Team Time trial Calga...

[Simon Llewellyn]

Hey guys the team time trial entry has to be in by Sunday 14 October 2007, so we have to work out if we want to put a team in. We could even try for a vets team? I can't confirm yet because I haven't got my work roster. It's 80kms, & a fairly up hill course. Should be pretty tough but I think we could do really well. We need 4 guys, Elite or U/23...

[FAswad]

I'd love to be on the team

[mikesbytes]

Last year Vets was 40k

[Simon Llewellyn]

Events are broken up into

WMAS Team Time Trial - 20km
MMAS 5+ Team Time Trial - 40km
MMAS 2-4 Team Time Trial - 40km
Elite Women Team Time Trial - 30km
U/19 Men Team Time Trial - 40km
Elite Men Team Time Trial - 80km

I don't know a great deal about Vet age groups because I"m not up to that stage in life yet but is it possible to post a team?

We'll try for one elite team & one Vet team....

[mikesbytes]

How many in a team?

[Simon Llewellyn]

Four from what I can work out, you could run 3 but you would suffer....

[Grant Bond]

Min 3- Max 4

[Kieran]

I am really interested in this one, i can probably help out with some TT gear either way. Any news onthe skinsuits???

[Kieran]

Okay we probably should be making a decision on this one soon.

On a slightly related issue, I just ordered a set of Pro carbon windjammer aerobars, I got them direct for $150.00. Should turn the bike into a good tt setup. Also got some 42 c-c bars, the 44 I am running are too wide.

If anyone ever needs stuff just let me know and i should be able to order it through work for you.

[mikesbytes]

What date is the actual race?

[Kieran]

Pretty sure it is 28 October

[T-Bone]

I should be available as long as the start time doesn't get too much later than 9:30am. I'll probably have to go to work a bit late anyway to fit it in.

As for TT gear, i might have to talk to you about it. Don't really like the Pros, but maybe some Deda GCB's, Hed, Oval, or FSA, depending on what you can get.

[FAswad]

I'm free and fitter than ever.

[Kieran]

Okay looks like we have an elite men team coming together. Any more takers???

Regarding gear I can get most of the stuff available wholesale in aus, OVAL is not available but the other stuff should be okay to get. Pricey stuff may be cheaper to get through the foreign oem online shops though. Also I have some old Syntace alloy aerobars I can give away if i can find them.

[FAswad]

I will need aerobars at the least. Also some help getting an aero setup on the bike.

Regarding gear I can get most of the stuff available wholesale in aus, OVAL is not available but the other stuff should be okay to get. Pricey stuff may be cheaper to get through the foreign oem online shops though. Also I have some old Syntace alloy aerobars I can give away if i can find them.

[mikesbytes]

Technically I could ride in a Vet team

[Simon Llewellyn]

Hey Guys the summer calender has just come out and the unanderra track open is on the night before, so I probably won't have any legs on the sunday?

[T-Bone]

I'm sure we can convince someone to join the team.

[FAswad]

In my mind, DHBC would be able to field two elite teams and one masters!

[Kieran]

No probs I can help you out there. I Will have a look for the syntace bars and get back to you.

For a quick primer on setup, see

http://www.cervelo.com/content.aspx?m=E ... TriBikeFit,

I am happy to give you a hand, but you will need to do a few training rides to get comfortable with the setup.

[FAswad]

My preference would be for aero bars where the aeor bars clip on to the handlebars and the rest pads clip on to the aero bars themselves and not to the handlebars. Is there anything like that?

That would allow for adjustment of the rest pads and the aero bars in a back and forth manner without much adjustment to the handlebar position.

No probs I can help you out there. I Will have a look for the syntace bars and get back to you.

For a quick primer on setup, see

http://www.cervelo.com/content.aspx?m=E ... TriBikeFit,

I am happy to give you a hand, but you will need to do a few training rides to get comfortable with the setup.

[mikesbytes]

Excuse the blonde question, but if I fit aero bars, do I need to lower the handlbars?

[Kieran]

Mike, you don't need to lower the bars, but the big point to aerobars is to help you get in a stable low position. In general you should be looking to drop at least an inch from a standard road setup. By running no spacers and a 8-10 degree stem in a downward position you should be about right.

Faswad, the bars I have are here:

http://pro-bikegear.com/publish/content ... ducts.html

You can adjust the extension length and width, and the pads can be adjusted forwards or sideways without moving the base bars by using different mounting positions. You can adjust this setup to any sensible position. Almost all good bars use this system.

