Last week the High Road Team was in town getting tested in the wind tunnel. I went into go visit with my friends from GIANT and from the team. I picked up a new team bike from High Road, and I am excited to start riding it!

I haven’t been to a wind tunnel in years, and so it was an awesome experience to be able to watch the aero testing of the team. I had the fortune of hanging out with Steve Hed, who is an icon in cycling, having come up with the first real road disc wheel. He is the most sought after person to work on aero bike position.

The last time I was in the wind tunnel, it was in the early 90’s and I was put into a position that was really aero, but I couldn’t produce any power. I tried to time trial a couple times in the aero position but I could never get comfortable and ended up putting myself in a less aero but more comfortable position. I was super impressed with the process now, because basically they tweak the position on the bike in the tunnel, but also watch the power data real time, so they have a true idea if you can produce power in the position.

They were making fun of me and even got me on one of the High Road tt bikes. What a sight that was, since I didn’t have any cycling clothes with me! It made for some funny pictures though, although I am sure that the position wouldn’t have been one I could ever ride.

The best part of the day was going to dinner with Steve. I loved hearing the stories of how he designed his first disc wheel, and how much he loves what he does. We were laughing about how times have changed, and where it all started. I’ll be having Steve set me up on my next tt bike or should I say triathlon bike. Not that I’m planning a comeback, but I figure I might as well get set up by Steve so that I am the most aero wannabe triathlete in the Kona Half Ironman. At last I will look good? just kidding!