dhblog returns for an on the TT bike interview
dhblog: what is it about time trialing that is appealing to you as a discipline in cycling competition?
dh: I have no idea. My left glute is tightening up and I think my right calf might cramp…man, only 3:15 in...
dhblog: do you realize you’re gaining time on your 30-second guy?
dh: I thought I noticed he was close.
dhblog: what motivates you during the time trial?
dh: I call myself lots of names and convince myself I’m all washed up before I’m even 3 minutes into it. “You’re only pushing 29.5mph…you’ll barely make it to the turnaround in 7 minutes.” Also, Saturday’s district TT championships with the 40k distance has me wanting to roll the big gears.
dhblog: what about all the little biting bugs that are out here?
dh: at least I’m rolling along. GB & LB are standing there timing us probably getting eaten alive. I think it was a benefit, but some guy who pulled up behind me had some bug spray. I was at least able to pump up my tire instead of swat crazily at the little devils. Only problem is that now it is stinging my eyes and I can taste it.
dhblog: how fast are you going right now?
dh: 30.2mph. I’ve got to push it into the turnaround. Don’t forget that I nearly did a slide turn 2 weeks ago…don’t know what I was thinking other than trying to not lose a few seconds slowing down gradually. Remember to punch it out of the turn.
dhblog: the transition into the turnaround looked good…but you came out of it kind of weak…thoughts?
dh: thanks for noticing. That always helps me to point out those flaws. Rolling this one in a big gear back is going to hurt. That’s got to go 3 to 4 seconds against me. Oh yeah, remember to push that helmet back. What? Ok, I just lost my speed reading. That is going to suck going back.
dhblog: what is your heart rate right now?
dh: I’m not even going to look at it. Really…heart rate doesn’t matter in a time trial. It’s all about turning it over. Alright…it’s 186.
dhblog: so going back has always got to hurt, right? How about with a tailwind going back?
dh: haven’t had a tailwind on the way back for quite a while. By the way, this front wheel is sweet. Should have drank that red bull 5 minutes sooner. Probably should have left the gloves in the car. I wish I would get a flat right now…I probably won’t with the stupid sealant in the tubulars though….argghhhh!
dhblog: really? So what is so great about the front wheel?
dh: look, all these questions is really starting to annoy me. Yes, a flat right now would be fine. I’d be more than happy to sit here for a while and watch everyone else go by.
dhblog: it looks like you’re holding the gap on your 30-second guy…what, about 20 seconds?
dh: I think so. Maybe if I spin it a bit. Nope, stick with where you were at. Straightest line possible through those curves.
dhblog: so why do you start your clock when your 30-second guy takes off?
dh: so I can get to this point and think…”man, you’re going slow…wait a minute! I started my clock 30 seconds before I started.” Then I can frustrate myself trying to subtract 30 seconds from my time while my HR is 190 and I feel like throwing up.
dhblog: will you ever consent to another interview on the TT bike during the TT?
dh: probably. That’s the usual anyway…lots of questioning why I’m doing it and convincing myself to keep going. I’ll see you in 2 weeks. Oh wait, I’ll see you for 3 times as long on Saturday. That should make for something interesting.