These suggestions were made a few years ago, they may be of interest to the more recently-joined Wayfarers.
In ideal conditions of no wind
(but tail wind would obviously help), the smaller personal frontal area
the better, less wind resistance means you travel quicker and
consequently further.
So – any forward-facing
hemispherical protuberances eg caused by consumption of vast quantities
of alcoholic beverages could create a disturbance to the airflow around
you, thus affecting your distance travelled so either get rid of them
or, probably easier, try and smoothly blend them in.
Owners of a large proboscis
should keep ‘eyes front’ – unless there is a side wind, in which case
try to turn the head 90 o (to reduce area exposed to the wind).
Any follicly challenged person
could take advantage of the situation by a light application of Cherry
Blossom (or similar) light tan polish.
Conversely, anyone with
excessive facial follicles should seriously consider appearing clean
shaven for the event (and hopefully remaining so) – if an award winner
proof of identity will be required.
Polish (or, at least, clean), front forks and head tube.
Ensure the lever of qd wheels is horizontal.
On the day – head down, tyre
pressures up, one eye looking for pot-holes, one eye looking for
tractors, one eye analysing the road ahead and selecting the optimum
route, think thin (unless it’s a tailwind), cranks horizontal – and –
good luck.
The above may be the root cause(s) of downhill problems.
See you at the bottom of the hill.
Terry
2 comments:
Aw, Terry, you've given away all my secrets! Although, it has to be admitted, I've never won the competition, so maybe there are other secrets too. Or maybe not enough Cherry Blossom on the bonce perhaps?
For gentlemen with a challenging BMI and pronounced and beer-fuelled embonpoint, inviting unwelcome wind resistance, and ladies with an engagingly enhanced and streamlined profile, all is not lost before you start. For those with an anorectic profile, victory is not yours for the taking.
There are also technical secrets. Research and practice in advance may well reap rewards. I was astonished on a previous occasion, having freewheeled past the rider in front of me, to find him soon after 'twerking' his way past me to win the competition. As they say, it is not what you have, but what you do with it that matters. Wind resistance, at one mph, is not all.
Next year maybe, after a lot of practice?
J
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