Lap Times

[bdags]

Just curious...

What is considered a "decent" lap time at Hillside? Thanks.

[Nickel]

I could probably eek out a lap in 90 minutes but likely longer.

[nigel]

I can usually turn consistent 45-50min when I'm riding moderate pace for 4-5 laps at a time, more than that and they start to to go longer, but I am nowhere near fast as some people.

[Nickel]

I can usually turn consistent 45-50min when I'm riding moderate pace for 4-5 laps at a time, more than that and they start to to go longer, but I am nowhere near fast as some people.

Holy smokes! :crazy2: I can barely do that for sections 3 & 4.

[DANW]

A 45 minute lap is enough to make me tired.

[RichZilla]

The fastest guys are well under 40 minutes, like 35 or 36 minutes, maybe even less. If you're only riding one or two laps, I would say that 45 minutes is pretty decent, but 50 minutes isn't bad either. If you're breaking the 40 minute barrier, you are probably riding more than twice a week.

Have fun out there, the trail is in great shape. If you see a small black Acura with license plates that say "HAZRDUS", that's me. Say Hi and I'll go for a lap or two with ya.

[dejorn]

The last time we were out there, about 6 weeks ago, my wife turned 49 and 48 minute laps. Last year her fastest time was around 1:15. I have turned a couple of sub 40 minute laps.

The key to riding Hillside fast is keep your speed up through the turns and maintain a good flow.

[Nickel]

And probably ride more than once a week. :crazy:

[RichZilla]

The best thing I've learned out at Hillside is to try not to shift down to a lower gear (or at least not as far down) when getting to a climb. I agree that it is easier to 'sit and spin' to get up the climbs, but most of the climbs at Hillside are fairly short. Try to remain in the higher gear and stand up and pedal hard. It's the best way to shorten lap times... go fast in the slow parts. You can make up way more time on the climbs than you can on the downhills.

[bdags]

Thanks for the responses...and the tips. I'm very new to mountain biking. I bought my bike about 6 weeks ago. I turned two 55 minute laps my first time at Hillside, while not pushing too hard. I loved the trail. I had a hard time with a few of the switchbacks, but I may be able to get through in 50 min (or close) if I try.

I'm signed up for the duathlon next weekend. I've been running for about 8 months, but I'm sure I'm about to get "spanked" on the bike. I'll be out there again this afternoon to give it another try (race portion only this time). I'll push a little harder on the climbs this time.