I have not seen a bar where the extensions and pads move together.

[FAswad]

I see what you mean. With these one also needs to swap the STIs with bar ends right?

You can adjust the extension length and width, and the pads can be adjusted forwards or sideways without moving the base bars by using different mounting positions. You can adjust this setup to any sensible position. Almost all good bars use this system.

I have not seen a bar where the extensions and pads move together.

[FAswad]

Sorry ignore previous post. Just realised youre talking about the windjammers

[T-Bone]

My preference would be for aero bars where the aeor bars clip on to the handlebars and the rest pads clip on to the aero bars themselves and not to the handlebars.

Think the Profile T2+ is what you're looking for, though it would depend if you like the bend, but i'm sure there are others.

I'm trying to get some Deda GCB bars even if they're not the best for me, and i'll probably get a shorter stem as well. I've got some Deda Clip one aerobars, though i haven't checked if they're straight as i crashed last time i was using them (pothole in rain) plus they're for 26mm bars.

[T-Bone]

Well, my Deda's should be on their way shortly, $50 (shipped) on ebay. Probably still need a shorter stem to perfect the position, but i'll work that out when they arrive, and i might have to put some alloy bars on to handle the clamping.

[Kieran]

Guys Ime still really keen for this one but may have a little problem. I had an accident on saturday involving a car windscreen and damaged by hand pretty bad. I should be right but need to see the doctor on thursday. Can still ride the indoor trainer so staying in shape.

Also i have 2 sets of alloy 44 c-c racing bars if anyone needs some- cinelli and pro, both anatomic.

[mikesbytes]

Ouch! what damage have you done to your hand?

[FAswad]

sorry to hear that. pretty crappy news. were you on the bike? Hope dr says youre fine.

Guys Ime still really keen for this one but may have a little problem. I had an accident on saturday involving a car windscreen and damaged by hand pretty bad. I should be right but need to see the doctor on thursday. Can still ride the indoor trainer so staying in shape.

Also i have 2 sets of alloy 44 c-c racing bars if anyone needs some- cinelli and pro, both anatomic.

[FAswad]

which Deda's did you get?

Well, my Deda's should be on their way shortly, $50 (shipped) on ebay. Probably still need a shorter stem to perfect the position, but i'll work that out when they arrive, and i might have to put some alloy bars on to handle the clamping.

[T-Bone]

Deda GCB's, should do the job for me, but i'll find out when they arrive.

Hope the hands not too bad Kieran.

[Kieran]

No, i wasn't on the bike, it was a case of anger and frustration leading to stupid actions. Short version is my arm ended up going through a front windscreen. There are no broken bones but lots and lots of stiches and two partially severed tendons. But it looks like i will be out of the cast on thursday and then should be able to ride in a week or two's time once the cuts heal enough.

[FAswad]

Hope you get well soon.

No, i wasn't on the bike, it was a case of anger and frustration leading to stupid actions. Short version is my arm ended up going through a front windscreen. There are no broken bones but lots and lots of stiches and two partially severed tendons. But it looks like i will be out of the cast on thursday and then should be able to ride in a week or two's time once the cuts heal enough.

[FAswad]

My buddy Eddy said he might be able to lend me his aeorbars (he is a triathlete).

Is there any other equipment that we need to have for this?

[T-Bone]

Fast legs, Good team work, and if Simon is definitely out we'll need a 4th rider.

[FAswad]

Apart from these obvious one, I was thinking. Aero helmet for example?

I think our club has an abandance of strong riders suitable for a TT.

James C?
James M?
Huw?
anyone?
there are definitely more whose names I can't remember
Grant?
Adrian?

Also, are we thinking of fielding a DHBC Master team?

Fast legs, Good team work, and if Simon is definitely out we'll need a 4th rider.

[Kieran]

Good news is the doc says i'me okay to ride, so all roads lead to calga!!!

Bad news is i still need to wear a splint for the next two weeks, but i am just happy to be able to ride the TTT

[T-Bone]

That's good to hear.

Now who is going to be our number 4? Huw? James? Anyone? who's interested?

Don't think a masters team will happen, due to the different categories.

Was just looking through the rules on the website. Do you think we should have a support vehicle?

[FAswad]

I have $25 credit with CyclingNSW from registration for a cancelled race. I'm happy top put that towards DH team registration. Let me know you intend to register so that I can use this credit.

