Thinking of trying a TT

[Dan_h]

My local cycling club organise time trials on Tuesday evenings. I have been thinking of giving it a go as I could do with the motivation to improve / get fitter etc. However, I have a slight concern...

It may sound silly but how does the start work? Someone holds you up right? but what happens? Do they actually push you or just let you go or what? also how do you position the pedals? I lead with my right when I take off but do I have them flat or the raise the leading one slightly... so many questions!!

 

[Dave Davenport]

I often 'push off' at our club TT's which is a bit of a misnomer as I don't actually push just hold you up 'till you go. You can start with your legs in any position that suits and if you don't want holding up that's fine, you're only talking about a couple of seconds anyway.

 

[Dan_h]

I often 'push off' at our club TT's which is a bit of a misnomer as I don't actually push just hold you up 'till you go. You can start with your legs in any position that suits and if you don't want holding up that's fine, you're only talking about a couple of seconds anyway.

Oh, cool, so I can just start with one foot on the ground to begin with? To be honest with my fitness level a couple of seconds is unlikely to be either here or there.

Thanks for the answer.

 

[RoadBikeRecommendation]

Had the same misgivings when I did my first TT a couple of years ago. Basically just didn't want to make a fool of myself. Surprisingly easy to start when being held. Nothing to it. Just watch the feet position of the guys that go off ahead of you if you're not sure. Definitely give it a go though.

 

[montage]

When you are being held just make sure you are in a fairly easy gear, say the big chainring and towards the higher end of your cassette. Right foot in the two/three o clock position, and the first 10-15ish pedal strokes are "free" so don't be afraid to sprint a little as it won't affect your time - just don't sprint for more than a couple of seconds.

You'll get adrenaline on the start line so the chances of botching a clip in are increased - I'd take the push

 

[Dan_h]

Thanks for the advice. My bike is fixed gear anyway but it is geared at 74" so not that hard to get going. I think I will just give it a go and see what happens!

 

[Strathlubnaig]

did my first TT the other night there, got held up at the start, it was quite simple, and overall I quite enjoyed the challenge.