The course started at the junction of Spook Hill and the A24 just past North Holmwood. It was a Lumpy 5 miles down to the Clarkes Green Roaundabout just past Capel and then back to North Holmwood.
The weather was warm and clear, a tailwind for the route out and the dreaded headwind for the return.
This was my second ever Time Trial and I was a little more mentally prepared. I had also borrowed a pair of clip on Aero bars to apparently make me go faster, although fixing these to the bike I didn't use them as they felt somewqhat loose and precarious.
I started from a seted and clipped in position this time, Unlike my start at the Sporting 14 TT in February. I felt that little bit more confident and I think it actually helped a little.
Alas as I joined the A24 all aspirations of flying down the route in an effortless haze went quickly out the window. I went too hard and quickly felt my legs radiating that slow burning feeling. I eased off and tried to focus on finding a rythm and maintaining a comfortable cadence. All the while chastising myself for, what could only be nervous excitement interfeering with a steady start.
The first rise in the road caught me by surpeise as I hadn't really found a rythm at all and it was swiftly followed by my chasing rider overtaking me, 30seconds down already.
It wasn't until I went through Beare Green that I found a cadence and effort that was at the upper limits of comfortable and something I felt I could maintain for the duration.
I was overtaken by quite a few other riders but was comfortable in my efforts and thouroghly enjoyed the long pedalling sweep around the Capel Rouandabout for the return leg. This is where the head wind came into play. A very useful lesson in cycling aerodynamics, the balance of getting as low and lat as possible whilst still being able to turn the pedals comfortably. It probably would have helped to use the TT bars but they just were not secure enough for me to feel confident on them at the 15 - 30mph that I was fluctuating between. Despite the headwind the return leg was more comfortable for me as I knew I didn't have to 'save' anything and I was comfortable with my effort and pace.
I raced through the finish line and completed the course in 31:26 an average of 19.1mph, alot better than it felt I assure you.
The Club 10's are held fortnightly with the next one on the 8th May, so I'm looking forawrds to that, I have now ridden the course and have some time to sort out the aero bars. Perhaps a sub 30m time????
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