CAT Drafting

I was all pumped up today for my morning commute and hit a new land speed record of 17:22 door to door from Midtown to Downtown LR. What gives? First, I hit the 5am spin class at LRRC which makes for a great warm up. Second, I had a freshly washed, pret-a-porte kit to wear courtesy the ever so generous Upfull who got me into road cycling in the first place and has kept me in kits ever since. And third, CAT drafting. I had the good fortune of drafting behind a Central Arkansas Transit Authority bus from about mile 2 (Stift Station ) to mile 3.5 (the Capital). So, yeah, that shaved two minutes off my normal commute. And I know I know. Not safe! But I’ve ridden that stretch of Markham a wholehelluvalot and feel pretty confortable with all the bumps in the road. Also, that sweet spot behind the bus is pretty sweet. I was barely pedaling. The CAT vacuum sucked me right up that rise in front of the Blind and Deaf School and spit me out at the Capitol like Apollo 13. I did the same route two days ago and it took me 19:10. Which is my normal. Sheesh, looking back. I hit exactly 19:10 back in January. Gotta love drafting. Definitely makes a difference. Though I ain’t gonna make it a habit.

Speed stats above, reading from left to right 10/12/12, 10/10/12, & 1/3/12.