Cyclists Test Mettle at Charlie Baker Time Trial

At the corner of Barnes Hill Road and Lowell Road Wednesday evening, about 20 cyclists were raring to ride and ready to ravage the "Race of Truth" in the weekly Charlie Baker Time Trial (CBTT).

These riders — some old, some new on this night — were offered the opportunity to race against themselves and their stopwatches and test their riding skills in the CBTT. The trials run every Wednesday until the beginning of September, thanks to the Northeast Bicycle Club (NEBC).

Riders of every skill level lined up at the corner, stretched their legs, clipped their feet in, recorded their start time and pedaled 30 seconds apart down the windy, beautiful road in Concord. On this night — similar to many other Wednesday nights — the racers rode with the busy 6 p.m. traffic.

When the racers cross the finish line they press their stopwatch and reveal their time, said Stow resident Mark Bowen, a CBTT participant and rider since 1962.

"I like to break 23 minutes," said Milton resident Owen McGonagle, a 25-year veteran racer who began riding as a kid and now competes three to four times during the summer season.

"Low 22s I feel a lot better. Riding under (22 minutes), I feel like a man," McGonagle laughed.

Armand Pantalone, a Haverhill resident, was racing Concord's route for the first time, although he's previously raced in the CBTT when it was held in Boxford and North Andover. The 18-year veteran racer said he likes to ride at least 25 miles per hour.

Repeat racers can measure their progress week to week, as results are posted on NEBC's website, and new racers can begin their challenge.

NEBC president Cathy Rowell said that if riders are gearing up for a big race, as many as 60 bikers will show up to compete in the CBTT.

"Everyone is on the course at the same time," Rowell said. "And it's a race where you can't use the draft of another cyclist. You can't use the advantage of someone else.

"The truth race, you race against yourself. You continually watch your own progression."

The CBTT runs on the same loop every week so riders become familiar with the route.  

"(NEBC) is here as a club and a resource to help riders who are interested in racing," Rowell said. "People who don't know about cycling and are interested can certainly contact us.

"Racing for a lot of us is secondary. We are all riders, yes some of us race, but the reality is we all share the same road and I'm on a big kick about that right now."

The CBTT is part of several of NEBC's weekly events designed as training programs for beginners to experts.

Monday nights are Recovery Rides for NEBC registered junior riders ages 9 and up. The slow-pace ride, which runs for 12-17 miles at approximately one-hour ride time, is designed to "promote rest and active recovery," the NEBC website says.

Women's Rides take place Tuesday evenings, where women of all skill level bike in pace-line rides in a loop beginning and ending at Lexington's Battle Green.

Wednesday provides two different events. In addition to the CBTT, NEBC offers a Hill Ride, where riders follow a 20-25-mile loop along some of the most intense hills in Burlington.

And Saturday offers a 9 a.m. club ride which leaves from the Bedford Public Library parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Groups vary, allowing social rides, pre-race warm-ups, long slow distances and fast rides.

The 53-year-old NEBC, which welcomes anyone and everyone, and currently has about 350 members, was founded by a "small group of racers intent upon promoting and growing the sport of bicycle racing in Greater Boston," according to its website.