As we all have taken note, the outdoor cycling season is beginning to wind down. Less fair weather and shorter days are yielding to more powerful forces! However, there is still plenty of good riding to be had before it becomes unbearable. Here are some Safety Tips that are handy at any time, but even more applicable during the change of the seasons:
1. Always remember that we do share the roads with other vehicles. Where I am going with this is that we need to show respect in order to get respect. When you are group riding, keep the group formation as tight as possible. Self -Preservation must come first!
2. Road hazards like potholes, soft shoulders, and debris “allow” us some liberal use of space but always check that the road is clear before changing your line to make sure it is safe to do so. Ideally, stay off the busier area routes as often as possible.
3. This is a great time of year for gravel road riding. Now that you have gravel road riding to add to your ride blend, you can literally travel for hours unimpeded by autos.
4. Light changes mean staying visible too, so keep that in mind. Wear light coloured jerseys and vests to ensure a little extra visibility.
5. Despite being cool, dark glasses might not be the best choice right now for shadowed roads.
6. LIGHTS! Lights are mandatory 30 minutes before sunset so make sure you have working lights on your bike if you plan to ride in the evenings. The light is dropping fast these days.
Stay tuned to this site for more, as I plan on offering some tips to get you through the off season.
This week we say good-bye to our Monday Night Skills. Big Thanks to our ride leading team Brent + Janet for a great series this season. We had some exhilarating rides and learned quite a bit about group ride formation, and keeping calm while cornering at speed. Thanks also to all those that came out to these rides!
Wednesday, September 16th, 5:30pm
Daylight is dwindling on us but we can still get a bit of a ride in on a weeknight. This week, we’ll start a bit earlier and cut our Vernonville Express Route a bit short so we can get back before sunset. BRING YOUR LIGHTS! This is likely the last weeknight group ride of the season, so don’t miss this one!
The weeknight rides might be coming to a close, but gravel season is just beginning! Keep an eye out on our social channels for off road adventures in the coming weeks!
And here we are, concluding our Meet the BoD Q+A series just as we feel that change in the air and weeknight rides begin to taper off. As Communications Director for the Club, Raff is responsible for developing and editing content for social channels, corresponding on the club’s behalf, and posting all our rides. Liaising with Ride Leaders, the Comms Director makes sure what is posted is accurate in terms of route, pace expectation and any requirements that participants need to know about. All that, and there is still time for bike riding! Read on to find out a little bit more about the person behind all this writing you’ve been reading:
1.How many years have you been cycling?
I started cycling in 2017 when I traded my CCM cruiser for a Cervelo. My partner and I had recently moved to the area and thought joining a cycling club would be a good way to get to know the area and meet people. I had no idea what we were getting into! I showed up to my first group ride wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt, a pair of Keds and an argyle Nutcase helmet on my brand new shiny Cervelo. Needless to say my appearance raised a few eyebrows!
2. What is a highlight from your years of cycling?
So many highlights! In the forefront are the incredible friendships and connections I have made in this global community. It’s amazing how open and inviting people are when you have the common interest of bike riding- I had no idea!
As for milestones, I’d say my first 100k ride which was for Bike Up Northumberland in 2017 was up there. Riding my bike for 100kms was unimaginable to me when I first got my bike, so to achieve that distance after riding for only 4 months felt pretty great. Recently, completing the Reggie Shiny Rivet event alongside my teammates on Team Gal Pals was a feat of epic proportions. 165k on mixed terrain (not my forte!) over some serious elevation (2300m) on a really hot and windy day. I was shaking in my booties at the start, but we finished upright and smiling and only slightly covered in mud. I’ll never forget that day and the support we gave each other as a team, and all the support we received from friends and partners!
3A. What do you like best about being part of this cycling club?
I like that this club has such an experienced and diverse Board and membership base. It’s a club you can learn from. This club is helping me become a stronger cyclist with better bike handling and group riding skills. I am also expanding my repertoire of expletives thanks to the TTs. 🤬😁Just kidding!! 😂
3B. As a Board Member what do you hope to achieve this year?
