race report: tuesday night time trials, week one

05/16/2014
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The first mile, still smiling.

Thirteen miles of all-out pain pedaling kicked off my 2014 race season last week. 

I raced week one of Twin Cities Spoke Tuesday Night Time Trials, and in between rolling hills and a wicked headwind, there was nonstop smiling. 

Nick and I arrived around 6:15p, and I quickly registered (arriving late, I was near the end at #49), changed and headed out for a 20-minute warm-up with Julia. About eight miles later, I swapped my long sleeves for arm warmers and lined up on County Road 19, where I shivered for about 10 minutes before starting. Spring hasn’t really arrived yet; it was only around 60 degrees and cloudy. 

Given it was my first race since October, I was a bit nervous, but as soon as I got the starting push, the butterflies disappeared and I was off, peaking near 300 watts… because excited energy to be biking!

Coach wanted me starting off conservative the first couple miles, so I held back a bit – and, at the turn onto Hamel had to brake, watts falling well below my target, and maneuvered so I didn’t hit one of the bazillion potholes.

The first eight miles featured a mean headwind, lots of rollers and being passed by insanely fast dudes in skin suits and shoe covers. After a few eff bombs – because WIND – the turn onto Medina Road appeared… hooray for five miles to the finish with a tailwind! Even with it, though, those last few miles were painful. My legs were toast and several times I thought there could be barfing. What kept me pushing: The one guy just ahead of me for all of the race. With about 1.5 miles to go, I caught him on an uphill.

Overall, I’m fairly happy with how it went. Sure, I wanted my average watts to be a bit higher, but it was the first race of the season… a good test of fitness after a long winter (and spring) on the trainer – and, a good benchmark going forward.

official results | 35:43, 21.5 mph, ~215-watt average, 5th in open class, 2nd AG.

Shout-out to Coeur Sports for the most stylish and comfortable kit around (the seamless chamois!) and Osmo Nutrition for keeping me hydrated! Thank you! #stylishspeed #womenarenotsmallmen

Downhill to the finish… I was beat, but still having fun (even though I’m not smiling!)…

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about the course

TnT follows a new one-loop course this year. Starting at Baker Park in Medina, it loops clockwise, partially following last year’s course; it finishes on a fun downhill that was the turnaround in 2013. It’s a great course, as I’d rather ride a loop than an out-and-back (especially because I’m not very good at turning a tight left… am I the only one?!). But, there are a few sharp corners with giant potholes (the first turn in particular), which require some careful navigation and a bit too much slowdown. 

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27 Comments

  • Reply Kecia 05/16/2014 at 4:50 pm

    Yahoo!! Those are some pretty amazing stats for the first race of the season!! Way to go lady!! We have a TT here that I am strongly considering doing, though I think I’m going to go watch the first one since I’ve never done a TT race before (and it is the week before Kansas)…I’ve got butterflies just thinking about it 😉

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:02 am

      Thank you, Kecia! It was a fun race! You should definitely do that TT in your neighborhood… they are a blast! It’s more just riding your bike, HARD, for the duration and not really “racing” anyone 🙂 Kansas is right around the corner… excited for you!

  • Reply Mom 05/17/2014 at 8:22 am

    Wow-21 mph!!! I can only do that with a good tail wind! Great to have something you love doing so much!

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:03 am

      Thanks, Mom! Biking is my happy place! You and Dad should bring your bikes on your next visit!

  • Reply Mom 05/17/2014 at 8:24 am

    Your dad says: “you are good! I am impressed!”

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:03 am

      Thank you, Dad! 🙂

  • Reply Kristina 05/17/2014 at 9:10 am

    How speedy! Sounds like it was fun (in a painful way) too!

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:04 am

      Super fun and painful indeed, Kristina! Thanks!

  • Reply Julia 05/17/2014 at 3:29 pm

    Hey would love to see those pics though my bike fit is 180 deg different now THANK GOODNESS! 🙂 Lets hope we can hit the water soon too:) Good work!!!

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:05 am

      I’ll email you the pics, Julia! Nick got some good ones. SO glad your bike fit is getting dialed in! OWS = YES! Great job to you, too, at the TT! Hope the du went well this weekend 🙂

  • Reply Change of Pace 05/17/2014 at 4:17 pm

    Congratulations, Speedy!! It must feel good to have the first race of the season behind you, and a good one at that!
    Riding into the wind can be so frustrating and tough. Your numbers are pretty amazing to me; I can’t imagine them without the headwind.
    We’ve had a super windy spring, too. Kelly’s been riding to work for about six weeks now. I swear whether he’s going to work or coming home he has a headwind!

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:07 am

      Thanks, Abby! Was a super fun way to kick off the season 🙂 When is your first race?

      I think it’s been windy everywhere! Love that Kelly bike commutes… how far does he ride each way? I wish my work was closer, but 30 miles is a bit far to commute daily.

  • Reply Kristen @ Glitter and Dust 05/17/2014 at 9:03 pm

    Looking fast and strong and happy (and gorgeous, as always) on that Argon 18! You are definitely speedy, woman!!!

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:15 am

      Awww… thanks so much, Kristen! Hope you’re having an awesome weekend of training and are kicking that pneumonia’s butt!

  • Reply Amy 05/18/2014 at 8:36 am

    Wow! That looks like so much (scary) fun. You always look so comfortable on your bike-have you always been a confident cyclist? Or did it take some practice?

    • Reply erin 05/18/2014 at 9:23 am

      So much scary fun, Amy! Thank you! Hmm… it took some saddle time to get comfortable. I learned to bike with a great group of guys and had an awesome coach… they taught me so much! And, I try not to over think about all the things that could go wrong when I’m riding… if I did, I don’t know that I’d ride!

  • Reply carrisamarie 05/19/2014 at 5:27 am

    Way to go Erin! 13 miles in 35 minutes?! That’s so speedy!!! And of course you look absolutely stylish!

    • Reply erin 05/20/2014 at 7:06 am

      Thanks, lady! All thanks to my Coeur kit 🙂 #stylishspeed

  • Reply Erin 05/19/2014 at 11:51 am

    You’re not working hard enough if you’re smiling…. 🙂

    • Reply erin 05/20/2014 at 7:06 am

      Ha! That was the first mile before it really started hurting 😉

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 05/19/2014 at 3:28 pm

    So FAST!!!! Looks like fun! I am sure those pics where captured at the perfect moment!! I have never done a TT in a race setting before!! I know you have working super hard on getting faster!! It is totally paying off!! 🙂

    • Reply erin 05/20/2014 at 7:08 am

      You should definitely do one if there’s one in your ‘hood, Leslie! Tons of fun and a great way to test bike fitness! So that’s what all those hours on the trainer this winter were for! 😉

  • Reply Kristin (@SweatCourage) 05/20/2014 at 2:06 pm

    You are a speed demon! Awesome job with the time trial. I love your kit, so pretty. Headwinds can be brutal, but it looks like you still kicked butt!

  • Reply Kristen L 05/20/2014 at 11:07 pm

    Wow! That sounds pretty awesome and fun!! Way to start the season off strong! It’s always a little nerve wracking to see where you are after a long racing break. If say you are set up for a great 2014!!

  • Reply Beth 05/21/2014 at 11:30 am

    Kick ass girl! You look so happy! I need some of that speed (and happy) on my bike. Lol! Congrats!

  • Reply hyedi 05/21/2014 at 11:38 am

    Very impressive! Congrats on a great time trial 🙂

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