Today was my first attempt at a 10 mile time trial, after having a go at a 25 a few weeks back. The day started ok, then weather was sunny and dry and i turned up on time.
After pinning on my numbers it was time for a warm up, i am still working out what works but I go it my heart rate up and i felt ok.
After returning to the car for a last minute drink it was off to start.
Sat inline chatting to the guy who was due off in front of me, i was nervous but was looking forward to the impending pain!
Then it was time, the countdown hit 5 then go, and off i went. Initially sprinting to get up to speed and then settling into what felt like a good rhythm.
Initially the course has a slight uphill drag and there felt like a slight headwind but i was still going at what seemed like a good pace.
After about 4km i could see my minute man, i appeared to be gaining on him and as i raced onwards i was certainly catching him.
I approached the first roundabout with him clearly in my sights, and i heard the sound of rushing air followed by a loss of speed and that dragging sound only made by a flat tyre. I had a rear wheel puncture.
So there i was at the side of the road 5km from the start with a flat and no way of repairing it. My options appeared to be two fold, ride back slowly hoping not to damage my Zipp wheel or walk.
However, the Marshall on the roundabout had another idea, as i was one of the last to start off, he said once the last rider had gone through he had a spare wheel in the back of his car i could borrow to ride back on.
Well, this was an offer i could not refuse, and shortly after I had replaced the punctured Zipp with a Mavic cosmic. I rode back to then HQ trying not to get too upset although i was gutted.
On my return, i swapped wheels with the heroic Marshall and asked for his favourite charity so i could make a donation to express my gratitude.
Needless to say i have made the donation and also written to the organiser to thank the marshall again.
It’s funny though to him it did not seem a big deal, but to me it was an act of extreme kindness and one i was so grateful for.
What next then? Well no more TT’s planned although i am off to Silverstone in a few weeks for some timed laps so that should be fun, after that i am considering getting a bike fit on the TT bike to sort out my position.
Three Times The Effort 