TT League 2005

When I was on my way musing on how we have near perfect conditions for the Time Trial I therefore expected a good turnout, as it happened> luckily< there wasn’t. On my way I received a text from Eddi saying the course had traffic lights>> again! I almost couldn’t believe it but when I reached the village hall, Reg who had put out all 11 signs out on the course reported the same thing>> traffic lights. After a quick discussion we decided it was not feasible to hold a Time Trial but at 6-50pm there were only 6 cyclists, whom we decided we could safely manage. Due to these cyclists previously ridden the course many times and already decided they were going to anyway as they are entitled to. The road was not closed to traffic but only unsuitable for racing on with a larger number.

We had a quick rethink and decided we would hold an unofficial Time Trial with all 6 people taking their own time but Eddi & myself would start cyclists off at one-minute intervals as usual but they would not be wearing numbers (cyclists stopped their watches at the traffic light if required to by a red light). As you can imagine time was by now moving on making the light situation a factor for safety. Then 4 more cyclists turned up making us rethink again the situation but Kevin Vardy our marshal had already been dispatched and everyone was geared up to go and everything in-place. Therefore we explained the situation carefully and presumed it was understood by everyone requiring all cyclists to report their times to us personally on the night. This was how the Time Trial results have been compiled.

Therefore if any cyclists feel peeved that there are in fact results on a course with traffic lights this was our thinking processes and how this training session was managed. However the course looks like it will be unsuitable to use for the next one too but we will be having further discussions to decide the suitability of the course and whether there will be enough marshals to ensure the safety and controllability of the Time Trial for cyclist. Please keep an eye on the website for further updates.

Results

It was a dry night if slightly windy which made the conditions a little challenging for some people. We hosted 22 cyclists with Kate Knight a new TVT member coming for the first time and bringing potential new member Andy Courtnedge using a mountain bike. He was not the only rider using a mountain bike however as Kevin Varney also rode a mountain bike and both of them did excellent times. Andy 31-15 and Kevin 30-02 Well Done Lads!

There was quite a lot of Time Trial banter going on and weighing of bikes but it was decided that blue is a heavier colour than red and that if Brent took his satellite navigation off his bike he could improve his time. Watch this space! As you can see from the times there was only 2 seconds separating first and second place and plenty of competition for the ladies with 6 lady cyclists tonight.

After a nearly disastrous Time Trial season we were able to start tonight with nearly ideal conditions, consistently bright sunshine and little wind going out and helpful wind coming back. However we nearly had to cancel tonight due to a shortage of one necessary marshal at the roundabout but fortunately Reg Allum was able to ride early and finish in time to marshal.

We had thirteen riders tonight including two guests from Team Kennet Ian Adams and Vicky Jordan and an unattached rider Peter Gibbons who unfortunately was unable to finish due to a puncture at the half way point. Andrea Ledale a new TVT member rode her first TVT Time Trial in a creditable 34-34 a good start to the time trial season short though it is.

The next Time Trial is Thursday 4^th August at 7pm and I would appreciate a volunteer marshal so if you are available please contact me either on 07723019679 or email jackyastley@aol.com. Please remember if you are riding for the first time allow time to read the notices and sign the disclaimer before registration.

Sharkie Jaggard	TVT	25-10
Hugh Bannister	TVT	26-17
Mike Bond	TVT	27-02
Ian Adams	TK	27-30
Tony Stevens	TVT	28-43
Brett Whittle	TVT	28-47
Amy Butler	TVT	29-45
Jo Lewis	TVT	29-47
Amanda Stevens	TVT	32-29
Vicky Jordan	TK	32-48
Reg Allum	TVT	33-47
Andrea Ledale	TVT	34-34
Peter Gibbons	U/A	DNF

It’s that time again! So I hope your winter training is going well and according to plan and that you will be raring to go for the coming triathlon season (I wish I was). Last year we had a good response so I hope we will be as fortunate this year with your support.

The time, venue, and the course will remain the same but the entry fee as been increased to £2-00, due the vast amount administration required for this event, which I feel is still good value. For the newer members who wish to sample the great atmosphere and training benefits.

Cyclist should allow time to register, familiarize themselves with the rules and course and sign the disclaimer, warm up, and get to the start at their allotted time. Cyclists are advised:

Due to an accident last year the committee and the organizing team have completed and compiled a risk assessment, which will be displayed on every time trial event. A disclaimer has been circulated via the newsletter for comment.

All those Cyclists completing the course are required to sign the disclaimer. However, the disclaimer only has to be signed on the first ride you do in the 2005 season.

Marshals: The course is designed to be a triathlon type route with plenty of markers and a marshal on the roundabout. I would really appreciate volunteer marshals to help on the night and this involves wearing a HiViz tabard and standing at the bottom of the hill to advise cyclist and create awareness to motorists. I would like the marshal to if asked to put up the signs and take them down, arrive at 6-30pm and be in place by 7pm finishing when the last cyclist has passed the roundabout. Total time approximately 1-½ hours, without a marshal the police have the power to stop the Time Trials.

Riders start at one-minute intervals and I try to start the less experienced or slower cyclists first and the faster cyclists later who encourage the others as they pass them. The idea is everyone finishers at a similar time, everyone is most welcome whether they ride a racing bike or a mountain bike, whether they are experienced or inexperienced, club member or non club members.

As you are probably aware the village hall committee was reluctant to allow us usage of their facilities, but with negotiations they have agreed to let us use the green area at the back of the hall to park in. The 2004 season went without any problems so thank you to everyone for complying with their wishes. The toilets may be used but are restricted if children are present in the hall. The committee informed me that signs will be visible to let us know where exactly to park on the night. I would therefore ask all cyclists to be as co-operative as the situations demand to allow us to continue using this venue.

PLEASE NOTE: The first four events in this year's TVT time trial league have been cancelled due to a road closure on the course.