My goal as a Board Member this year was to bring back Women’s Rides- Check Mark! ✅😁 Working on an updated Mission Statement was also a goal achieved as a team. Streamlining the club’s social channels is a work in progress.
4. Any goals for the 2020 cycling season?
The measurable goal of 5000k has been reached, so that target will get an increase. The less tangible goal is to work on, and work with mindset. I am continually working on pushing my limits and it’s at those moments that you realize what an impact mindset can have on you and your achievements. Believe you can and you will. Believe you can’t and you won’t. Sounds easy enough, but it can be challenging to quiet the doubts and turn those negative thoughts to positive.
5. Roadie or Off Roadie?
Roadie + Gravel Newbie!
6. Are you Team Short Socks or Team High Socks?
Team High Socks most of the time.
7. Espresso or Americano?
Depends. Espresso pre-TT- it helped me PB more than once! Americano when there’s time to linger.
8. What club rides can we find you on?
You’ll find me in the B Group at Monday Night Skills, at the end of the line for TTs, most Wednesday Group Rides, an occasional Dirty Thursday (I’m tired by the time Thursday rolls around!), and leading WOW Women’s Fridays every other week.
Team Gal Pals at the end of the Shiny Rivet Event, August 2020. L to R: Eileen Sheppard, Joanne Magne, Raff Melito and Sharon Lynn-Weese.
And this here concludes our series of Meet The BoD Q+A. We hope you enjoyed reading and learning more about our extensive Board of Directors, we’re quite a varied bunch! We also hope you learned a little more about the roles and work involved in running a cycling club. Awesome things can happen when you get a group of people working together towards a common goal. See you out on two wheels!! 🚴🏻🚴🏻♀️🚴🏻♂️💨💨💨
Happy day after the long weekend! Hope you got in some great rides on those sunny, warm days we had. Today we return to our Meet The BoD Q+A series where we meet Glenn Finlay. Glenn is an avid mountain biker and off-road enthusiast. As a Member At Large, Glenn acts as Liaison between the Club and the County regarding Northumberland Forest. Glenn also keeps us up to date on all things Road Construction related that may affect our routes. Ok, let’s hear more from him directly!
1. How many years have you been cycling?
I started mountain biking a lot with my sons probably 15 years ago. For road riding, James Barnes helped me in 2012 prepare for a 2 day charity ride. Lent me a bike for the summer and rode with me to get some seat time.
2. What is a highlight from your years of cycling?
I read about Sedona Arizona in a mountain bike magazine, then booked 3 days there with my sons. That was my first traveling bike trip. On the road, would be the charity ride Montreal to Quebec City.
3. What do you like best about being part of this cycling club?
The best part is the people you meet with common interests.
4. Any goals for the 2020 Cycling Season?
My goals have been scaled back, but I did manage to get my son back out on the trails.
5. Roadie or Off Roadie?
Off Roadie for sure!
6. Are you Team Short Socks or Team High Socks?
Short as possible.
7. Espresso or Americano?
Americano
8. What club rides can we find you on?
Dirty Thursdays for sure. I’ll be back to TTs next year.
Thanks for this Glenn! And thanks for all you do for the club! See you out on the gravel and trails!
Please be safe out there while riding. Many drivers seem to be more distracted than usual and this creates a real hazard for us as cyclists.
Saturday morning the Hamilton CCC held one of their monthly 40 km ITT events (which are really good training BTW). One HCC member was forced off the road by an automobile overtaking another auto. The cyclist hit gravel shoulder but wiped out hard and spent the night in hospital!
I cannot emphasize enough the need to be aware of where you are at all times.
We have a fantastic network of roads which allows us to avoid major arteries in the area. Pick a route that supports this and then keep your spidey senses alert.
Next weekend the Cobourg CC will hold a similar long-distance ITT event. When you are training/riding, alone or with others, when you are taking part in any “event”, take care to know where you are. Don’t just blindly throw a leg over the bike and pedal along madly and blindly.
So, on the road, think of things that way, we all have a place.
How badly do you need to be right?
If we can avoid a conflict with a car, everyone, in particular each of us, will be far better off.
Please enjoy your riding but do so with the idea of self-preservation in mind.
Monday Night Skills 5:30 pm At the Diamond Head Industrial Park. (Home of some of our sponsors.)
