Originally Posted by
Racer Ex
Tailwind and downhill sections, especially when they are "max speed", can often make a big difference in elapsed time. I've run as big as a 56 front ring on some courses; Gila in particular was a downhill tailwind where I hit 56 mph and change at around 280w. If you figure the fastest coasting speed would have been low 50's or even high 40's, that's going to translate into a lot of time.
Learning how to keep pushing on these sections is a good tool to develop.
Good to see you back on the keyboard! Yea, I still had a gear or two to give. I'll chalk some of that up to lack of time outside (work has been insane). I have spent a majority of my trainer time on the TT bike but that was only my 3rd ride outside on it since Nov. More daylight now will be a big help.
I think the best solution would be to race more, there just isn't a whole lot around (I'm surprised how few TT's are run in SA or Austin). Might add some weekend race efforts into my training. I've got a decent loop & an Out/Back both around 6mi. That and a longer Tempo ride would be a good day.