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Excerpt: TIME TRIALING FOR
NON-RACERS
Challenge! You don't race so you wonder why you should devote
any of your riding time to learning how to go faster. Sure, time-trialing
ability is important for racing in TTs or even for holding off the pack
in a breakaway attempt. But why train to gain solo speed when racing isn't
your thing?
Time trialing isn't just for competition. In fact, it's the racing skill
most often used in non-racing situations. Let's examine when ability against
the clock is important and then look at some tips for going fast on your
own.
---Steady, intense effort is a potent producer of fitness. Even
if you aren't training for competition, riding at 85-90% of your maximum
heart rate once a week for 10-20 minutes will spike your fitness for tours,
centuries and the weekend group ride.
---Time trial speed means safety. Caught 5 miles from home with
a thunderstorm brewing? Time trial to safety before the deluge hits. Suppose
you get a puncture on the homeward commute shortly before dark. The ability
to ride hard and fast will get you there before the sun sets.
---A weekly time trial varies your training. Sure, moderately
paced rides are fun and not too demanding. But a steady diet of cruising
gets monotonous. Schedule a weekly hammerfest and you'll have something
to get excited about.
---Time trialing improves climbing ability. No big climbs nearby
to train on? You can duplicate the power demands of climbing by time trialing
into the wind for 15-30 minutes. Climbing and time trialing are mutually
beneficial -- doing one activity improves your power for the other.
---Time trials are the best way to gauge your fitness. Want to
know if you're improving? You don't need an organized event. Simply mark
off a 5- to 10-mile course on your favorite training roads and time yourself.
Or chart your performance at a local time trial over several months. These
events, often sponsored by a bike shop or cycling club, are fun and social.
Riders of all inclinations show up for an evening of low-key competition.
Ax excerpt from Road Bike Rider's newsletter.
Dover
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