Wednesday Group ride 5:30 pm The Classic Wednesday night group ride.
Kevin Raper 40 and 20 km TT Sunday 10:00 am Shelter Valley Road and County Road #2
Don’t forget to use the Cycleclub app to sign in.
*** Also*** Don’t forget to sign up for the Kevin Raper Time trial. Entries close at 9:00 pm on September 11. The earlier participants sign up the easier the seeding process will be. 40 or 20 km the choice is up to you. Head down and hammer down or just a chance to get a good effort down. Shelter Valley rarely fails to make an impression. The downhill is well worth the uphill.
Note to Club members and the general ridership from President Greg:
Look, everyone is doing or has done this “Epic Ride Thing” since COVID struck us. That is all well and good but I have a REAL challenge for YOU!
Every year the CCC holds the Kevin Raper Event, which honours the memory and efforts of a good person. Kevin was a great supporter of our Youth riders, mentoring them and helping them achieve their race goals.
Make your own mark and set your own goals. Test yourself on this challenging course! Riding a 15 km ITT is like having your temperature taken. You get an idea of what you are capable of doing and making some assumptions on those results.
Well, let’s see you meet your own challenge – ride the 20k or 40 Km ITT on Shelter Valley Road in honour of Mr. Raper. I have done lots of training on this road and many time trials. It is a true time trial road in that it is never easy but also never insurmountable. It is my favourite course we do/have done with the Club because it is a real out and back loop. That it rolls up on the way out and rolls down on the way back just adds to the carrot we chase.
Can you break an hour for 40 km??
That is an “Old School” number that was sought riding Eddy Merckx style. In those days, there were no aero rims, no aero helmets, no skin suits and no aero tt bike!
Those “Old School” riders used guts, stamina and will power to meet their goals.
Besides Merckx and Jacques Anquetil, Beryl Burton is among my favourite TT personalities – read about her and you will be amazed. Ms. Burton humbled many a male rider in her day – she was rock star!
Support the Club, support one another and come out to the Kevin Raper Event. $5 registration fee for Members, $10 for Non-Members with a Valid OCA Licence. Register via CycleClubApp or email to info@cobourgcyclingclub.com. Only 22 spots are available, don’t delay!
Hi hi Everyone! Yes, it’s true, we are back with another instalment of Meet The BoD. Today we chat with Harold Kuschnik, our Secretary who keeps some pretty great Meeting Minutes, making sure they are accurate and reflective of not only the discussion, but the tone of our gatherings. Not an easy task! As you will learn below, Harold has a long history with the sport of cycling as well running and Tri. Harold took 1st in his AG at this year’s Frigid 10K, he’s one speedy fellow! Read on to learn more about Harold:
1. How many years have you been cycling?
I’ve biked on & off for around 45 years. Its been an evolution of sorts – commuter for school & work (Brockville, Toronto, St. Catherines & Port Hope), and triathlon (since 1990) & more recently club riding/racing (about 12 years with CCC).
2.What is a highlight from your years of cycling?
Actually 2 highlights, both In 2017: I won the CCC Racer of Year award for most improved TT time, and also competed for Team Canada at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Rotterdam.
3. What do you like best about being part of this cycling club?
The camaraderie & support whether someone is a newbie or veteran. There’s always someone to chat with, share some good ideas with, and who is motivational for improvements in one’s riding (ie mentoring & coaching).
4.Any goals for the 2020 Cycling Season?
To make the best out of a challenging year. Being Secretary gives me a chance to give back, learn more about the sport & keep my admin skills up to speed.
5.Roadie or Off Roadie?
Pavement.
6.Are you Team Short Socks or Team High Socks?
The colder the weather the higher the sock, the warmer the weather …
7.Espresso or Americano?
Americano SVP.
8.What club rides can we find you on?
Tue TT & Wed Group Ride, though I’m on an extended hiatus – no club riding due to injury in 2019.
Thanks for sharing Harold! Hope to see you back out group riding next season!
Roberto has been a member of the CCC since 2018. He is currently leading Training for the club.
1.How many years have you been cycling?