[Kieran]

Good point, this sunday we should hit some of our riders up to be in the team. Also, can masters riders can ride "up" a grade or two in elite, if so that broadens the scope, i tend to think they can. Maybey Eugene might like to have a go???

[T-Bone]

You may be right, I vaguely recalled reading something about masters being able to ride elite in one race each year or something like that, but i'm not sure if it applies to championships.

[Kieran]

What makes me think that you can is the fact that alot of older riders have competed at the highest levels- Ekimov was into his 40's when he retired, and he wasn't riding in masters races. But as fas as cycling aus rules, i don't have a clue.

[Simon Llewellyn]

I know the boys at the track have to have an elite licence to race in elite events which they can apply for. Only problem is you can only change it once a season. so you can't change it for one event then straight away change it back. Maybe you can for a price though? guys like Brownie who want to ride the team sprint (elite) and and the masters 1 at the state titles will change it for that event then wait for re-registration to change it back at the end of the season....

[T-Bone]

Well, my bars have arrived, i just need to decide how much stress they're going to put on my bars, though alloy is probably safest. Which means i'll have to find somewhere with 43cm Deda Newtons.

[FAswad]

I'll be using aero bars similar to he ones you just received. Might have to get Kieran to grab me a shorter stem once I figure out what stem length I'll be needing.

Well, my bars have arrived, i just need to decide how much stress they're going to put on my bars, though alloy is probably safest. Which means i'll have to find somewhere with 43cm Deda Newtons.

[Kieran]

Before you look at using a shorter stem to get a shorter cockpit length, try shoving the seat forward. You will then be able to get even lower comfortably and efficiently. For TT, the tip of the seat cannot be forward of the BB by UCI rules, but i doubt they will be checking.

[T-Bone]

I got some Deda Newton bars on ebay, so i'll be able to test out the setup. Will probably have to stay with the Newtons until after the Tour of Bright as there's a time trial down there.

I need a 120mm stem for another bike, so i may as well get one to test out. Just need to decide if i'm going with another Ritchey WCS or a Pro PLT stem.

[Kieran]

How about this one:

See http://www.rotorbike.com/2006/s1_main.htm

[Kieran]

Also i really want to do the tour of bight, so count me in.

[T-Bone]

red face plate is good, but cost is bad.

[Kieran]

Sure, it is alittle excessive compared to $25.00 for the PLT

[Simon Llewellyn]

Guys entries close this weekend, so we have to enter a team if you guys want to ride... If you haven't got a fourth rider I'll back up from unanderra and put in as many hard turns as I can...

I just have to check my work roster tomorrow to make sure I"m off... It does look like a lot of fun....

[Kieran]

I think james is going to enter our team, but that is great news if you can ride it, as we were looking like being 1 short.

Either way good luck at Unaderra.

[FAswad]

Can I enter the team? I have $25 credit with NSW Cycling from a cancelled race that I would like to get rid of. If its ok with you guys let me know the details and I can do it.

I think james is going to enter our team, but that is great news if you can ride it, as we were looking like being 1 short.

Either way good luck at Unaderra.

[Kieran]

Sure, anyone can do it, you will just need to get my rego number off James as he still has my licence. Even if Simon is only a maybey we should put him on the list as we can always end up short but we may not be able to add extra people later.

[FAswad]

Cool. James and Simon, could you please pm me your details and I will enter the team.

[T-Bone]

Sounds good, pm sent.

I still need to let my work know that i'll be coming in a bit late, but i'm sure they won't mind too much. I'm sure i can get back by 2pm. Not sure if you just have to email the names of team members to someone, or what needs to be done.

Just spoke with Eugen and from looking at the start list, we believe masters can ride with the elite, so he's willing to join the team, but doesn't want to exclude anyone else if they want to join. So we'll add him to our entry list giving us 5 riders. This means simon doesn't have to save any energy at the track (not that he would).

We can confirm our final 4 as we get closer, but it's good to have a backup available if needed.

[Simon Llewellyn]

If Eugen wants to ride that's cool, I really don't mind either way.

[Simon Llewellyn]

Hey I'm free to ride if you need me. If Eugen wants to ride, I think he would probably be a better choice.. I'm just thinking of last time I tried to back up after an open, it wasn't too great.... I am a fair bit fitter now but Eugen would be fresh....

[FAswad]

I should have mentioned earlier that I have submitted our team registration yesterday evening by email to Brian Crawford.

