the best TT’s I have done. It was out and back. Simple. It was scary, but there was so much support from everyone, the volunteers at sign-on, the guys at the push-off, and at the finish. They explained everything to me.

I came 4th with a time of 23.37. Sue came 1st and Jo came 8th(on a road bike). Unfortunately I didn’t get a handicap win as I hadn’t done a 10mile before so they use a rule figure which made me faster than others. Next time I might get it. But for me, finishing and overcoming the fear of a dual-carriage way TT was a win for me. I cannot wait until next year to do it again (when it’s not raining)! I would highly recommend anyone to give it a go, you don’t need a TT bike, you don’t even need to be claimed to a club, just register on CTT and find one near you, ask friends for advice and get pedalling.

The last TT, PB & league winner

Wednesday was a sad day :( the last club time trial of 2014 - except the Hill Climb which I can race as I'm conveniently on a hen do 😆 

I had over the last two weeks or so suddenly got this insane competitive urge. I sat and trawled through the club records online (although they only go back to 2011) to find out what the records were for the women's times on all our courses. Making a list of course, time and rider, I found that I am about a minute off or just under. 

Having made adjustments to the bike mentioned in my last post, I wasn't 100% confident in getting a good time at the time trial. But hey ho, last one and only 5 miles. Give it a bash :) 

Unfortunately with nights drawing in the TT start times get earlier. Even leaving work earlier I was still rushed to get there. Banana shoved in my mouth & a swift journey over to Fordham. Join the queue to sign on. Quite a lot of riders tonight!! 

I think I did about 3 miles warm up (not enough) but I didn't want to risk musing my time. 

Number 23 tonight. In my mind I was thinking about the records. The last time I did Fordham I did 14.04. The record is 12.38. Whoosh!!

However knowing at the start line that there were traffic lights on the course, chances of people getting PB's were slim. Few female riders too that night. 

Off I go and I swear, but even a mile down the road and my legs were feeling like lead. Click to a lighter gear just to rotate them faster (increase cadence I think it's called). 

Turn the corner, I got a good line. Look down at my Garmin, 28mph! Major confidence boost. Kick on Rusty. 

2.5miles down, think I was averaging 22-23 mph at that point. But knowing the headwind was on the way back there was little chance of me improving that. 

Nearing the lights, Rory (who had passed me at about 3 miles) was in my sight. He was slowing for the lights, I pressed on and timed it perfectly, I went through green, looked left and they had just turned amber. Perfect! Now crack on! 

4miles, ish 12min something. Not going to get there in 30 seconds! But try and get as close as I can. I see Matt who went off before me. I gain on him & we cross the line at the same time. 

13.05. HAPPY DAYS! It's not the curse record, but that's the long term goal. It's a good 59second PB! 

I'm now beginning to wonder what the possibilities are if I stop / slow down triathlon and focus on cycling!! 

To top it off, I have secured my place at the top of the women's league in our club time trials (although few members took part). But I guess, you can only race against those that rock up on the day and as long as I push myself to beat my own times, I'm happy. 

Highs, lows.. finding the middle ground

What a week. After Sunday's triumph I was feeling the greatest natural high I've ever experienced. I was so happy to have done the Ely Monster Olympic. Goal 1 - check.

Taking Monday off (work) we - Kerry and I went for a swim which basically just turned out to be a giggling fit whilst aqua jogging it's the weirdest thing but apparently great for flushing out the legs, bobbing around in the deep end with a float under your arms trying to "jog". We did a few lengths after 30 min of "jogging" and lazed around the rest of the day with coffee, cake and engraving our finisher medals.

Tuesday was a true day off :)

Wednesday I was supposed to get up and swim, but I will still happy with Sunday that I thought well, just relax as it was the TT that night. I have been battling with this cold / chest infection trying to stave it off. Dosing up on Echinacea drops in hot water with lemon, manuka honey and ginger. And also trying this breathe deep Yogi Tea. Tastes NICE!

TT time. I drove to the Red Lodge TT not feeling 100% still. Getting out of the car I wasn't really feeling it. I had forgotten my Garmin (safety vice) and my chest was feeling tight. Paid my money then began to contemplate if I really wanted to do it. The voice in the back of my head was saying, don't bother just watch but my new found competitiveness was saying, well if you want to do well in the Club League you should probably give it a go and at least get a time to get points. I told myself, ok just go round, you don't have any idea on speed or time so just enjoy riding the bike as you've not done much this week. Just turn your legs over.

I did a quick (pointless) warm up and turned up to the start line. The usual countdown began. I was pushed off and I was suddenly partially energized.

It was actually quite lovely not having a speed to look at. Just feeling my legs go round, and trying to breath normally (with lots of grossness coming out my nose)...yum!

I ended up passing two riders mid way round the course, Richard was riding his first ever TT so it was great to see him. This one was my first one last year too. Then the other rider I couldn't name. I think I passed a few more just before the finish line but it's all a bit of a blur.

Cooled down I went over to the time keepers to check my time... 22.57... WHAT. NO WAY. THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE.... THAT'S WRONG. No  they kept telling me it's right, you did a cracking ride. Cue peak of natural high... (oh how it wasn't to last). Going back to the group, I was quietly telling a few people, just trying to contain myself. I should have guessed it wasn't right as there is NO WAY I can beat Mick. NO WAY. The Club Chairman even said to me quietly, I think you broke the course record. Then emailed me later that night saying he couldn't find a faster time. He seemed convinced that the timings were right.