Started in 1986 after watching Steve Bauer ride in the tour. Unfortunately many other sports got in the way so I took a long hiatus until 2012. Got back in the saddle after watching Ryder Hesjedal win the Giro D’Italia. All history now.
2. What is a highlight from your years of cycling?
First century ride in 2013, becoming a CAN BIKE Certified Instructor in 2016.
3.What do you like best about being part of this cycling club?
Maintaining the long history of the CCC. How many club can say they have been around since 1972?? Not too many that’s for sure. Helping to increase the membership base so more people can enjoy the club’s roster of rides. The awesome people in the club make it a wonderful experience.
4. Any goals for the 2020 cycling season?
Ride another 5,000k this year. Not easy when you work full time.
5. Roadie vs. Off Roadie?
200% Roadie
6. Are you Team Short Socks or Team High Socks?
Both- depending on the weather. I don’t like being cold!
The last days of August, the start of September, wow, how did that happen?? We still have a full week of riding for you which is great news. Whether you want to improve your bike handling skills, ride off road, group ride or test your fitness, there is something on the calendar for you! Also, the date for the Kevin Raper TT is set for September 13th. Save the date and wait for more details!
Monday, August 31st 6:00pm : Skills Night
Monday Night Skills is a 1 hour ride where we work on Bike Handling Skills. Last week we continued to work on finessing our echelon, pace-line and cornering skills in two speed groups. We plan to do the same thing again this week with enough participants.
All members welcome, this is a great night for riders of all levels to learn or brush up on their skills. Don’t miss it! All that is required is a road bike in good working order, helmet and water bottles.
Ride Leader : Brent Aquino
Meeting Details: 6:00pm start, Diamond Head Industrial Mall (the Old Coke Plant) located at 210 Willmott Street. https://goo.gl/maps/pdZ45NreDBUx9ZeYA
Tuesday, September 1st 6:30pm : Tuesday TT
Are you ready to race against the clock?? Due to changes to OCA regulations, we will have our fastest leave first and slowest leave last. Not sure where you are are in the slowest to fastest? Our TT Team will assign start times based on your historical times. If this is your first TT with our Club, you will be placed towards the end until you have established a time on this course. TT will only run if we have minimum 4 participants so sign up today! Deadline for registration is 8pm Monday evening.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pre-Registration via CycleClubApp is required for participation. You will not be permitted to ride if you show up at the start without having pre-registered.
Don’t have the app? Download it today at www.cycleclubapp.com, the Apple Store or Google Play and get set up. Not sure what a TT is or how to prepare for one? Be sure to read Coach Greg’s TT 101 article available here: http://cobourgcyclingclub.com/2020/tt-101-with-coach-greg/
Ride Leader : Dave Singfield
Meeting Place: Hwy 2 and Normar Road – Please wait to the side of the road along Normar, keeping 2m distance between yourself and other riders.
Wednesday, September 2nd 5:30pm : Group Road Ride
NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME!!! With sunset coming earlier and earlier these days we are starting our ride at 5:30pm so we can get a good 50K in before we lose too much light. Please have working lights on your bike! We’ll do our Hunt For Hills route with a mod- going down Shelter Valley and then home along Lakeshore + Hwy 2: weeeeee!!!! This is an Intermediate (25kph+) no drop ride.
Signing up in advance of the ride is mandatory. If you are experiencing difficulty adding yourself to the event, leave a note in the Discussion section so the Ride Leader knows you are coming.
We had another great turnout to Dirty Thursday last week- Pete lead a great out and back route. This week, Jamie is leading a fun and dirty ride from Baltimore Arena. Don’t forget your Blinky Lights!
New to gravel? Curious about off road? Don’t hesitate to come out and give this a try. A gravel capable bike will be required.This No-Drop ride will have an anticipated average speed around 21-23kph.
Hey hey, here we are again as we continue to meet our Board Of Directors. As you can see, we have a fairly broad experience base amongst our Board. Today we chat with Corey Watts who is in charge of Membership. Corey keeps track of new members, and makes sure they are swiftly integrated into Cycle Club App so they can get riding right away.
1.How many years have you been cycling?
I have been cycling for about 18 years.