Our team includes four members and one reserve. I put Simon as reserve for now.

[T-Bone]

Sounds good. We should know what we're up against soon. I'm just hoping for a nice early start time, so i'll be able to work.

[FAswad]

I just cant get the Deda GCB aero bars installed on my handlebars without the bars and rest pads slipping around the handlebars. I have tried putting rubber strips between the handlebars and the clamps to no avail. I don't know if I am doing something wrong. I think I hate the Deda GCBs.

[T-Bone]

I put mine on tonight, had to swap the bars as well. 55g extra swapping from my Deda Spectrums to Deda Newtons, and unfortunately for me, they're not my favoured 43cm O-O which i'll have to specially order one day. The GCB's went on fine, still need to sort out my position (move the saddle a bit forward and up) and i'm deciding on the stem. I also need to modify my arm rests as they're from my old deda clip-one bars, and i didn't get any with the GCB's (knew before i bought on ebay). I think it will all work well though, just have to get my legs powering.

What's the problem you're having? is it an issue with the handlebars sloping away too quickly from where the stem clamps? I might have to see a picture.

For my arm rests i'm probably just going to attach them with cableties and some rubber strips, though i think i need to modify them slightly first.

Hoping to do a road test on thursday morning.

[Kieran]

I just cant get the Deda GCB aero bars installed on my handlebars without the bars and rest pads slipping around the handlebars. I have tried putting rubber strips between the handlebars and the clamps to no avail. I don't know if I am doing something wrong. I think I hate the Deda GCBs.

Try checking the bars are clean, just a bit of grease can reduce the friction enough to cause problems. A bit of metho should fix it up if thats the case. You also need a significant amount of torque on the aerobars, you don't want them moving, and the extensions give alot of leverage making them easy to shift. You want at least 15 NM on those little bolts.

That is why they reccomend an alloy base bar, so acarbon one doesn't get crushed.

[FAswad]

The bars do slope away too quickly now that I think about it. Does that mean i need to replace the bars?

the other thing is, where the pads are meant to go on the handlebars is narrower than where the bars are meant tp go. thats a big problem as the pad clamps appear to have been also made for size 31.7.

I put mine on tonight, had to swap the bars as well. 55g extra swapping from my Deda Spectrums to Deda Newtons, and unfortunately for me, they're not my favoured 43cm O-O which i'll have to specially order one day. The GCB's went on fine, still need to sort out my position (move the saddle a bit forward and up) and i'm deciding on the stem. I also need to modify my arm rests as they're from my old deda clip-one bars, and i didn't get any with the GCB's (knew before i bought on ebay). I think it will all work well though, just have to get my legs powering.

What's the problem you're having? is it an issue with the handlebars sloping away too quickly from where the stem clamps? I might have to see a picture.

For my arm rests i'm probably just going to attach them with cableties and some rubber strips, though i think i need to modify them slightly first.

Hoping to do a road test on thursday morning.

[T-Bone]

The arm rests i have are for 26mm, but i'll be modifying mine anyway. I think you'd be fine securing them with cableties and rubber pads as i'm going to do.

Not sure what you can do about the bar slope issue. There's probably a way to secure them well enough, but different bars may be easier. I think next year, i'll be getting a proper base bar with a different stem, bar end shifters, and different cables, so i can just swap the whole setup over, or maybe i should just have a seperate time trial bike, for 3 times a year (unless i start doing more triathlons again).

[FAswad]

Ok. I'll try again. With the arm rests, are yours going to go in a bartape covered area? if yes, will you remove the bartape?

The arm rests i have are for 26mm, but i'll be modifying mine anyway. I think you'd be fine securing them with cableties and rubber pads as i'm going to do.

Not sure what you can do about the bar slope issue. There's probably a way to secure them well enough, but different bars may be easier. I think next year, i'll be getting a proper base bar with a different stem, bar end shifters, and different cables, so i can just swap the whole setup over, or maybe i should just have a seperate time trial bike, for 3 times a year (unless i start doing more triathlons again).

[T-Bone]

That's why i'm modifying mine, so i don't damage the bartape too much in just one ride.

[FAswad]

I had to swap the Aero bars I am using because the GCBs would not work.

I am using a set of cheapo Tranzx now.

Are all the team members going to do a training run before the actual race? or are we just going to wing it?

[T-Bone]

I think we'll wing it, we can work out some sort of a plan, such as 500m turns, but we can talk during the time trial anyway.

