Chelmer Cycling Club

A Time Trial is an event where all the participants start separately at one minute intervals. Each rider is given a number, which is related to his start time.

Say the event is due to start at 7.00pm in the evening. Competitor number 1 will be timed off at 7.01pm and if he crosses the finish line at 7.26pm, then the time keeper takes 7.01 from 7.26 to give his riding time of 25 minutes. A rival may start at as number 10 (at 7.10) and finish at 7.34, thus he has taken 24 minutes and would be placed ahead of rider number 1. The winner of the event is the rider that completes the course in the shortest time.

Time Trial Races

The minimum distance for a time trial is generally 10 miles but shorter races are permitted. Most races are at either fixed distances (10. 25, 50 and 100 miles) or fixed time (12 and 24 hours). Riders start at one minute intervals and cover the course as fast as they are able, alone and without taking pace from other competitors or vehicles. When a competitor gets caught by another one, the regulations require the overtaken rider to fall back to a distance behind the overtaking one, to where he/she is getting no shelter or help from the faster rider. At least 50 yards/metres is required.

Time Trials are ideal for those riders who are not-so-fit, but would still like to compete. There good fun and don't require the level of commitment that is required for a massed start event.

Do I need a special bike?

Any bike will do, though the special 'low profile' bikes favoured by expert time trial riders can give a few seconds advantage in an event. However, the advantages of these specialised machines is greatly exaggerated and a good rider on a standard bike will always beat an average rider with all the latest 'gizmos'.

If you can ride ten miles in under 24 minutes, then a special bike will have some small benefits for you, but until then it's better to concentrate on your training. A carefully planned training programme will reduce your time far more than spending money on specialised bike parts.

A Chelmer member rides a Local Event

What if I am very slow?

Who cares! If you are very much slower than the others in our club events, we will encourage you to start on an 'early number'. We have riders that can cover ten miles in 20 minutes, while a slower rider may take about 35 minutes for the same distance. The object is for you to try to beat your personal best time. You will probably not beat Lance Armstrong, but if you aim for a P.B. each week, you will soon be able to record a respectable time. You will also have the satisfaction of steadily improving.

What is the minimum age I can ride in a Time Trial

The official minimum age is 12 years, (with parental consent) though we would also need to be sure that you can ride responsibly on a public road, before you would be allowed to start

What is the maximum age I can ride at in a Time Trial?

We allow all competent riders up to the age of 100, but older riders are required to bring both their parents!

However, we have riders of over 70 who have competed in 12 hour time trials and our current club record for over 70's in this event is 226 miles. The 'Chelmer' is the club to join for help and assistance in getting started as we have not only the best coaching facilities in the country, but also members with the experience of a lifetime of cycling.

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Chelmer Cycling Club

Established 1947

A Club for Every Age & Ability!

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