The basics of a TT are this:
- Takes place on a road as either an out and back or large circle course.
- Sometimes the course is closed to traffic, other times you share the road. But the sponsors have people at the corners and intersections to make it safe.
- Racers go out every 30 to 60 seconds to spread you out safetly over the course
- You can NOT draft (unless you are a team in a 2 person or 4 person TT)
- When you pass you cannot hang in the persons draft in a while. You need to go around the left and pass.
- Unlike road races and crits, you cannot touch another rider. I liked this rule as I have no desire to be bumped while on a bike going 20+ mph.
- Most common are individual, 2-person and 4-person TT. I've done both individual and 2 person TTs. There is a huge mental factor on the 2 person as you have to be so alert and in sync with your partner at all times. When you are going at high speeds only inches from your partner's rear wheel, you can't let your mind drift for fear of crashing. I found the 2 person TT exhausting both mentally and physically. I wont even consider a 4 person TT.
- In the winter months they hold TT indoors on trainers. The person who goes the farthest during the specified period of time wins.
- Competitors are broken up by age group, sex and masters categories. So you are not competing against someone 20 years younger.
The only draw back to TT is that they are usually held somewhere far out in the country away from high traffic areas. So my normal commute is 1-2 hours to get to the race. And then you are only racing 18-40K. Many people will purchase two slots. The first is a "warm-up" ride. The second they go full out.
So if you are looking for a great way to simulate race day in a safe and controlled environment, I can highly recommend a Time Trial.
Enjoy the ride,
Sheri
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