Calling all women cyclists—whether you ride for fitness, adventure, or the sheer joy of it, 2025 is your year to step into the world of cycling time trials (TTs). These solo races against the clock are more than just a test of speed—they’re an empowering, accessible, and rewarding way to elevate your cycling experience. If you’ve hesitated to try competitive cycling, here’s why TTs are the perfect place to start, and why women like you should give them a go this season.
1. Celebrate Your Personal Power
TTs are all about your ride—no pack to keep up with, no one else’s pace to match. It’s just you, your bike, and the clock, making it a pure celebration of your strength and determination. Events like MATTS offer a women’s category with cash prizes (e.g., $30 for 1st, $25 for 2nd), recognizing your effort alongside the men’s field. Start with the April 13, 2025, ABD John Fraser TT in Maple Park, IL, and see what you’re capable of—it’s your moment to shine.
2. Ride on Your Terms with the Road Bike Option
No need to splurge on a fancy TT bike—MATTS’ new Road Bike category lets you race on the bike you already love, as long as it has drop or straight handlebars, no tri-bars, and wheels with 12+ spokes (max 90mm rim depth). This levels the playing field, making TTs welcoming for women who might feel gear gaps hold them back. Grab your trusty roadie, and you’re ready to roll—no excuses needed.
3. Build Confidence in a Supportive Space
Competitive cycling can feel daunting, especially in male-dominated pack races, but TTs offer a solo, pressure-free entry point. You set your pace on a flat, fast 10-mile course (like MATTS’ Kane County 10M TT series) and finish with a sense of triumph—whether it’s your first race or a new personal best. The TT community, including MATTS’ post-race gatherings at the Winner’s Circle Bar and Grill, is known for its inclusivity, cheering every rider’s effort.
4. Boost Fitness Without the Intimidation
Cycling is already your fitness ally—TTs take it up a notch without the overwhelm of group racing. Training for a TT (think steady rides or short intervals) builds leg strength, endurance, and cardio, all at your comfort level. The low-impact format means you can push hard—like on the ABR National 10M TT Championship course on August 17, 2025—without the injury risks of running or the chaos of a peloton. It’s a fun, manageable challenge to level up your riding.
5. Claim Your Spot in a Growing Women’s Field
Women’s cycling is on the rise, and TTs are a key part of that momentum. By joining events like MATTS, you’re not just racing—you’re helping grow visibility for women in the sport. With dedicated women’s prizes ($20 for 3rd, $15 for 4th) and season-long points, your participation inspires others. Imagine crossing the line at the National Championship as part of a thriving women’s wave—it’s a legacy worth riding for.
6. Enjoy a Low-Stakes, High-Reward Race Day
TTs strip away the complexity of pack racing—no drafting rules or sprint tactics to master. Just ride a set distance (e.g., 4K Velodrome TT or 10 miles) as fast as you can. Finishers snag medals (top 5 per category), and the fastest women earn cash—all with less crash risk (ride right, use a red blinker). It’s a safe, rewarding way to dip into competition without betting your whole season.
7. Fit Racing into Your Busy Life
As a woman cyclist, you might juggle work, family, or training time—TTs fit right in. They’re short (a few hours, not all weekend), local (e.g., Maple Park’s opener) on April 17, and affordable, most races are just $30 plus an annual ($25) or one day ($5) ABR Membership. On-site registration ($10 extra) adds flexibility if your schedule shifts. It’s racing that works around you.
8. Explore New Challenges and Scenery
TTs mix up your rides with fresh courses—like MATTS’ L’Alpe Bl’Huez Hill Climb or a Gravel TT—taking you beyond your usual loops. The Sycamore Speedway base (50W086 Old State Rd) offers three flat, not technical courses in the Kane County 10M TT Series to test your speed, plus a short velodrome option for variety. It’s a chance to see new places, push your limits, and enjoy cycling’s adventure side—all while racing.
9. Connect with a Sisterhood of Cyclists
The TT scene isn’t just about solo rides—it’s a community. Women racers at MATTS share tips, celebrate wins, and build bonds over post-race drinks at Sycamore Speedway. Send your ride pics to midamericatimetrialseries@gmail.com, and you’re part of a supportive network that lifts every woman up. It’s less clique, more camaraderie.
10. Set Goals and See Progress
Whether you’re chasing fitness, fun, or a podium, TTs give you clear targets. Start with a spring benchmark (April 13), track your time on Strava segments, and aim higher—like the August 17 National Championship. Every ride shows your growth, from watts to confidence. For women cyclists, that tangible progress is a powerful motivator to keep pedaling forward.
Your 2025 TT Adventure Awaits
Time trials aren’t just for pros—they’re for women cyclists ready to own their ride, break barriers, and have a blast doing it. With no pack to intimidate, a bike you already ride, and a community cheering you on, TTs are your gateway to racing joy in 2025. Check out the MATTS schedule on BikeReg, sign up with ABR, and roll up to the start line. Your first TT could spark a whole new cycling passion—why wait?
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