April 11 2008 "8:48"

April 11 2008, JVD sets a PB on the Cochrane Hill (2.71km) of it anyway in a time of 8 minutes and 48 seconds.For the past 5 years or so, I have used the Cochrane Hill as a "test" of my fitness and fatigue throughout the season. My start line is the yellow deer crossing sign at the base of the hill. To avoid stopping and starting with traffic blowing by me, I typically ride to the start line at roughly 20kph and hit my computer. I stick to the main hwy (1A) as it remains nice and steep throughout. My finish line is at the green sign indicating 400m to turn into Glen Eagles. No rhyme or reason for this choice but it is what I decided upon the first time I got up the nerve to "time trial" up the highway - I also figured that these signs would always be there in the future.

On good days I can climb in the low 9 minutes range averaging 370W. When moderately fatigued I complete the hill in 9:30 to 10 minutes range averaging 346-353W. When tired I am maxed out but completing the hill in > 10:15 averaging 320W or less.

On this day I averaged 382W which I have dissected below in a WKO+ file - if you click on it it should expand for a better view;

As you can see, despite the climb being only 2.71km we can segment it such that you can prepare for when to shift gears, increase cadence, lower cadence, build speed and pace yourself. This is how I climb the hill which may not be the best way for everyone. Is it "sick" to think that this is "fun"??

JVD