AAVC 2021 Time Trial Series
AAVC Time Trial Series - 2021
Details, dates and event information
WHAT - The ‘TT Series 2021’ is a bi-weekly, casual, free event for AAVC members to compete individually against the clock on a looped course. Ride it once, ride a few or ride them all...these events are intended to be challenging, social and fun. Events are open to all AAVC members regardless of ability or experience and everyone is welcome.
WHEN - First event is Saturday 1st May. It will run until late September every two weeks on a Saturday morning at 8am.
WHERE - The loop course is north of Chelsea. Click here for: Event Parking is at the brand new trail parking lot at the junction of North Territorial and the ‘52’ Chelsea - Stockbridge Road. There is ample free parking and basic restroom facilities.
COURSE INFORMATION
The course is a clockwise loop starting and finishing just past the entrance to the parking lot on North Territorial. The Strava segment is called ‘AAVC TT #1’ and can be found here. This is a brand new segment made for this event. The course is 11.46 miles in length and is challenging
in nature. It can be divided into 3 segments.
The start to Stofer Road heading east on North Territorial. This is lumpy with a couple of challenging climbs. A good warm up will be essential as this course starts with a bang. The trail will provide a good chance to warm up rather than using North Territorial prior to the event.
The turn at Stofer Road gas station to the roundabout on the 52. This is the downhill section and whilst it undulates, speeds should be high.
The roundabout on the 52 back to the finish. This has some longish drags and descents.
DATES - All are Saturdays for consistency. Start time is 8am.
May 1st, 15th, 29th
June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
COVID
Please follow all current State Orders and Directives www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/
Masks should be worn when within 6’ of others. Please use common sense and respect your fellow riders so everyone can race and stay safe.
If you have been sick or around others that have been sick in the 7 days leading up to the event, please stay home. If you get sick within 3 days after an event, please notify Rob at robertnoble75@hotmail.com or via Slack
RIDER SAFETY
The course is on ‘open roads’ meaning there is traffic on the course. There are no marshals present and it is each rider’s responsibility to know the course, be self supported and follow the rules of the road. 8am on a Saturday morning has been specifically chosen as traffic volume should be low. There are 3 right hand turns on the course at Stofer Road, the roundabout on the 52 and the turn onto North Territorial just before the finish.
Turn 1 is a sweeping right hander and can be taken at speed.
Turn 2 at the roundabout can be taken at speed depending on the traffic coming from the left when the rider is approaching. Follow the ‘give way’ rule here. Traffic coming from the left has the right of way and riders must yield.
Turn 3 from the 52 onto North Territorial is a sharp, slow turn and caution is advised. From there it’s a sprint downhill to the finish.
Helmets are mandatory. Front and rear lights are strongly encouraged. Headphones are not allowed. Don’t cross the centre line. Ride as far to the right as is safe to do so. Pass other riders on the left with a friendly “passing/on your left” shout. There are a few potholes on the 52 to be aware of especially on the northern section. Please keep your head up at all times.
WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL
Parking is free. Restrooms are next to the parking lot. The B2B trail heading south is perfect for warming up prior to rider start time. There will be a copy of the start order pinned for viewing.
First rider is away at 8am. Riders then leave at 1 minute intervals. Please arrive on time. If a rider is running late, they are welcome to start as the last person off.
RESULTS AND PRIZES
Results will be published asap after the event and shared on the Slack channel #time-trials
Prizes will be awarded in various categories at the end of the series. These include: Top 3 female, Top 3 male, Best Junior female, Best Junior male, most improved rider, best first timer in a TT event. There are no week to week prizes, just the glow you feel when you beat that PR! To qualify for prizes, please fill out the sign up sheet in full so data can be captured. Further prizes will be added if we can secure sponsor swag and those categories will be announced.
TIMING
There is no official timekeeper for these events. Timing will be based on the Strava segment.
Riders will start at 1 minute intervals in order of the sign up list. The 1 minute is approximate and should be at the best guess of the next rider (Remember, this is a ‘casual’ event ;) )
All riders MUST be part of the AAVC STRAVA CLUB. All uploaded rides must be made public (which is the default setting). The title of the ride should be AAVC TT followed by the date. These requirements help to collect the information in a timely manner and will ensure that nobody is missing from the results. All riders must ride through the segment to record a time.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AN EVENT
Several days prior to each event, a GOOGLE SHEET will be sent out to everyone via email. Please populate the event sheet in order by taking the next available time slot. Once you choose your start time, this is confirmed. A printed copy will be available on event day. Please don’t amend anything on this sheet or change rider order. Closing time for sign up will be 8pm on Friday night. However, if you still wish to ride, just come along on the Saturday morning and add your name at the end of the start list.
FAQs
Do I need to be a member of AAVC? YES. Buy membership here. Membership is not sold at the event.
Can I ride any bike? YES. As long as it’s roadworthy and safe.
Does that include tandems? YES. And mountain bikes and unicycles.
What if I have a problem on the course? All riders should be self supported using a bike in good working order. If you ‘can’t get home’ then call Rob on 415 400 6776 to arrange pick up.
Can I draft during the event? NO. Drafting is considered within 5 bike lengths for 15 seconds or more. This is a free, club event so nobody is going to enforce this rule. Just don’t do it, it’s not cool.
What if it’s raining? We ride, rain or shine. Only severe weather conditions will cancel the event. This will be posted on Slack on the morning of the event.
Communication for this event will be on the #time-trials channel on Slack.
What time should I arrive for the event? First rider away is 8am. Please allow time to warm up and get ready. Suggestion for arrival is 730am.
I’ve never ridden a time trial before! No worries. Neither have a lot of people. It’s not as daunting as you may think. It’s just rider versus the clock and the competition is yourself. AAVC are a friendly bunch and there will be folks to help those new or unsure. Just turn up, get involved and give it your best shot. Everyone is welcome!
Will there be other time trials throughout the year? Yes, we have plans for other events but this one is the regular fixture. Who should I connect with if I have questions? You can reach out to Rob Noble on Slack via the #time-trial channel.