D-grade Crits in Sydney

[Bluejay87]

Oh OK you sound similar to me then. I thought it was a sign that I wasn't fit enough or something., and something that could be improved over time

[Xplora]

The improvement is the horsepower you put out for the same heart rate. This is the reason people use power meters. Measure the horsepower.

[g-boaf]

Cool. I've just got a hr monitor. After a few rides my highest hr is only 174 up a longish steady climb trying to hold the wheel of a better climber. Seems a lot less than other ppl my age who seem to be able to hold 180+ over decent intervals. Maybe I'll be able to improve that over time.

My max HR is 195, and my threshold is around 175. I can hold 170bpm reasonably okay, can push up to 175, but I know not to go redlining too far beyond that or I'll blow up. That's almost like using a power meter, just that you are working from heart rate. You can use that quite well.

If you add a power meter to this as well, you can measure your power against your heart rate, then you can find some useful metrics if you really want to get serious. I don't bother with that. But that is what Xplora is talking about.

[Bluejay87]

As your new to the race scene you have a great opportunity to get a baseline by turning up to ATTA this Sunday at Calga, I recommend the shorter 25k route. What that will give you is a baseline and then next time you turn up you can see how much you are improving. If you do come say hello, I'll be in red, long sleeved.
.

I'm finding the ATTA website difficult to understand. I think it says this Sunday there is racing at 'Gidge A' which is 39km? Don't see a 25k route on the 7th.

About the equipment, as I bought my bike second hand it came with some clip on aero bars things. Never actually used them yet. Probably not a good idea to try them out for the first time in a race I'm guessing!

[donncha]

http://www.atta.asn.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Scroll right to the bottom to see NSW. you're looking at the WA stuff.

[Bluejay87]

http://www.atta.asn.au

Scroll right to the bottom to see NSW. you're looking at the WA stuff.

Thanks!

So it starts at 8. Does that mean you get there earlier? IS there any grading to it at all, or they just let riders go at regular intervals?

[mikesbytes]

Up to you whether you use the clips but if you don't feel confident then don't. The first time is a discovery no need to be too concerned

[donncha]

So it starts at 8. Does that mean you get there earlier? IS there any grading to it at all, or they just let riders go at regular intervals?

No grading. Starts at 8, but you can sign on from 7 I think. When you sign on you pick your start time. Riders leave at 1 minute intervals.

(From memory. I haven't been there for over a year, but pretty sure that's roughly how it works)

[donncha]

Other things to note:

It's not a closed road, so there will be traffic. Traffic is usually very light, and most locals are aware of the TTs at this stage. Course is out and back, so for 25km you ride out 12.5, turn around a cone in the middle of the road and ride back. The ride out is slightly uphill, ride back slightly downhill (though there's a short, sharp climb with about 2km?? to go - just when you're hurting!)

Usually a marshall at the turn-around point, but you still need to check for traffic!!

[Bluejay87]

Cool thanks for the info. I'll give it a go if it is good weather.
Was going to go to waratah park on Sunday but as the TT is only monthly I may as well try that.

Is the race near any casual bike paths or anything? My fiance is coming with me and she wants to go for a casual ride after. Just wondering whether we should cycle there or somewhere back home.

[donncha]

The TT or Waratah Park?

The TT is on a rural road, so not sure if there are any bike paths around, though to be honest I've never looked.

Never been to Waratah Park, so can't help you there either I'm afraid

[Derny Driver]

Waratah park Sutherland ? Tricky course and nowhere for your girl to ride after. Why don't you make a day of it and travel 1 hour south of sutho to illawarra. Flat easy 4.5 km course. 4 laps out and back = 3rd. This week is a handicap with prizemoney. Check website for program. After race you can ride the blue mile bike path along the beach and wollongong harbour. Have lunch or coffee at one of the cafes. Try it one Sunday.

[Bluejay87]

Waratah park Sutherland ? Tricky course and nowhere for your girl to ride after. Why don't you make a day of it and travel 1 hour south of sutho to illawarra. Flat easy 4.5 km course. 4 laps out and back = 3rd. This week is a handicap with prizemoney. Check website for program. After race you can ride the blue mile bike path along the beach and wollongong harbour. Have lunch or coffee at one of the cafes. Try it one Sunday.

That does sound like a good idea.

Can't seem to find much info about that though. Are you talking about Illawara Cycling Club website? Don't see much about it on here http://www.illawarracycleclub.org.au/gcal" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Derny Driver]

Waratah park Sutherland ? Tricky course and nowhere for your girl to ride after. Why don't you make a day of it and travel 1 hour south of sutho to illawarra. Flat easy 4.5 km course. 4 laps out and back = 36km. This week is a handicap with prizemoney. Check website for program. After race you can ride the blue mile bike path along the beach and wollongong harbour. Have lunch or coffee at one of the cafes. Try it one Sunday.

[Derny Driver]

Yeah its not a good website. Members get emails saying what's going on.
I have
Sun 7th 36km handicap at Huntley
Sat 13th Illawarra Track Open at Unanderra velodrome
Sun 14 Country championships at Unanderra velodrome
Sun 14th 36km scratch race at Huntley
Sun 21st Club Criterium championships at MM beach Port Kembla
Sun 28th 36k handicap at Huntley

[Bluejay87]

I just saw that NSCC is having a race at Beaumont Rd tomorrow, which for some reason isn't on cabici.net.

What do people think of these hot dog circuits for a beginner?

[ironhanglider]

I just saw that NSCC is having a race at Beaumont Rd tomorrow, which for some reason isn't on cabici.net.

What do people think of these hot dog circuits for a beginner?

How often do you do U turns in a bunch? If the answer is never then it is probably not a good choice for a first race. If the road is wide then it might be ok.

Cheers,

Cameron

[Xplora]

Hot dog circuit is a great place for a beginner - there is only one place to (*&% up, and that's a corner, and you only get a couple of them. The sharper corners appear more dangerous, but riders take them seriously. The longer corners are a mess, because people assume they will be treated seriously but they clearly offer opportunities to pass as the red mist takes over.

[Bluejay87]

Thanks. I did go to Beaumont rd in the end where they had a decent d grade. Very good practice racing I found. Definitely need to work on my cornering and race craft

[ironhanglider]

Cheers,

Cameron