ScottDD

I am reading the Friel’s Cyclist’s Training Bible. He recommends a 30 minute time trial type ride to determine your LTHR. I am located in Glendora and would like to find somewhere within about 40 minute drive where I can do a 30 minute time trial type ride, without stoplights, etc. I would like to avoid the SGRT and the SART because I am concerned that it could be hazardous passing slower traffic on the trail. I would also like to avoid doing this on a steep climb, because it might skew the results. I know that this type of testing could be done on a trainer, but I find that I am not able to ride as hard on the trainer as I am on the road. Thanks for your help.

JustMe

The Rose Bowl. The circuit is about 3.1 miles with a slight ascent on West Drive, and corresponding descent on East Dr.. No stops and very little vehicle traffic. I'm presuming that Friel's procedure is similar to that prescribed by Charmichael using warm ups and recovery intervals interspersed with all out efforts for HR max.

esammuli

You're right at the base of GMR. Perfect for a threshold test.

ScottDD

Friel’s method to determine LTHR:

Warm up, ride a 30 minute time trial and 10 minutes into the time trial, hit your lap button on your heart rate monitor. Your average heart rate for your last 20 minutes should be a reasonable estimate of your LTHR.

I was not sure if riding up hill, would cause my legs to fatigue without getting my heart rate as high as it would get on a flat road.

esammuli

Generally uphill is better for a threshold test. Especially a climb like GMR. It's a nice steady grade and never gets particularly steep.

JustMe

Carmichael's recommendation for a course to perform his CTS field test is to "Locate and measure, to the best of your ability, a flat, three-mile course. Ideally, try to select roads that aren't busy and that don't involve turns. If turns cannot be avoided, then include only right-hand turns, . . . ." Personally, I like proven results, and Carmichael has the background that proves his methodology.

ScottDD

Justme.
Thanks for suggesting the Rose Bowl. I went this morning and did a 20 minute warm up, a 30 minute LTHR test and a 20 minute cool down and I did not have to use my brakes even once.