2020 Race Report #8: Stray Kats Kankakee 20 KM Time Trial

My eighth race of 2020 was the fifth outdoor race postponed to a later date in the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an alternative, I raced the course virtually through an online cycling workout website called ROUVY, similar to my last four races.

My time was 0:31:23 (23.0 mph) for 12.04 miles, over six minutes faster than my last live race on this course on May 19, 2019, when I finished in 0:37:31 (20.57 mph).

As I’ve previously noted, there are two disadvantages to virtual time trial racing. First, there is no benefit for using aero gear, such as a TT bike, speedsuit, aero helmet, etc. Second, the power trainer reduces the resistance on a downhill section, but there is no coasting. You have to continue pedaling or you will stop. There is one plus: no wind.

Virtual race replay: Stray Kats Kankakee 20 KM Time Trial

My next race is the WBR Bong and a Half Time Trial (hilly 20 kilometers) on Saturday, June 7. This race is currently on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I raced on a virtual version of this course for Race #6 on Saturday, May 2.