2. What is a highlight from your years of cycling?
A highlight for me would be doing the Hastings Highlands Hilly Hundred, It’s never an easy ride, some years it’s harder than others. I’ve done it in the freezing cold rain or incredible heat but it is always such a challenge and a great indicator of how good your summer of riding was.
3. What do you like best about being part of this cycling club?
I enjoy the differing skill levels of the rides. You can go for a ride that will challenge you to keep up with the faster riders, or an easier ride where you can carry a conversation for most of the ride.
4. Any goal for the 2020 cycling season?
We recently moved to the Trenton area. Pretty excited about riding and exploring new roads.
5. Roadie or Off Roadie?
Roadie
6. Are you Team Short Socks or Team High Socks?
Definitely Team Short Socks
7. Espresso or Americano?
Americano in the morning, Espresso afternoon.
8. What club rides can we find you on?
Monday Night Skills, Wednesday Group Rides, probably a few TTs. If we run the Presqu’ile Pursuit again, you’d find me there- that was a blast.
Thanks for this Corey! See you out on some club rides!
Don’t forget your $2 for the timers. Meet at the corner of Normar Road and Hwy 2 and please keep 2m distance between yourself and other riders. Have a great TT tonight! May the winds be favourable!
TT’ing tomorrow? Registration deadline is Monday, 8pm. Signup via CycleClubApp. Individual Start times to be announced tomorrow morning. Please note that Pre-Registration is required to participate in this event. If you show up at the start with our being registered, you will not be permitted to race. See you there! Don’t forget your $2 for the timers!!
Ummmm…. Wow, there’s a lot going on this week. 5 rides!!! Which ones will you sign up for??? Also, the date for the Kevin Raper TT is set for September 13th. Save the date and wait for more details.
Monday, August 24th 6:00pm : Skills Night
Monday Night Skills is a 1 hour ride where we work on Bike Handling Skills. Last week we were rained out, fingers crossed for better weather this week. We continue to work on finessing our echelon, pace-line and cornering skills. This week we will split into 2 speed groups and move a little faster.
All members welcome, this is a great night for riders of all levels to learn or brush up on their skills. Don’t miss it! All that is required is a road bike in good working order, helmet and water bottles
Ride Leader : Brent Aquino
Meeting Details: 6:00pm start, Diamond Head Industrial Mall (the Old Coke Plant) located at 210 Willmott Street. https://goo.gl/maps/pdZ45NreDBUx9ZeYA
Tuesday, August 25th 6:30pm : Tuesday TT
We had a solid turnout for our first TT of the season despite the drizzle at the start and ominous skies over the lake. Are you ready to race against the clock?? Due to changes to OCA regulations, we will have our fastest leave first and slowest leave last. Not sure where you are are in the slowest to fastest? Our TT Team will assign start times based on your historical times. If this is your first TT with our Club, you will be placed towards the end until you have established a time on this course. IMPORTANT NOTE: Pre-Registration via CycleClubApp is required for participation. You will not be permitted to ride if you show up at the start without having pre-registered. Don’t have the app? Download it today at www.cycleclubapp.com, the Apple Store or Google Play and get set up. Not sure what a TT is or how to prepare for one? Be sure to read Coach Greg’s TT 101 article available here: http://cobourgcyclingclub.com/2020/tt-101-with-coach-greg/
Meeting Place: Hwy 2 and Normar Road – Please wait to the side of the road along Normar, keeping 2m distance between yourself and other riders.
Wednesday, August 26th 6:00pm : Group Road Ride
Wednesday will see us back out on a group road ride. It’s back to the popular Vernonville Express route! This is an Intermediate (25kph+) no drop ride.
We had another great turnout to Dirty Thursday last week- James lead the group on a fun and somewhat challenging out and back route. Let’s do it all over again this week! New to gravel? Curious about off road? Don’t hesitate to come out and give this a try. A gravel capable bike will be required.This No-Drop ride will have an anticipated average speed around 21-23kph.
WoW! (Women On Wheels) is back for another ride! This will be a no-drop road ride whose pace will adapt to the slowest rider. Suitable for all levels, don’t be shy to come out and join the other female members of the Club for an enjoyable cruise around the area. This ride will be a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the company of some familiar faces.
