Time Trialling
Time trialling is probably the easiest way to get into competitive cycling. The time trial is the simplest of cycling events; riders set out at one minute intervals on an individual battle against the clock to try to complete a course in the shortest possible time. Cycling clubs all over the country hold events every week throughout the spring and summer season, open to riders from age twelve and above, on the road, typically from less than 5 miles distance, to 10 or 20 miles, and (much less commonly!) up to how far you can ride in 24 hours. Offering even more accessibility some events are held on closed circuits. Long-established competition distances of 10, 25, 50, 100 miles, 12 and 24 hours, often on fast out and back courses form the basis of traditional national championships, while courses based on quieter and often undulating road circuits have become more popular in recent years and offer a range of distances, often of around 20 or 30 miles.
Time trialling is usually an individual discipline, but variations on this are riding a tandem or riding 2-up, where two riders aid each other, the time for both of them being taken by the second rider.
Time trialling is usually an individual discipline, but variations on this are riding a tandem or riding 2-up, where two riders aid each other, the time for both of them being taken by the second rider.
Club Time Trials
Ride Charges
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RFW Members
- £5 Adults - £0 Juniors |
Non-Members
- £6 Adults - £4 Juniors |
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From April to mid September each year Rockingham Forest Wheelers holds its own Wednesday evening time trials programme. The time trials are open to all members of the club and to members of other clubs which are affiliated to Cycling Time Trials, the sport's regulating body for England and Wales. The club time trials mostly use the ‘Valley’ 10 mile circuit, starting and finishing opposite the clubhouse in Middleton.
It doesn’t matter how fast you are to ride a club time trial, everyone riding is interested in their own time; they may compare their performance with other riders, taking account of age, experience or other factors, but their main interest is in their own performance; whether they have improved and whether they have given their all. |
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We also run early/late season 'Dashes' on a short course from Ashley back to the clubhouse. It might feel hard during the time trial, but finishing brings satisfaction and wondering how you can go faster next time is a great motivator! Club time trials can be a good foundation on which to build experience before progressing to open events and other racing disciplines. |
Open Time Trials |
Hill Climbing |
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Rockingham Forest Wheelers is affiliated with the Northampton & District Cycling Association. The association, through the affiliated clubs, organises a series of short and medium distance time trials on a variety of courses with prizes for member clubs in the categories of team, individual overall, women, junior, juvenile and veterans (over 40 years) on age standard. A number of Rockingham Riders are compete every year. Follow the link below to the N&DCA website for full details of the association, the event calendar, courses, how to enter, and the results and points table so far this season.
For further information on time trialling, entering forms and regulations for open events and competitions throughout England and Wales follow the link to Cycling Time Trials. N&DCA Website Cycling Time Trials |
One rather specialised form of TT is the Hill Climb.
RFW has an annual competition with it's sister club, Kettering CC using the hills up to Nevill Holt from both Drayton and Medbourne sides. The combined times for both climbs are then ranked and points awarded. The club with the highest number of points claims bragging rights for the next 12 months! |