Race of Truth

Time Trial Series 2003

4th Annual Time Trial Series

The Chattanooga Time Trial Series begins Wednesday, March 19. Two courses will be used on alternate weeks; one is a 5-miler along Mowbray Pike and is relatively flat and straight; the other is a 4-mile climb up Hotwater Road. Both courses are in Soddy Daisy. Six races are slated for each course. Entry fee is $2 each trial, or $10 for all flat races and $10 for all mountain events ($20 for the entire series). Since no women have attempted a time trial in three years, despite rumors about fast bike ladies in the area, women will race for free!

The winner of each time trial will be awarded a colorful racing jersey, to be returned by the next trial date. Two jerseys will be used, one for the flats and the other for the climb, and are provided by local bike shops (to be named upon receipt later). In order to prevent any single competitor from hogging the swag, a rider can win the jersey only once, after which the next-in-line is the recipient. Points are awarded on this basis: 1st = 20, 2nd = 19, 3rd = 18, etc. There will be two separate categories — flat and mountain. Upon completion of the series, the rider with the most points will keep the jersey!

Since daylight hours are shorter now than they will be in a month, the first two events start at 6:00 (March 19 and 26), April rides start at 6:15, and the remainder begin at 6:30.

Directions to the race courses:

Flat 5-mile course – From Chattanooga, take Hwy 27 to Thrasher Pike exit, left at end of the ramp, right on Dayton Pike, left on Montlake Rd. At the top of the mountain, park at Mountain General Store. The start is on Mowbray Pike, which is adjacent to the store.

4-mile mountain course – This year’s mountain climb will be the "easiest" one to date. The four-mile course begins with a good test for about 1.8 miles, then actually is near-flat for 1 1/2 miles. The last quarter mile snakes upward; you’ll be breathing hard upon completion! Take the Hixson Pike – Soddy Daisy exit off Highway 27, go left at the ramp, right on Dayton Pike, and park at the ballfields on the left across from the lake. Backtrack via bike along Dayton Pike, turning right at the first street — Durham. Go through two stop signs, turning (bearing) right onto Backwater Road. Hotwater Road is the intersection at the next stop sign; turn left and get ready!

Note: The time trial series is open to riders of all abilities. Anyone wanting to test their skill in a race unaided by others — no one to draft behind — will find time trials just the ticket. Triathletes are urged to see what they can do against bikers; this should create competition by itself! A series is only as good as it is attended. Come on out and get your feet wet!

Tom Baker

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