It’s Friday! Planning any epic rides this weekend?? Today our Meet the BoD Q+A has us chatting with a Board member you’ve heard a few chirps from already. Gravel Guru, Bike Mechanic Extraordinaire and the author of Shop Talk with Pete, Peter Hennessy. Pete is our Co-Ride Co-ordinator as well as one of our regular Ride Leaders. Let’s find out a little more about him!
1.How many years have you been cycling?
I’ve been cycling pretty much my whole life, to school as a kid, commuting to work. It’s a lifestyle.
2. What is a highlight from your year of cycling?
Owning 2 Bike shops and helping others enjoy cycling as I have. It’s been awesome to watch as riders grow their skill base (and speed). Personally, qualifying to ride the Masters World MTB Championships in 2000 and going to witness the Tour in 2005. Man those are big hills in France ……
3. What do you like best about being part of this cycling club?
Definitely giving back to the local Cycling Tribe. Keeping the Spirit going and introducing new riding chapters for everyone’s own book.
4. Any goals for the 2020 Cycling Season?
No goals since the Covid thing, except have fun and be thankful.
5. Roadie or Off Roadie?
All of the above! Only label me as a Cyclist. Road, Gravel, MTB, SS, Fat bike, doesn’t matter. It’s a bike.
6. Are you Team Short Socks or Team High Socks?
Well low for some, high for some … Most likely what’s on top of the clean sock pile.
7. Espresso or Americano?
Hmmmmm tough one! Americano but any good French pressed will work. Why isn’t a cold IPA a choice????
8. What club rides can we find you on?
Possibly Tuesday TT worlds, Wednesday group rides are fun, but the passion is Dirty Thursday Gravel rides …..
9. A favourite quote?
“The Power of the bicycle can only be understood by those willing to ride.”
Thanks Pete! It was great to learn more about your history with cycling- very impressive! Looking forward to riding through some dirt and grit with you on your Gravel nights!
On August 27th, 2020 16 year old Zach Stabb will be riding through Northumberland County on his 603km journey from Chateauguay, Quebec to Toronto. His mission is to raise awareness for Water First. Water First is Canada’s leading charitable organization working with Indigenous communities to resolve local water challenges.
Zach has reached out to us to ask for some company and support as he rides his 5th consecutive day starting in Brighton, ending in Bowmanville. If you have some time available on that day, consider joining for part of the ride, this young fellow would be happy for the company. This is not an official club ride, so non members are welcome to come out as well. Let’s show Zach some support on this epic journey for a great cause.
We also received a request for participation in a PhD study from a student at Dalhousie University. This is the message we received from Juliano Franz :
“My name is Juliano. I am a Computer Science Ph.D. student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am currently recruiting participants for one of the foundation studies of my final thesis.
The study mainly explores communication among road cyclists while they are riding together. The study was adapted to current COVID restrictions and now consists of three remote interviews. I am contacting your club to see if it is possible to send my recruitment notice to the members.
My plan is to recruit three members per riding pack. If the club has multiple riding groups (based on pace, casual vs race, or gender, for example), I can recruit three members of each group if people are interested.”
More details on Juliano’s Study and request for participation can be found here:
Time trialing is basically pretty simple: Get in the biggest gear you can then turn the pedals as long, as hard and as fast as you can over the fixed distance of the time trial. It is the truest form of test for a cyclist’s fitness – rider pitted against the clock.
A Time Trial is a cycling event that consists of each participant riding the same course while being timed. Typically it is held on an out and back course. The turn around is the midway point usually. Riders are usually dispatched in one minute intervals with the slowest rider starting first and the fastest the last to leave.
Few things in sport are more nerve wracking, more excruciating and yet more satisfying than the completion of a time trial. When one crosses the line knowing there is nothing left in the tank, a slow sense of fullness sets in the athlete’s mind. Time trialing though for a beginner need not forget basics and foundations. In order to get fit enough to ride a time trial well, it is important to have a solid base, understand your body and your equipment. In this sense, be a student of the sport.
Good luck with your own time trial efforts and your growth in the truly wonderful and amazing sport of cycling.
