Ramp Test advice/Adjusting planned sessions

Training
1

Just after some advice from the community regarding timing of my next Ramp Test. To put things into context:

  • I am in midway through (Recovery Week) of the Century Mid Vol.
  • During this week I have completed Whorl (1:15hr/50TSS) on Tues, skipped Wed, outdoor group ride (sucking wheel 1:35/92TSS) on Thurs and skipped this mornings ride (Sat here in Melb, Aus).
  • I had a Ramp Test scheduled for Tues (Xmas Day) but moved that to Monday.
  • My riding group have organised longer rides in the hills Sunday and Monday in prep for 250km Audax ride in 4 weeks.
  • Going away after Xmas for two weeks so will be having a lighter week next week and longer outdoor rides the week after.
  • I have two bikes and use the Tacx Flux PM on the indoor trainer and a Stages on the outdoor bike.

Question - Do I do a Ramp Test today (Sat) to measure improvement even though I won’t get back on the trainer for 2 weeks OR wait until I get back to do the Ramp Test?

2

When you get back makes sense as you will lose fitness during that time as outdoor rides rarely, if ever, equal indoor efforts.

3

You’re likely to loose a little fitness and may want a ramp test when you get back due to all the interruptions in the upcoming schedule. If you feel like you want a measure of your fitness now to evaluate your training, no harm in doing a test on Monday. The only caveat is that if you’re fatigued and think Monday may not go well, no need to derail yourself mentally.