Return of the Triangle

The Triangle is a long-standing series of Time Trials run by Otley Cycle Club throughout the summer for both club members and guests to test themselves against the clock, and through the handicap against each other.

Any club member can ride, just turn up about 30mins before the start time, sign on, collect a number, and then go give it some beans!  It’s a great introduction to racing for those so inclined, and there is no need for a TT specific bike.

All the events are marshalled, approved by Cycling Time Trials (the governing body of Time Trials), and with the acknowledgement of local police forces.

The events are £5 per time to enter (of which £4 goes to CTT) for members, and £6 for guests.  As with last year, we will not require payment on the night, but will look to arrange payment directly to the club at the end of the year.  Under 18s are asked to provide written evidence of parental permission to race.

Beyond this, all we ask is that anyone who races also marshals the occasional event throughout the season (see form here)

We run a points competition throughout the season, based upon a handicap system, so anyone who regularly turns up can take a trophy.

We also use some of the events as part of the club Time Trial Championship, which have their own handicap and more chance to win trophies!  For these, it is requested that the organiser (Liam Mealey) is contacted at least three days before, indicating your intention to ride.

There may be additional COVID-19 based requirements, and these will be shared before the events start.

Please feel free to ask any questions on the series.  Hopefully we’ll see many old and new faces at the events.

Courses

Triangle 12.5 mile – Start on the A659 100 yards west of the (currently closed) Wharfedale Hotel. Proceed Eastwards to Harewood Bridge. Left onto A61 at Traffic Island turn left onto A658 passing over Pool Bridge into Pool village where left onto A659 to finish at the same point as the start.

Triangle 25 – 2 Laps of 12.5 mile course above

Hilly 14 Start 0.25 mile East of Farnley Hall on the Otley to Leathley road. Continue to bottom of hill then turn left at Leathley onto the B6161. Continue until 0.25 miles before Beckwithshaw then turn left to Bland Hill then left to Norwood Edge. Turn left at the end of the road to finish at the same point as the start

Walshford 10 – Start at entrance to Rabbit Hill Country Store.  Proceed South to 1^st Roundabout at Walshford.  Encircle roundabout, and head North.  Proceed past start location and finish just past turning on left signposted to Arkendale.

Walshford 15 – Start at entrance to Rabbit Hill Country Store.  Proceed South along A168 to 1^st Roundabout at Walshford.  Encircle roundabout (3^rd exit), and head North.  Proceed past start location to Roundabout at Boroughbridge.  Encircle Roundabout (4^th exit), and return South along A168 to finish by start.

Walshford 30 – 2 Laps of 15 mile course above.

Dates

Day	Date		Course	Distance (mile)	Time	Championship
Thu	6	May	Triangle	12.5	1900
Thu	13	May	Triangle	12.5	1915
Thu	20	May	Triangle	12.5	1930
Thu	27	May	Triangle	12.5	1930
Thu	3	June	Triangle	12.5	1930
Thu	10	June	Hilly	14	1930
Thu	17	June	Triangle	12.5	1930
Thu	24	June	Triangle	25	1930	Yes
Tue	29	June	Walshford	15	1930
Thu	1	July	Hilly	14	1930
Thu	8	July	Triangle	12.5	1930
Thu	15	July	Hilly	14	1930	Yes
Thu	22	July	Walshford	10	1930	Yes
Thu	29	July	Triangle	12.5	1930
Tue	3	August	Walshford	15	1930	Yes
Thu	5	August	Triangle	12.5	1930
Thu	12	August	Triangle	12.5	1915
Thu	19	August	Walshford	15	1900
Thu	26	August	Walshford	15	1900
Sun	12	September	Walshford	30	0900	Yes

 

Handicap System (as explained by Sheldon)

So how does this handicap and points system work? A good question, I’m pleased you asked. After each race 10 down to 1 points are awarded to the fastest ten riders on handicap. A handicap and points system was devised over 40 years ago and the same system is still running strong today.

Whichever rider scores the most total points is crowned the triangle time trial champion and receives the Triangle Trophy. On your first ride of the season you will ride scratch and from your time you will receive a handicap. Handicap times are based on 25 MPH which equates to a 30-minute ride around the triangle. For example if you record a time of 32min 45 seconds your handicap allowance the next time you ride will be 2 -45.

If you score any points you will loose 2 seconds per point you score (so if you score 5 points you would lose 10 seconds and your new handicap would be 2-35). If you improve your time i.e. go faster in subsequent rides your handicap will be reduced. For example if you were to record a time of 31-55 and scored 6 points your new handicap would be reduced to 1-55 less 12 seconds for the points you scored making a new handicap of 1-43. So the faster you go the less handicap you receive and you will loose handicap when you score points, so it becomes even harder to score points. Handicaps are adjusted for the 10, 25 and 30. If you are super fast and record a time under 30 minutes you will owe time. Now if a thicko like me can get his head around this you should, take it from me it’s a great system and a lot of thought went into devising it.

Organiser Contact

Liam Mealey

liammealey@hotmail.com

07855 106 072

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