Time Trials in Hamilton

• Time Trials in Hamilton 

The time trial. What is it? What's the point? I don't know, but I did one to learn a bit more. Here's what I learned. In cycling, it is a racing event. Generally a shorter distance, however it challenging in its simplicity. No drafting. No bunches. Generally, I think, not alot of hills. Just pedalling. Oh there is wind. I wish there wasn't, but there is.

This time trial event was part of the Hamilton City Cycling Club (HCCC) series. It was 25km long, or thereabouts, leaving from Horsham Downs area, down Bankier road and all of those. Nervousness could be described as the dominant feeling approaching the start line. A vertical line, tyre to tyre. None of this side by side stuff. 30 seconds to go.

30 seconds was the time between each cyclist heading off to begin their effort. I was somewhere near the back of the line as, as usual, I had mis-judged the travelling time and greatly under-estimated the wind heading out to the event. Wind, which I might say did not fill me with confidence as I battled against it merely commuting to the event. Made it though. Barely.

Back in line. Chilling, waiting, trying to keep the nerves in check. Moving forward every thirty seconds while awkwardly straddling my bike, I coudnt help but look around at all the other competitors. I was on a road bike. Some people were on time-trial bikes with special super aerodynamic positions. Behind me, I heard familiar voice. It was Tyler Burbage, an elite level cyclist with all the fancy bikes and know-how.

My turn came. Off I went. Full commitment from the get go. The thing about having someone 30 seconds ahead of you is it gives you a target to follow and catch-up to. The thing about having someone leaving 30 seconds after you, it makes you pedal harder so as not to get caught.

I got caught. I also caught others. Call it even. The second lap began. The wind picked up, it proved stronger, more blustery against my bike. Grippng hard, I pedalled fiercly against the wind. The headwind stopped with the left-hand turn. The crosswind whipped at the side down Ballard road. I knew what was coming at the next turn. Ahead of me lay the crossing. closer and closer it drew. At the side of the road stood the sing sinalling intersection in 200 metres. Turning the corner for the last hill presented the tail wind to take me back. Suddenly, while holding 36km/hr, there he was. Tyler Burbage passed me before I finished. I was caught. Oh well, no time for that. Time trialing continued. And that it did. It also ended rather spectacularly.

• Sometimes I try to be Aero... keyword, try. 

What is the takeaway from all this? Well time-trialling is quite fun. It is definitely, in my opinion a safer form of racing or at least less mentally taxing in regards to constantly high alert levels. What are your thoughts and experiences? Leave a comment below and share.