Time trials aren’t just for Cat. 1 racers and pros. Here are a few good reasons you should add some time trialing to your regular cycling routine even if you typically just ride for fitness and fun.
- Steady, intense effort is a powerful producer of fitness. Riding at 85-90% of your maximum heart rate for 15-30 minutes will spike your fitness for tours, centuries and weekend group rides.
- Time trial speed is practical speed. Five miles from home with a thunderstorm bearing down? Time trial to safety before the deluge hits. Suppose you get delayed by a puncture on your evening commute or fitness ride. The ability to ride hard and fast will get you home before the sun sets.
- A weekly time trial varies your training. Sure, moderately paced rides are enjoyable and not too demanding. But a steady diet of steady riding can bore you and your body. Schedule a weekly effort against the clock and you’ll have something to get excited about. Before long, you’ll notice your cruising speed is creeping up, too.
- Time trialing improves climbing ability. They’re both continuous, strenuous efforts that reward pacing and concentration. That’s why climbing and time trialing are mutually beneficial. Doing one helps the other.
I have to agree completely. I am currently doing a Strava based international 15-week 12 mile TT informal competition. Just getting off your butt, getting out there, and by repetition determining what really matters for new PRs is illuminating. You learn physiologically what works as well as subtle things about the bike. You also learn reasonable HR maximums and what is just too much effort (save that for the finish). Also it is a good “use it or lose it” type activity.