[FAswad]

Is it ok to flip a seatpost so I can get my position even more forward? or will the post break?

[T-Bone]

I've got a forward set seatpost, i'll let you know if i'm going to use it tomorrow, otherwise you can borrow it. It's generally not advised to flip a seat post, as they're not designed for it, and you usually can't get a suitable angle.

[Kieran]

Well I finally got to get back on the bike and do some riding after weeks on the indoor trainer. Tried out the new aero bars with the seatpole in the forward position (the Cervelo seatposts are designed to be swapped). Ive never used the Cervelo frame set up us TT.

The position I ended up with after a bit of tweeking is very forward and agressive, the seat angle is now 78 degrees and the extensions are almost all the way out on the aerobars. After a few test rides i got used to producing power in the radically different position, but the speed difference is amazing, at least 3-4 kmph faster for the same effort, unless I have got much much fitter over the last 3 weeks, either way I am happy.

[T-Bone]

I tried my bars out today too, though i still need to get the arm rests on. They seem alright, though i couldn't tell if it was easier due to the headwind. Hopefully my legs will be feeling good for Sunday, as they're a bit underdone.

[Kieran]

Went out for another spin today, definately moving pretty well, but it is a bit of a steep learning curve learning to climb in such a forward position and with little leverage afforded by the aerobars. Even still, i could get much lower and be comfortable on the flats, but I never had any spacers to take out anyway.

I am sure you will be alright as far as fitness goes, we should be pretty conservative as it will be difficult to pace, but if your feeling weak or strong you can just pull more or less.

Reading up on the TTT tactics, apparently the stronger riders should actually pull more on the faster sections as the benefits of drafting are greater, but on steep hills it may be better to have the less trained riders pacing as it is too easy for a powerful rider to drop their team or push them into anaerobic power outputs going uphill.

In any case, if anyone feels spent it is best to bludge, much better to keep together than have someone blow up trying to take turns they shouldn't or can't.

Interesting, there are ALOT of teams entered. Should be lots of fun.

[T-Bone]

Sounds good. I should be alright by sunday, and i always get a boost when racing. In the future i might need to build myself a timetrial bike so i can get into a more suitable position, especially if i plan to do the ITT, though it'll probably just be a cheapy alloy frame, rather than one of those nice carbon ones (not that they cost too much, $800 from memory, but will have to check)

Most of the teams are masters, so we don't have too many to be concerned about.

[FAswad]

or, if the rider is blowing the team apart on a climb, someone could whisper the magic word (ease off).

I have gone as narrow with my aerobars as is possible (as opposed to the wide setpup that James saw on Sunday I have also rotated the bars so the pads are now lower and close to me, which means a tad lower position). I am still debating seat position. Should I keep it forward or push it back? that is my question.

[T-Bone]

I pushed my seat forward as much as i could, and up 1/2cm, and it seemed fine on the weekend. Still working on the pads. For the seat, just go with what's most comfortable.

[T-Bone]

Looks like we're starting at 10:26am. I would have prefered earlier, but at least it's not too late. If we can do the ride in 2:15 or something similar (average 35.5) I should be able to get back in time for work without too much hassle.

[FAswad]

Interseting. I wonder what the basis for allocating times are. we are the third last team. Does that mean we are considered the 3d best?

Legally, we should be there 15minutes before 10:26 for sign up. But what about warm up and all? whe are we aiming to be there.

35.5km/h. hopefully that's achievable. Hopefully we will be competitive. I wonder what a good time for the distance would be.

Best of luck folks.

[T-Bone]

Looking at last years results, there were only 3 teams. 2 were DQ'd and the winners time was 2:13.30. So, if we average 36, we'd beat that time.

I think the first 2 teams would be the fastest.

I guess we should turn up 9-9.30ish. I'll give Eugen and Kieran a call to confirm.

[FAswad]

So, who is driving up?
I am probably going to drive up, but would be great if I could drive behind one of you guys, or, alternatively, have one of you with me. I am also thinking it should be possible to fit more than one bike in the Corolla hatchback once the back seats are fully reclined.

[Kieran]

Ok I can get out there any time, 9.00, 9.30 sounds good, I will probably get a lift out from my parents place, near Hornsby.

Also, checking the rules you need to wear the registered team uniform, as i don't have a DHBC jersey, if someone could lend me one that would be great as otherwise I might not be able to ride. I do feel bad always taking someone elses and really want to get my own set.

