First TT intimidation

LewisBricktop said:

I just rode my first TT this week; 22 miles in 18 degree weather with 20+ mph crosswind. If that wasn't bad enough, I pull out my new Trek 1600 with clip-on aerobars as 4 guys warming up roll by on Cervelo P3 carbons with Zipp 909 wheelsets and full Campy Record setups. After seeing some more rediculously expensive toys, I was told that at least 3 riders, of 13, were top 10 in the state championships, including the winner. Needless to say, this was not a good race to pick for my first. Anyone else feel completely out of place at their first race. Finished 11th of 13:o

Well, good on you. You were not last.

And remember, no matter how nice their gear, that counts for about 0.0000000001% of their performance. Ergo, more legs on your part will mean that you can spank the guy with the Zipps.

That simple. Enjoy!

LewisBricktop said:

I just rode my first TT this week; 22 miles in 18 degree weather with 20+ mph crosswind. If that wasn't bad enough, I pull out my new Trek 1600 with clip-on aerobars as 4 guys warming up roll by on Cervelo P3 carbons with Zipp 909 wheelsets and full Campy Record setups. After seeing some more rediculously expensive toys, I was told that at least 3 riders, of 13, were top 10 in the state championships, including the winner. Needless to say, this was not a good race to pick for my first. Anyone else feel completely out of place at their first race. Finished 11th of 13:o

I think most of us started out the same way.

Just remember that a time trial is a personal effort and you should only judge your performance against your former self. Set goals and as you achieve them then look to upgrading your equipments. A good time trial bike that is well fit does make a fair amount of difference, but not as much as you might think. For example, everyone thinks that "aero" wheels are a must. Wasn't it MIT that did a wind study and concluded that the difference between "aero" wheels and "regular" wheels was minimal, while at the same time a time trial helmet vs a regular helmet would make a 14% difference in drag! (My numbers may be off - but you get the idea)