So I realize that November 17th isn't exactly the best time to be introducing yet another TT. But I'm being optomistic that that current good riding conditions in the Timp Foothill Trails will continue.
Last week Mr. Maddox and I were in a bit of a hurry, so we decided to ride the Dry Canyon Loop without stopping like we normally do to rave about the trail, talk about tired legs, and think up alternative uses for CarboRocket. When we finished, we noted our times, and started talking about what how the current Time Trial blogs in existence currently all lack a key element: a real mountain biking course.
Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against a trail that's almost as smooth as a sidewalk that you sprint up in 7-12 minutes. It's a good indicator of top-end fitness, or in my case, a good indicator of my lack thereof. But how often will you race a 10 minute dirt hillclimb? When have you ever ridden up without looking forward to the down?
So being the marketing geniuses that we are, we decided to fill this "gap" in the time trial market, and the Dry Loop Time Trial was born. It's certainly different than anything that's currently out there, at least locally. It even gives you options for which route to take. For instance, the new lower belt trail:
Last week Mr. Maddox and I were in a bit of a hurry, so we decided to ride the Dry Canyon Loop without stopping like we normally do to rave about the trail, talk about tired legs, and think up alternative uses for CarboRocket. When we finished, we noted our times, and started talking about what how the current Time Trial blogs in existence currently all lack a key element: a real mountain biking course.
Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against a trail that's almost as smooth as a sidewalk that you sprint up in 7-12 minutes. It's a good indicator of top-end fitness, or in my case, a good indicator of my lack thereof. But how often will you race a 10 minute dirt hillclimb? When have you ever ridden up without looking forward to the down?
So being the marketing geniuses that we are, we decided to fill this "gap" in the time trial market, and the Dry Loop Time Trial was born. It's certainly different than anything that's currently out there, at least locally. It even gives you options for which route to take. For instance, the new lower belt trail:
Photo credits to AdamAfter our initial attempt, I got an email from Maddox (co-founder). He tells me that on his way home from the ride, he asks himself "do we really want to encourage riders to go all out on that descent? I decided, hell yes!"
So there you have it, straight from the horse's mouth. Hopefully within the next couple of days, the entire loop will be in good shape and will give you a few more chances to log your times. If not, well... you now have something to train for over the winter. So check it out, ride hard, and send me your times. Nobody has done this all-out yet, so you have a good chance of being the top rung on the ladder if you act soon.
11 comments:
Smoking the pip just got serious.
This is one of the best TT ideas around. Hope the snow melts soon.
There are lots of time trials like that. The ICUP, Sundance, and Solitude series being the biggest and most popular.
Speaking of the downhill, once Jamie's trail is finished I'm planning to start a tt site for the descent. That way you can tt Clarks on the way up, and tt Jamie's on the way down.
UtRider - I guess you can add this one to the list then. Make sure you give me $10 for a numberplate and $12 to TT it first though. So are you riding with the other Mark and I today or what?
i did it in six. parsecs that is.
Ok, after talking with Mark A. I realize that there is a difference between a cross country tt and a race. Also keep in mind that given my close affiliation to the Clarks TT, I am also extremely biased in my opinion. :)
I have a business lunch of the food variety at 11:30 today, but if I finish in time I'll try to join you guys. If I get back late I may head up anyway and just ride up Dry, hoping to meet you along the trail somewhere.
Is this like NASCAR?
I think we should do a TT for AF canyon next season. From the fee booth to the summit and back. You'd have to decide whether the time to put on vest and arm warmers was worthwhile. 12 second bonus for whoever wins the sprint.
I like the idea of round trip TTs since I'm just as likely to lose a race on the down as the up.
brilliant!
I've been doing this for years already. bout time you guys caught on. My best time is 2 hours, eleventy minutes, 85 seconds. Put that in your dry pipe and smoke it.
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