Why are time trials important to the triathlete? Simple, the bike part of a triathlon is a time trial. Learning to pace yourself in a time trial will allow you to set a realistic pace and efficiently ride the triathlon's bike course.

What is a time trial? A time trial, sometimes called an individual time trial , is a cycling event in which cyclists race alone against the clock.

Is there a local time trial i can participate in? The 10 mile time trial (TT) that runs every 2 weeks on Putah Creek Road is a good opportunity to learn how to do a TT.

Planning your first TT

Estimate the time for the first 5 miles.

Go 1 mile as fast as you can. (East of Davis, on County Road 32A about .5 miles east of the railroad crossing, is a measured mile that you can use to get your time.)

How long did it take?

Multiply by 5.

Add 1 minute.

That is your starting 5 mile goal.

Examples

Example 1: 1 mile takes 4 minutes, so 5 mile goal is 4 x 5 = 20 +1 = 21 minutes. Ride the first 5 miles in 21 minutes, turn around and ride back as fast as you can.

Example 2: 1 mile takes 3 minutes, so 5 mile goal is 3 x 5 = 15 +1 = 16 minutes. Ride the first 5 miles in 16 minutes, turn around and ride back as fast as you can.

The above rule of thumb assumes light or no wind. A windy day will adversly effect your careful planning. Of course, most afternoons in Davis, in the Spring and Summer are windy.