AAVC 2022 Time Trials
Time Trial Series - 2022
Details, dates and event information
What: The ‘TT Series 2022’ is a series of free events for AAVC members to compete individually against the clock on various courses in the area. Last year we had 1 course, this year we will have 4 including a gravel version! Ride an event 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: The events will either be on a Saturday morning at 8am (2 per month). The 8am Saturday event will start on the 7th May.
All rider are required to sign the event waiver on BikeReg HERE. Each individual need to sign up only once for the whole season.
The Chelsea Course (same as 2021).
Saturday morning 8am. Event Parking is at the trail parking lot at the junction of North Territorial and the ‘52’ Chelsea - Stockbridge Road. There is ample free parking and basic restroom facilities. Same route as 2021.
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. 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.
All riders are required to sign the event waiver on BikeReg here. Each individual needs to sign up only once for the whole season.
Saturday morning 8am. The start is at the junction of Pines River Drive and Huron River Drive (HRD). Click here for the Strava segment called AATC TT HRD-Miller. It’s 8.31 rolling miles. Please note there is a stop sign on this course and riders must turn around on Miller - please use caution.
Head east on HRD, turn right on N Maple, turn right at the second roundabout, there is a stop sign at Miller, turn right onto Miller and go to Zeeb where you safely turn around (the road will be marked with ‘turn’), head back to the roundabout where you turn left onto N Wagner and finish before the road joins HRD.
Dates
Saturday: 5/7, 5/21, 6/4, 6/18, 7/2, 7/16, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27, 9/10, 9/24.
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. This year, due to the expansion of the TT programme, depending on the course there may be left and right turns, stop signs and a 180 degree turn. Courses and time of the events have been chosen for minimal traffic.
Helmets are mandatory. Front and rear lights are strongly encouraged. Headphones are not allowed. Don’t cross the center 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. Please keep your head up at all times. Follow the road rules. On the Miller course, be sure you can make the 180 degree turn safely. On the HRD out and back course, be careful entering back onto HRD at the halfway point. On the gravel course there are 2 stop signs.
It is recommended to pre ride the courses so riders are familiar with the route, turns and other features.
Timing
There is no official timekeeper for these events. Timing will be based on the Strava segment.
Riders will start at 1 minute intervals. 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 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. Different from last year. Riders should record their own time on the TT spreadsheet. This will be based on honesty and times of riders will be randomly checked to ensure accuracy. You MUST note on the spreadsheet if you rode the Eddy Merckx category. Here are the rules for Eddy Merckx.
The following items are prohibited for the Eddie Merckx event:
Time Trial Bikes
Aero Frames builded for TT bikes with all flat tubes (airfoil look) adapted to be a road bike.
Fixed Gears
Disc Wheels
Aero/TT helmets
Face Shields
Skinsuits (You must wear separate bib and jersey)
Shoe covers
Wheel rims deeper than 58mm (404 Zipp race wheels or less).
The peak of the saddle is limited to the center of a vertical plane passing through the bottom bracket spindle, in no circumstances shall the peak of the saddle extend in front of the said vertical line.
Results and Prizes
Results will be available once riders input times into the spreadsheet. Note - if times are not entered onto the spreadsheet then those times will be unavailable and therefore cannot be used for awards. Uploaded times should only be from the day of an event.
Prizes will be awarded in various categories at the end of the series. To qualify for prizes, please fill out the spreadsheet with your times.
FAQs
Do I need to be a member of AAVC? YES. Buy membership here. Membership is not sold at the events.
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 please ensure you are carrying a
phone and have a way of contacting someone for assistance.
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. Event cancellation will be posted on Slack prior to the event.
Communication for this event will be on the #time-trials channel on Slack.
How do I sign up for an event? Unlike 2021, you don’t need to! Just turn up and ride.
Events will be posted in Slack with the ‘Going’ or ‘Maybe’ badge.
What time should I arrive for the event? Saturday morning rides start at 8am,
Wednesday evening rides start at 6pm. A warm up is suggested prior to your ride.
10. What do I do when I arrive? Get warmed up! There is no official start order. You can
depart whenever you wish, leaving at least 1 minute between riders.
11. 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!
12. Who should I connect with if I have questions? You can reach out to Rob Noble on Slack via the #time-trial channel or a direct message.
13. Here is the link again for the BikeReg event waiver. All riders must sign this. click here