The next 15 hours or so (I'm useless at maths) were incredible. I felt amazing. Then about 11 o'clock at work the next day, after lots of comments on my time, the post went up on facebook. The dreaded post. One of the time-keepers admitted that there had been a muck up on the timings. No. 21 wasn't there so everyone from 22 on-wards should have had a 1 min delay but didn't. So we all needed a 1 min adding on to our times. WHAT!!!! I was crushed. Honestly, I could have cried. I questioned why the other time-keeper who was posting on the facebook thread didn't mention it sooner as he would / should have known about the time change issue. The reply which really upset me Yeah I did - I just wanted to see who thought their shit really don't stink!! SERIOUSLY? Now I don't know if I'm just a bit sensitive, but that seems a tad out of order.

That little episode has enlightened me to the negative realms of friendly club competition. Trying to rise above it, I simply posted that I was still happy with a 7 second PB especially feeling like crap and having done my triathlon at the weekend. The problem now I guess is that when this chap time-keeps again, am I going to fear that he's out to get me. I have to keep reminding myself, I have only owned a bike for a year, and I have only been actively trying to do well in time trials for the past few months. But I am dreaming, I want to race, I want to do well, and I will try my hardest! If I don't try now and take the opportunity, when will I?

So the week has gone from massive high, to even greater high, to crashing lows. But I have learnt from it. Now it's all about going forward, going to this weekend where we have the National Club Relay Champs at Nottingham which was my first ever experience of triathlon last year so I have to get a PB on this one. Downside, said chap is in my team. Then next week is the last Fordham 5 mile TT. I checked out the club records for that one, 12.38. I am not going to do that this year, not on my current bike. But that's next years target.

On a another plus from the TT - Nigel got some awesome photos of me so I'm happy with that :)

WHOAAA that was hard...

Last night's TT. OH MY GOD!

I took a half day from work in an attempt to get some swimming done in the afternoon.. best laid plans and all that. 5.30pm clocked.. oh crap I need to get going.

6pm cycle over to Red Lodge for the time-trial. It's about 9 miles there so at an average pace of about 18.3mph I got there in good time for a crucial natter. Chatting is becoming a bit of a problem for me I think.. Maybe one day I will focus on the ride. Paid up, got my number 23 and Bob comes over with a shiny skinsuit, different to the one he lent me last week. This one is a club one with longsleeves and MUCH tighter, very tight on the thighs - a standard problem of mine.

Elegantly (or not), I got changed in the back of Andrew's blacked out truck. Praying no one would open the door. Number pinned on.. more nattering. Quick photo with Bob - my kit man!

I was a bit worried about pushing it as my knees had been feeling terrible all day after last nights 6.5mile run with Kerry. I was scared to over do it and then ruin myself just before Ely Triathlon next weekend.

Right, 7pm time to spin the legs a little bit again to get the blood flowing after the ride over. I'd raised my seat a little last night and it seemed to feel more comfortable in the TT position, but I still desperately need a woman specific saddle - OUCH. The problems of buying a men's bike.

Over to the start line (more nattering). 22 was off, I started my Garmin, rolled up to the start line. 30 seconds to go, Mark held my seat, I clipped in. He joked I was like a "coiled spring ready to explode". That calmed my nerves as I felt the excitement wave over me. 5 seconds. Go.

Off I push up to the roundabout, and on, and on, and on. The wind was pretty brutal, I was blowing around quite a bit. Shuffling around on my seat trying to get comfortable. My mind stressing about my legs and also the competition of trying to get my best time.

I'm out by Isleham now, it's open fen land so the wind just cuts across. I change up and down my gears to try not to stress my legs and keep the mental strength going. I feel better when my legs are going faster, even though my speed hasn't really changed from going down a gear. Mentally it helps me. Then I push a harder gear for a bit.

I spot someone in the distance and it's like a switch flipped. I was on one.. pushing harder. I want to catch them. I close in.. only to find that it's not a fellow TT racer. DAMN! Well at least I would have pushed harder over that time.

Through Chippenham and out towards La Hogue (they do the BEST CAKE!) Zipping round the S bend trying not to break, I see another rider. I see the yellow number. As I close in I see it's Bobbie, the new lady that came tonight. Number 20. That means I've closed the gap 3 minutes.

Stay focussed.. don't get over excited I was trying to tell myself. I pass her and say "well done" and get my head back in the game again. Pushing up the last hill and my quads are burning. In fact my whole legs are burning. My lungs felt like they were going to implode.

Last stretch, 1 mile to go. Pushing down hill I clock 28.6mph. I'm frustrated as I just can't push to 30mph. There was nothing left.

I see the timekeepers. Change up another gear and just grind the last few hundred meters.

FINISHED!

Cool down, back to the start. Resume nattering. Mark comes back with the timesheet. I knew I had a PB but wanted to see whether Mel had smashed me again.

I look down, I look up at Mel. I've beaten her for the first time this year. I got 24.04, Mel got 24.25 how on earth that happened I don't know. But we have a good exchange of congrats. She's a great rider and I have been trying to catch her for weeks. We joke it's because she is too relaxed from her holiday and I'm too pent up from not having been away this year (except Paris of course).

A quick catch up with Bobbie, she went the wrong way on the course. It's easily done if it's your first time so next time she will fly!

Home time. A very, very slow ride home. My legs just weren't working - which I think is a good thing. I pushed hard tonight.

And it paid off.