Training at Hains Point

[TwoWheelsDC]

We all know Hains Point is a popular route for cyclists of all abilities…it’s flat, generally free of cars, and easy to get to. I’ve ridden out there plenty of times, but I find it kinda boring and, since it’s pretty close to where I live, I usually ride past it at the beginning and end of my rides and don’t feel the need for the detour. But am I missing something by not going and do some laps out there? My main riding goal right now is prepping for the very hilly Civil War Century in September (not my first century), so I’m trying to just do longer rides with lots of hills, figuring that the requisite endurance and speed will develop alongside my climbing abilities. But will doing laps/some type of sprint training at Hains (or any similar area) supplement what I’m already doing?

Topic

[KLizotte]

@off2ride 23700 wrote:

It’s especially nice when the person in front pulling is super huge. I’m not a big guy but every now and then on the trail, some big dude will pass me (just because he’s feeling frisky) and decide that he’ll try to drop me. That feeling of “no swooshy air” around me is addictive but it doesn’t last long. For the most part, we end up taking turns at the front pulling to save energy. Sometimes they want to be up front and pull all the way….so I just let them.

I think I should get a jersey that says “Please pull me”. :rolleyes:

[DaveK]

@KelOnWheels 23683 wrote:

Swans can be quite vicious, and they’re pretty strong. Poor guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1PllrfeiVw

[off2ride]

@KLizotte 23702 wrote:

I think I should get a jersey that says “Please pull me”.

Or “Pull my finger”. Oh did I just post that?

[off2ride]

@Tim Kelley 23701 wrote:

Pete is great to draft off of!

Tim, I agree.

[NicDiesel]

I try to do laps at HP at least twice each week during my “long ride” days. Now that my legs and lungs have gotten stronger I can actually do 15-20 minutes at 15mph, which is a real improvement for me. Still, I’m trying to get to the point where I can keep a 20mph pace for 30 minutes there but I know that’s going to take some time.

@off2ride 23700 wrote:

It’s especially nice when the person in front pulling is super huge.

Ha! I had that happen the other day when I was riding laps there. Dude didn’t hang behind me too long, I guess my 15mph pace wasn’t to his liking. I’m the VERY large dude on a Cross Check wearing white.

[Author]

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