To help you get a good start, here are Ten Time Trialing Tips to help you get ready for your first ITT:
1.Know the course – it is a good idea to pre-ride a course whenever possible to see its nuances.
2. The day before the event, make sure the bike you intend to use is mechanically sound. A thorough cleaning and inspection will help you identify any potential problems, like glass in your tire, or a faulty shifting cable. Control things you can control, the rest is easy.
3. Following the above, do not make any major changes to your position on the bike before the event. Use the same position you normally train or ride in as your body does not adapt quickly.
4. Food for the body is important but eating or drinking too much before a time trial can be defeating. Do not eat different things before an event, fuel with what you know will work for you. The TT is only 15km- eat when you’re done. Don’t start hangry.
5. Mindset Prep is often overlooked but shouldn’t be. The previous items are really parts of mindset and preparation because of the havoc they can wreak on an athlete’s mind. This is an individual effort, so focus on yourself and your personal performance.
6. Clothing used in a time trial has a bigger effect then those new to the sport stop to consider. Loose fitting clothing creates drag while too much clothing can cause overheating. In a standard 15 km ITT this can add literally minutes to a time on a windy, cooler night. Limit wind restrictions, loose clothing slows, save the jacket so you are warm at the end.
7. Warm up. The fact is, cold muscles with little blood flow to them cannot possibly be expected to perform at their peak. Commonly a good warm up will be 30-60 minutes and this includes things like steady rolling, to several hard efforts, to high speed spinning. Include your ride to the start as part of that 30-60 minute warm up. If it is cooler, a rider can slowly take off their heavier clothes as they get near their start time.
8. Pacing is important. Starting too hard is a common error. Start affirmatively and build to full effort. During your pre-ride of the course you will have seen areas where a bigger push is needed (false flats, overpass, speedy decline). Be prepared for the extra effort and push as hard as you can for the last km.
9. The turnaround in a TT is infamous for error and folly. An Out and Back course will include a 180-degree turn. Watch your course marshal for the all clear and use the whole lane to turn. If you haven’t done this before at speed, try to get out before the TT in a safe place to practice.
10. Do NOT miss your start. The official timer of the time trial event is the only clock that matters. If your start is 00:50 on the hour, make sure you are in the queue a few minutes beforehand.
Well, that about exhausts TEN TIPS for Time Trialing for this note. For what appears to be the simplest form of racing, there is so much that goes into an effort to make it a success. Remember to trust your training, believe in yourself and do not be afraid to extend the limits of your effort. It may surprise you to remember that even World Champion pros all started where you are today. Don’t be shy to come out and try this type of event to see if it is a fit for you.
Good luck and may the wind always be favourable!
Fancy helmet and crazy wheel not required! Totally optional!
And we’re back with another Q+A! This one is pretty special as we meet our youngest board meeting attendee Braeden Baitley. Braeden is our Youth Representative, advocating for more youth participation and adaptation of our programming to suit younger riders. He makes a great addition to our team of Directors. Today is Braeden’s 9th birthday so if you see him out be sure to wish him a happy birthday! 🥳
1.How many years have you been cycling?
Even though I have only been cycling for 1 year I have made a lot of good memories.
2. What is a highlight from your year of cycling?
Going to the bike show in Toronto and getting my new bike- a Specialized Allez.
3A. What do you like best about being part of this cycling club?
I like that I get to meet lots of new people who like to ride bikes.
3B. As a Board member what do you hope to achieve this year?
I would like to see some youth cycling programs.
4. Any goals for the 2020 Cycling Season?
My goal this season is to do a 50km ride.
5. Roadie or Off Roadie?
Roadie! Definitely!
6. Are you Team Short Socks or Team High Socks?
I don’t know because I have never tried high socks, so for now I am Team Short Socks.
7. Espresso or Americano?
I tried espresso and it didn’t taste good. I don’t think I would like Americano either.
8. What club rides can we find you on?
I wish I could do the Monday Skill Development but I’m not big enough yet.
Thank you for this Braeden, as well as your contributions to our meetings! Good luck with achieving your goal of a 50k ride this year, you can do it!! Happy Birthday to you from the CCC!! 🎂🎈🎉🎁