36 kph seems quite achieveable I think, we should be in for a good race.

[Eugen Schilter]

DHBC starts at 9:58; isn’t it?

I will probably catch a train to Gosford.

I’ve done a few TTT and after the last one with Parramatta I told myself never again without training. So here we go! I hope we are sensible this time round.

TTT is about forgetting your individual prestige and about caring for each other; and that incluses communication (sending and ‘listening’). How?

Well, since the pace should be smooth with little slowing or surging, the length of your turn at the front indicates to you mates how you feel. You should take short turns unless you feel really really confident and strong. If stressed you can go down to only a 20m turn, no worries; but do not slow down. If 20m is still too much without slowing, then tell the team and the team must slow down. The team rotation time should be around 2min; that is every rider hits the wind once every 2min.

Remember that the re-entering at the back is the most demanding moment in one rotation and this is because the acceleration needed to re-join. The trick is that the third rider, as soon as the ‘dropping back rider‘ is shoulder to shoulder, moves slightly sideways into the wind thereby letting the ‘dropping back rider’ accelerate smoothly over one whole bike length in the slipstream. Hence to third rider: welcome your mate by moving aside for 2 seconds! If you cannot rejoin, yell immediately; you cannot expect you mates to continuously check whether or not you are still there.

You should anticipate to ride the whole distance. If you feel you cannot last for 80k then tell the team so that the remaining riders know what is in store; or alternatively the team decides to slow down.

[T-Bone]

According to the program it is now 9:58 start time, which is better for me. I guess we should get there somewhere in between 8:30am and 9am.

They must have got the order wrong before with the better (predicted) teams first rather than last where they should be. So, predictions are for us to be 3rd last, but hopefully we can better that.

I'm still not sure how my legs are going, but i'll give it everything i've got, especially in the last 10km, when there's no longer anything to lose.

[Simon Llewellyn]

Good luck boys tomorrow!!! & in the words of Brad at the track; 'prepare to die earthly scum.' It will be tough, so go hard!!!

[Eugen Schilter]

Three more points that are important for TTT:

The leading rider in a downhill must pedal hard; if he doesn’t then the riders at the back have to hit the brakes and the beauty of speed and momentum is wasted and you have to suffer for longer. Also it is not efficient to switch lead during a fast downhill. Consequently, if you are not able/do not want to do a long hard turn, do not stay at the front at the start of a downhill.

Part of caring about each other is to get out of the saddle in a slow fashion only and never fast. This enables the rider behind to ‘sit’ very close on your wheel without fear of clipping when you get out of the saddle. Take into account that your mate back may be drinking, adjusting equipment, may be tired or even dizzy.

The front rider must observe and choose the smoothest part of the road]. For head/tailwind ride in the middle of the smoothest part. For cross wind you ride left or right of it so that all of the staggered team can enjoy the smooth road. The leading rider must ride so that the last rider, and the dropping back rider are not forced near the kerb.

It is not important on which side you should drop back. It is best to do it more or less consistently on the same side. There is little gain in forever changing this with respect to the wind, but much is lost if we start to argue about this (and about anything else for that matter).

It is obvious that you eat or drink when at the back, but not at the front.

[mcrkennedy]

Go Dulwich Hill. I know that you will give it your best.
Look forward to the race report.

[geoff m]

We want a race report!!!!!!

I do know the results but am not telling. I was shopping for beer (again!) at Liquor Land and caught James in the back docks stuffing his face with a sandwich.

Obviously the ride took it out of him.

Well, what happened boys?????

[T-Bone]

Wait until tomorrow. I'm still recovering!!!

[Eugen Schilter]

We lined up in Calga at 10am in about 35C temperature and full sunshine. There was no house (except 3 portaloos) around and water came from James’ traditional bottled H2O. It filled my bidon and the rest went over our heads. Kieran’s father Keith was there for our support.

The commissair took offence at the teardrop helmet of a rider before us. The rider then was seen running across the highway pressing his car remote at exactly the time when his two mates were released to go!
No problem for us (and no schadenfreude) … but ... that commissaire … he forgets all about the law defient cycling traditions and revels in his vocation to propel cycling to new heights of exceeding the law! Flabbergasted we see him object to Kieran’s properly stickered and correctly AS Numbered helmet. Kieran pleaded his innocence, could keep his helmet but put on a (black?) list! He seemed ok to me but a moment I feared for the commissaire, as he really drove us, pumped up and hot as we were, well into the boiling zone. It was definitely too hot; and not only for the riders.

