Richmond Park Team Trial
Posted on Saturday 15 August 2009 by Bob Davis
Sunday 9th August saw the first of the Richmond Park pilot Time Trials run by London Dynamo on closed roads in the Park before it opened in the morning – first rider off at 06.00 and last at 07.00. Those of you who have the odd spin round the park will know it as a desirable little circuit with a few hilly bits, and it is all the more desirable with no cars. (Quite a few people use it after dark in the winter – you can get in when the gates are shut unless there is a deer cull.) The idea is for it to be like the Blenheim Palace TT which some in Central London CTC have sampled.
I set off from home at 05.00, passing clubbers going IN to Harlesden clubs. I never knew I could get up at 04.30.
Fine day, nice to be there before the cars got in, even without the issue of potential car/bicycle conflict. The deer were still dozing. The course is 10.4 miles round the park (excluding the steep hill from Robin Hood to Kingston Gate) and back, with a short climb to Pen Ponds to finish.
I achieved my aim of going over 20 mph (30 mins 47 secs) on a hilly and roundabouted course on a road bike, so am reasonably pleased. Most were on Time Trial specialist bikes with top time triallist Michael Hutchinson winning in an incredible 22.38 (27.57 mph)! , with five other guys coming in under 25 minutes, first road bike at 24.59. I came 84th out of 120 on the start list.
I have entered for 2 weeks time in the fixed wheel category, hoping to try 72 ins. (44 x 16).
If the powers that be are willing, this could be a regular fixture. I suggest consideration of entering next year to see how fast you can go – if you want there is still time to go on the Sunday ride afterwards!