Velodrome Riding

[teigyr]

DH will be having a group velodrome lesson in June! It looks like fun but I'm opting out, I like my brakes FAR too much :D

He has the option of taking his own shoes and pedals to put on the bike. At first I was thinking he wouldn't want to be locked in his pedals but now I'm thinking it might be better due to the shoe stiffness and no chance of feet flying off pedals.

Has anyone done this? And if so, would a beginner be better with their own shoes/pedals or normal shoes and stock pedals? He's been riding clipless for a couple of months and is doing really well with them and he's not intimidated in any way.

Thanks :)

[Eden]

Hubby says he thinks the pedals that your husband is used to will be safer. Apparently if you use standard toe clips you actually have to tighten them with the strap and you need to reach down to release them... this could be difficult on a bike where you cannot stop pedaling. (He is taking the class too, but he thinks his in in May)
btw - if you ever just want the experience of riding on the velodrome you can do it on your own bike as long as there isn't anyone on a track bike out there (if someone comes with a track bike you have to leave, because the potential for accidents is just too great and true track bikes take priority). Just don't go on it if it is at all wet - the surface becomes extremely slick!

[teigyr]

Thanks :D

After realizing that the feet would be strapped in, that makes a lot of sense. Is far easier to unclip than it is to reach down to loosen a strap.

I can't believe May is sold out! I wanted it for a sunday so I could watch (is part of a birthday present) so he can't go until June 24. I figure that's still early enough for him to be able to go to practice sessions if he decides he really likes it! We're going to stop by to watch a class tomorrow just to see how it's done.