I'd like to try a time trial ...

RedJohn

... but is it too late for this year? Do I have to wait until next spring?

And as for how to go about it - I'd imagined turning up at one to watch and see what goes on, talk to some organisers, then the following week, bring a bike ...

And what about equipment? I'm assuming that I can just use a standard road bike/shorts/jersey/helmet, and all the aero stuff's only for if I really get into it?

Are there age related categories? In mountainbiking I'm a veteran these days!

SBezza

There is unlikely to be any club events until spring, though there are a few open events around Christmas and New Year.

Just turn up with a bike and that is it, pin your number on and at your allocated time away you go. You don't need any aero gear, and in fact alot of riders in club events do them on a road bike.

For club events, where basically you turn up and enter on the line, there is unlikely to be any categories

For open events it is different, you need to be in a CTT affliated club, and you need to enter in advance, entries normally close 10 days prior to the event. In open events there may or may not be age categories, and awards on Age Standard. 40 and over is classed as a veteran in time trialling.

I would join a club that is affliated to the CTT, and get some advice on club events from the club, and go from there.

BeaconRuth

Steve - RedJohn is in Scotland so no TTs come under the CTT regs for him. It's all British Cycling regs for them up there.

Ruth

RedJohn

Thanks, that's helpful.

I'd be uncomfortable entering an open event without doing a club-level event or two first.
In fact, from what you say, I'd have to join a club first anyway, walk then run, etc.

Pity I'm going to have to wait a while, I've never been Mr Patience. Maybe I'll measure out a 10 mile route from my front door and do a few dry runs for practice, see how I get on.

CTT? ... google ... Ah! Although I think I need Scottish Cycling, CTT website says England & Wales at the top.

Veteran it is then (even if only just!)

RedJohn

Are the rules actually different, not just administered differently?

SBezza

BeaconRuth wrote:

Steve - RedJohn is in Scotland so no TTs come under the CTT regs for him. It's all British Cycling regs for them up there.

Ruth

LOL

Didn't look at his location, but yes, completely different rules, though he could come south of the border for races.

SBezza

RedJohn wrote:

Are the rules actually different, not just administered differently?

Rules are different, inder CTT we don't have to have UCI legal bikes, clothing etc, but you will do to a certain extent in Scotland, though I don't know the exact rules.

As for entering an open event, don't think you need to do a club event first, my first ever TT was an open event, as these started before my club events did.

RedJohn

Hmm, different bike requirements - didn't expect that!

No, it was just that if I have to be a member of a club before entering an open event, and club events don't start until spring, then I'd have to wait. However, i could presumably join a club now and then enter an open event. But I wouldn't know what the club is like ...

However, looking at the calendar, the only open event I can see even vaguely near me this year is in Newcastle in a few weeks. None in Scotland. That's still a bit of a hike - over 2 hours by car - so I doubt it'll be happening.

I'll figure out a 10 mile route near here and do some DIY ones. With luck I'll be able to get close to 30 mins before spring so as not to embarrass myself too much!

John.

simon_e

RedJohn wrote:

... but is it too late for this year? Do I have to wait until next spring?

Well if there aren't any on then yes, you will have to wait.

RedJohn wrote:

if I have to be a member of a club before entering an open event, and club events don't start until spring, then I'd have to wait. However, i could presumably join a club now and then enter an open event. But I wouldn't know what the club is like ...

You could always make an effort to find out, there are surely some clubs near you. It's not hard:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=time+t ... n+scotland

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/scotla ... getinto-tt

Start with club events first, graduate to opens (which usually require entry in advance) once you feel you know what you're doing. As for kit, you can more or less ride and wear what you want. At our club event some people turn up on MTBs with semi-slicks while others have full TT rigs, skinsuits, pointy hat, the full works. My mate's teenage son likes to wear a silly t-shirt, baggy shorts (that have seen better days) and trainers. No-one cares as long as they ride safely and enjoy it.

If you haven't joined a club by the time the season starts you can usually enter a couple of club events on a 'come and try it' basis. You have to be a member of an affiliated club to race in CTT opens (I don't know if the same applies in Scotland).
There are Standard Times for veterans, the winner of which is the rider who beats their age-related time by the biggest margin.

http://www.vtta.org.uk/newsite/php/StandardsTabels.php

gsk82

you could just find a local course, clear your computer and ride it. it's not really any different apart from there been no marshalls

fish156

gsk82 wrote:

you could just find a local course, clear your computer and ride it. it's not really any different apart from there been no marshalls

Having a timekeeper record & publish your time can make it a pretty different experience than just riding a local course.

simon_e

gsk82 wrote:

you could just find a local course, clear your computer and ride it. it's not really any different apart from there been no marshalls

I respectfully disagree. Most people say having a number on their back makes a big difference.

However, using a local course on your own will help you get a feel for what's involved in riding a '10' before you do it for real and you'll also know the course.

nhoj

You could throw yourself in at the deep end: the Scottish Hill Climb Championship is on this month. You'd have to come to the west coast though, which might be too much of a shock to the system for an east-coaster. Go along and watch anyway.

cougie

Just doing a 10 mile course of your own devising probably wont be that relevant ? Head or tail wind will make a big difference.

The rules used to be that the start/finish had to be fairly close - to stop times from getting silly by all being tail wind or down hill assisted. I think they've had to relax that slightly as its getting harder to find a course thats suitable and not affected by traffic lights and things.

cougie

Just doing a 10 mile course of your own devising probably wont be that relevant ? Head or tail wind will make a big difference.

The rules used to be that the start/finish had to be fairly close - to stop times from getting silly by all being tail wind or down hill assisted. I think they've had to relax that slightly as its getting harder to find a course thats suitable and not affected by traffic lights and things.

RedJohn

Trying a local course is a good idea. OK, as stated above, it won't be the same as an actual event, but in terms of learning and practising, it'd work, plus it'd set a benchmark for myself for an event on the same course in due, well, course (!)

Scottish Hill Climb championship ... I'll google it in a minute.
Mind you, if I have to fight my way through Glesca to get there it may be too much of a risk :P

RedJohn

cougie wrote:

Just doing a 10 mile course of your own devising probably wont be that relevant ? Head or tail wind will make a big difference.

The rules used to be that the start/finish had to be fairly close - to stop times from getting silly by all being tail wind or down hill assisted. I think they've had to relax that slightly as its getting harder to find a course thats suitable and not affected by traffic lights and things.

Yeah, I'd intended a there-and-back course - I can do that quite nearby - level-ish, straight-ish and quiet-ish roads nearby. Decent-ish surface too

RedJohn

nhoj wrote:

the Scottish Hill Climb Championship is on this month.

It's tomorrow! And, oh dear, entries closed last week :-)

Oh look, it's only 2 miles ...

nhoj

I knew it was soon. Would've been the hardest 2 miles of your life.

RedJohn

I believe you, I looked at the map!