The commissairs held us for a ‘clipped-in start’ but Fouad, his confidence in that man was too shattered, indicated not to wory and to use ‘terra firma’.

Off we went sorted by height: James, Fouad, Kieran and then Eugen (me). Kieran, exceptionally well helmeted and now in the right mood, hit the wind with such ferocity that we had to call him to reason. After 3k we were all puffing but more importantly our paceline was well on the way with only the occasional yelling; mostly my ‘faster’ in decents. Every 2k I doused myself and my water level fell alarmingly. I then wondered how my mates handled this and to my horror realised that none of them had brought any water at all! I hande the bottle to Kieran and what was left went over Fouad’s head (couldn’t reach James and that was to be consequential) and my own. At 20k we were back in overheating mode and … where is the turning point? Finally at km22 we turned back and with that some nasty hills but still we sailed well. Conditions still Sahara like but I noticed some overcast - maybe we can survive!

At km 42.5 (was this to be 80 or 85km?) we finish the first lap. Kieran sprints – has he lost his senses?

Now the same again once more. We can occasionally see some other teams across the road; many of them with three only and I see them struggling to maintain a paceline. We are still all four, how’s that? At km63 the Southern Highland team, started 4min behind us, passes but at the same time James and Fouad fall off. Kieran and I now take command with one at the front and one at the back keeping it together. It’s now downhill and we can hold the Highlanders pretty well but then in the uphills our pace becomes somewhat marginal. The Highlanders jettison one rider. From Fouad comes the occasional moan and James increasingly complains about no force in the legs and then cramping. With 5 to go and another big uphill James implies that he might faint if persisting and to leave him behind. On the very last hill the now three of uf slow down to walking speed but nothing can beat our joy when we cross the line in 2:29:19, averaging approx 35kph. James crosses shortly afterwards.

We have certainly given it everything, we are exuberant and enriched about the experience of team harmony. What we have lost must be put down to our limited power and maybe to our ‘dry is best’ style. Much of the time loss happened in the last 18k where the Southern Highland team took out 4min49 on us.

The result list shows us in 8th position out of 10 starting teams. Considering that we were never after a placing we lost ‘only’ 14:07 or 5 places on the bronze medal team. Furthermore we lost not more than 9:43 on the team of my strong training mates of Northern Sydney (6th placed). We certainly did in no way fall off and I feel we did gain the respect of the competitors. Nash Kent (newly crowned NSW criterium champion) expressed his delight and also praised our outfit (cheers, Grant!).

DHBC has been part of the show and hopefully next year again.

Results, Elite 85km:
1st
Randwick Botany CC 2 hrs 07 min 09 sec

8th
Dulwich Hill BC 2 hrs 29 min 19 sec

[geoff m]

Congratulations boys,

Sounds like conditions were really tough and it was a really good team building experience.

Perhaps next year we will have more than 1 team.

[Simon Llewellyn]

Gees without much water! That is a really tough course too. Great ride!

[T-Bone]

Thanks for writing the report Eugen, I hadn't gotten to it, due to other stuff occupying me.

Eugen's basically said it all, though i measured 87km. Also, we should mention the headwind on the outward leg which really put the suffering in as the 2nd lap began. From my timing during the time trial, we completed the first lap with an average of 37.5km/h, time of 1:09 (approx), so we were doing pretty well, but as always, the further you travel, the more you suffer.

I have to thank Eugen and Kieran for all the great work they did, as me and Fouad were really suffering, i just couldn't find any power after a while. Kieran did some great work on the front keeping us moving, and Eugen made sure we were together with plenty of pushes to keep us together, still don't know how he does it.

With 4km to go, my legs gone, and my head starting to spin, i just had to stop for a while, i think the heat and full on riding had done me in.

Anyway, i'm happy with our performance on such a difficult course, and predict some big improvements for next year. With some more specific training with each other, and knowledge of the course i'm sure we'll be able to move ourselves into contention.

One thing to know about time trials is there's never any rest, you have to push up the hills, and work even harder down them. I'll be looking forward to next years event with the boys, with another year in my legs, i'm sure the power will last in my legs longer.

[T-Bone]

Just to clarify, it wasn't lack of drinks, as we all had sports drinks, but we should have carried 1 bottle of each water and sports drink in order to douse ourselves for cooling. We now know this for next time.

