The Internet of Bikes: Cyclemania Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #3)

View Cyclemania Time Trial Maine Time Trial Series Race #3) in a larger map

The Cyclemania Time Trial is a 14 mile loop around Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It is the third race in the Maine Time Trial Series and conveniently located in Frame and Wheel's home village. The course features long gradual climbs on open roads, some shorter steeper climbs on the back roads of Cape Elizabeth, and some turns that require the rider to maintain navigational awareness. Conditions were dry and the wind was light, but temperatures were in the mid forties. About 60 riders started the race. Frame and Wheel tracked the race with and Android smartphone to provide viewers with a better sense of the course. Total moving time is 38 minutes (including rolling around the parking lot), total distance is 14 miles, average moving speed is 23 miles per hour, maximum speed is 36 miles per hour, total elevation gain is 451 feet and maximum grade is 4%.

Frame and Wheel sets off down the very familiar Route 77 and immediately notices that the road seems longer and straighter than ever before. There is a headwind and the 30 second rider is a speck in the distance. Frame and Wheel pushes through the open and rolling terrain and successfully makes the first right hand turn onto Fowler Road. The road is rough and narrower. A truck pulls out in front of Frame and Wheel and begins creeping up the road, but it gives way and Frame and Wheel is able to pass safely. Fowler Road is relatively flat but it goes on for longer than anticipated.

Frame and Wheel makes the right turn back on to Route 77 south and pushes through its interminable straightness and openness. There are a few riders in sight which provides some relief. The traffic at the local eateries is still light at this hour and there are no turkeys crossing the road by the strawberry fields. Frame and Wheel concentrates on making the right turn on to Spurwink Road, and does so successfully although Frame and Wheel must over ride a navigational instinct to stay on Route 77 south.

The roads are smoother, but the terrain is steeper and there are no more riders to be caught. Frame and Wheel pushes through a pair of tough rollers which are perhaps the decisive hills on the course. The legs are protesting and the section after the rollers is rough again and it is longer than expected. 

Frame and Wheel makes the sharp right turn onto Route 77 and has a moment of recovery on the big downhill that precedes the final roller into the town center. Frame and Wheel attacks the last roller and the finishing right turn comes into view. Frame and Wheel makes the right turn and follows with a short effort to the line. The race is over. Frame and Wheel completes this course with a time of 30:06 which is the fastest time of the day. Frame and Wheel is pleased with the result and returns to the parking lot to warm down and eat a sandwich. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a great event and congratulates all the riders on their willingness to travel and contest this race.