Testing Terrain?

dnesom

Hey Folks, I usually do my testing indoors on the trainer for consistency but would prefer to keep my rides outdoors just because its way less mind numbing. Problem is I live in north Georgia where there is no flat distraction free stretch of road long enough for a 20 minute test that is ideal. 

Is it reasonable to do a 20 minute test that is all climbing (variations from 1.5 to 5% grade, for example?) Or to do a 20 minute test that may have me spinning out on a few downhills. Not sure if this would significantly skew the test or not? I could probably drive south a little ways to find a flatter piece of road but would prefer to have a familiar route to test on regularly. 

Thanks,

Dave

donymo

I like to have consistent conditions on my tests so I use the trainer for FTP tests.
That way wind, traffic, heat, etc cannot play a factor when comparing one test to another.
The Silver Comet Trail is your best bet to get it done outside. Not near Cobb county, but after you ride for 30 minutes out of town (warmup)

Al Truscott

My thoughts:

• Testing should be consistent with how you will be training, and racing. Since we don;t race on the trainer, a test outdoors is needed to gauge race-day pacing.
• I have an outdoor uphill time-trial segment which features 3-5% gradients. I make it a requirement that I stay in the aerobars for the test. If you can't do that, you need more gears! I like "gentle" (< 7%) uphill time trials.
• Testing on a "Multi-Use Recreational Path" is risky, IMO. Unless you;re guaranteed no other users, and no intervening driveway or roads, you're risking your health, the health of others, or else buggering your test to slow down for the interruptions.

dnesom

@Don, Thanks! I've heard of the Silver Comet trail but have never been on it. According to Google its a over an hour drive south though so not a great option for me. I would like to get down there to ride it sometime though. I do have the Cumming Greenway which is only a little more than a half hour south and pancake flat but too many pedestrians and leisure riders to be safe for a test--also just feels weird riding a tt bike on the boardwalk parts. Don't know if you ever make it up my way (Dawson/Lumpkin) but if so let me know.

@Al, My remaining races this year are 70.3 Augusta and IMFL both of which are comparatively flat, but all of my training rides include a good deal of ascent. I have a section of road in mind that is all climbing but grades that are mostly 5% or less so I can stay aero for it without breaking my back. I'll give it a try.

Thanks Guys...

Al Truscott

Posted By Dave Nesom on 25 Jul 2016 09:00 PM


@Al, My remaining races this year are 70.3 Augusta and IMFL both of which are comparatively flat, but all of my training rides include a good deal of ascent. I have a section of road in mind that is all climbing but grades that are mostly 5% or less so I can stay aero for it without breaking my back....

I'm doing IM Maryland, which may be even flatter than FL. Nonetheless, I've done over 40,000' of climbing since July 1, probably over 100,000 all year...a lot of my climbs are 3-4000' +. Going up for 2-3 hours at a time builds character for a 6 hour slog in the saddle, no matter the terrain.

dnesom

I did Eagleman in 2015 which I learned a lot from (mainly that a little shade is really nice.) Even slathered with sunscreen I ended up with a very bad sunburn on my back and neck--that was my first HIM... IMFL this year will be my first IM, hoping I won't "learn" quite as much this go round, though I will be well prepared for the sunshine. Hopefully MD will offer some cooler temps in fall. Good luck!

Dave

 

moetai@gmail.com

all my tests are on 1 climb 2' from my home...20' all uphill, and u can "see" the progress as u go faster/further, as the watts go up