[FAswad]

I wrote this report last night, immediately after I had read Eugene's report. But could not post as the Forum kept dropping out...

Here's my take

TTT = very very very hard. This is an understatement.

But first credit where its due:
Eugene, for good leadership, all the shoves and pushes up the climbs, especially when my legs would no longer turn (literally), and taking more than a fair share of pulls into the wind. You are a machine.

Kieran, for chugging along like a machine for the entire duration of the race taking more than a fair share of pulls into the wind. And that final pull into the finish line.

James. I cannot begin to understand how you were still taking pulls well into the second lap. I can steal hear Eugene yelling for you to fall back and save your legs.

This is how I saw the race unfold:
From the start line, and not knowing what to expect for my first TTT, I opted to just go along with whatever pace the first leader set. While I initially thought that the pace was bearable, it was not long before I realised we had started a bit stronger than what we needed to. Soon, however, the pace settled a bit and we were pacing at a good tempo.

Only shortly after the turn-off, for the return leg of the first lap, I started to feel the heat. I would soon pay for my first error of judgement. I had opted to carry two gatorade biddons, sacrificing a water biddon which would have been priceless for dousing my overheating body in 35-degree heat.

Now the first significant climb (at around the 30-35km mark?), the calf muscle starts to cramp a bit, and I start to plead for an easier pace up the climb. James throws in a joke to distract my mind from my suffering body (Only 50Ks to go...). The calf cramp is usually an indicator that my entire leg would soon follow. But it is also something that only happens to me after I had resumed riding after a long break. I am still debating whether a second error of judgement might have contributed to this. Should I have kept my road position? was one long training ride, and two short trainer sessions not enough to get my legs used to the seat-forward position? I know not. Surely it must have played some part. I have survived hard long rides in similar whether, and surely I would not collapse this time. WATER for sure, different riding position, possible contributing factor.

In any case we cleared the two major climbs on that return leg and, soon there we were turning (after some confusion) for our second lap.

At the 50-55km, my body was clearly telling me this was the beginning of the end. I thought to myself, give me a dead flat course and i'll go forever. But the climbs would soon finish my legs off. There we were at the first major climb after the turn off, Eugene, one minute behind me and another behind James pushing us, encouraging us to keep Keiran's wheel.

As we hit the descent before the last climb, James unravelled. a few minutes were lost there with Eugene trying to talk James into holding it together and trying to bring him back to the fold. No avail. James' legs were hollow. He pleaded for us to go. Not far off, Kieran pleaded to press along and not waste time. This must have been our only moment of confusion.

On the last climb, everything from my buttocks down cramped simultaneously. I could no longer turn my legs. I said that I was done for. Eugene's reply? GO ON. KEEP GOING. YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. Thanks Eugene for pushing me up that final climb. After that, it was all Kieran motoring along the final (10-15km??) stretch as I struggled to keep his wheel, with Eugene on my wheel to make sure all three of us made it together.

Results:
2hours 29minutes of pain and suffering. I could not clear the top tube of my bike for 10 minutes after having crossed that line. It will be weeks before my legs and body recover from this. Emotionally, I am scarred for life.

I must say that it was a great experience. I have learnt so much from this, and I guess, if I ever get the opportunity to do it again, (thats if Eugene and Kieran ever forgive me and if this club ever trusts me again for this event) it will be a different story.

All that said, (and I hate to sound like an appologist, and some might disagree with what I will say, as even i was being much harder on myself yesterday), I think the result was acceptable. We were there. We completed the race (I understand that 3 teams fell apart and could not finish?). We were some 22minutes off the winning time, but one has to remember that we were up against large clubs who send their top A-grade racers for this event.

I must also mention that, getting on the scale after I had arrived home, I had lost 5 kilos . Obvious case of severe dehydration? Lesson of the day: douse yourself. the douse some more.

Next year we will be up there.

[weiyun]

You guys are amazing! Fantastic effort. With 5kg lost, you are seriously dehydrated. Even two 750ml would not have been adequate for the hydration needs of the race.

[timyone]

nice work

[Grant Bond]

Great work guys...we all stand proud of your efforts in working as a team to fly the red flag of Dulwich Hill.

I noticed that there were plenty of bigger clubs that didnt bother to pull a team together and that shows the esprit de corp of our little club.

I think it is fantastic that we were able to field a team and it sounds like everybody gave everything that they had. You should all stand tall and proud of your achievement!

Good one!