Why Ride the Time Trials?
Thinking of Riding the Time Trials at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
Regardless of a cyclist's race experience or ability, you can participate in the Time Trials at Charlotte Motor Speedway. A Time Trial is known as "The Race of Truth" because it's all about one rider and the clock. Time Trialing is unlike a Road or Criteriums race because the rider is unable to hide in the pack, sit off the back of the group drafting. In a Time Trial race, the riders is not permitted to draft (ride closely behind or to the side) other riders. Basically, it's just you riding against the clock with the shortest time winning.
The increasing popularity of Time Trial racing lies in the fact that every racer rides the same course with the same conditions as everyone else. You compete with friends and club members as well as local, State, National and International champions. Although you may finish many minutes behind the event or category winner, the real race is against yourself. Yes, you will be racing others in your category, but the biggest satisfaction comes when you ride hard and record a personal best time. Then, each race thereafter you can try to beat your new best time.
The Time Trials at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be enjoyed by men or women and riders with all levels of riding capability. You don't need to be fast. You just need a desire to push yourself and compete for your best time. Unlike Criteriums and Road Races, you don't need to worry about high speed turns, riding in a pack nor seeing the pack drop you out on some lonely road for the big mean dogs to come and get you. While on the track, you don't need to be concerned with auto traffic, cross roads, stop lights or even potholes. We believe Charlotte Motor Speedway makes for the best venue for Time Trialing. You'll never forget the speed and experience of racing at the hallowed Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The Time Trial at Charlotte Motor Speedway is 10 miles long. Riders are set off at intervals and timed to see how long it takes them to complete the course. It doesn't matter who crosses the finish line first. The winner in each category is the rider who records the shortest time. Please refer to the Event and Time Trial Rules & Guidelines for specific instruction for riding a Time Trial.
To start time trialing, all you need is a safe, race-worthy bike, an approved cycling helmet and the desire to discover your best. If your just starting we suggest that you secure loose clothes so they won't get caught in the chain or other parts of the bike. This also cut down on the wind resistance helping you go faster. As your time trialing skills increase, you may want to look at specialized equipment made specifically for Time Trialing. Your local bike shop can help you with these items. Beyond your own ability, reducing the wind resistance and becoming more aerodynamic will help increase your speed and reduce your total race time. 10 Common Time Trial Mistakes
All riders must sign up at the registration desk, read and agree with the Event & Time Trial Rules. If you're under 18, your parents or legal guardian will need to have signed a consent form, allowing you to compete. Riders don't have to be a member of any specific cycling club to race the TT series but we encourage you to join one of the bike clubs that are associated with the Carolina Cycling Time Trial Assoc. Associated Bike Clubs.
If you have questions when you're at the track, don't hesitate to ask any of the other riders. By and large cyclists are a great group of people that will be pleased to give you some hints or advice. If you can't find someone to speak with or need something specific, come to the Information Tent that is positioned near the start area.
The Time Trials at Charlotte Motor Speedway are intended as a fun, community event that all can enjoy. This is your chance to see how you stack up with your friends, neighbors as well as many cycling champions. Ride often and see how your times compare from event to event.
We encourage you to have your family and friends come to the track infield to watch the event and cheer you on as your race on the big oval. There is no charge for spectators. Time trialing is fun and exciting. We know with some training, you'll be surprised how quickly your times will drop, then sooner then you'll believe possible, you'll be looking to contend for that Category Track Record.
We hope to see you at the track real soon, for a ride that you won't soon forget.
Although this is an old video, it provides the flavor of the TT @ LMS. Many improvements have been added since this clip was produced in 2004. Click her for short You Tube video.
