Do you do track?

[tattiefritter]

I've had a couple of sessions on the track at Manchester Velodrome which is the best indoor velodrome here in the UK and it was an absolute hoot. I surpised myself by really enjoying it.

I was worried about the fixed gear/no brakes/other people around me whose skills I wasn't sure off but it slotted into place really quickly due to the coach in charge of the session we had. I had never ridden close to people before but was getting progressively more confident as the sessions wore on, was less than half a wheel behind which was a big deal for me.

No one else has brakes either so (other than in the unlikely even of a crash) no one will be stopping suddenly. They will tell you what to do if you are gaining on someone and when to over/under take.

I'm guessing its indoors being a "Dome", in which case you'll use a rail to stop and start, we were told under no circumstances to unclip unless stopped and holding onto the rail.

There should be practice at setting off and getting the hang of slowing down - which I found harder on the legs than actually pedalling forward. You will be surprised how easy it is to ride at a decent clip and if you can ride around the black line at the bottom of the track and not slide down then you can ride around above the blue line and the top of the track, trust me!

I spent a lot of time up there in my sessions as everyone else was too scared, I got lots of clear track to play on and I like the sensation of rolling "downhill". It is a bit weird when someone rides underneath you on the bends though. I only forgot once each session that I had to keep pedalling due to being tired after two hours when I fancied a bit of a coast, there was a tiny skip but my legs were pedalling again before I had time to think about it.

The Manchester velodrome is kept warm and dry to protect the track so lots of water was necessary but I still got a very dry cough. I wore a thin long sleeve top and normal cycling shorts, my own helmet and mitts but hired shoes.

In short, go for it. It really is fantastic fun and a great workout. I tell every cyclist I know now to go for it.

[smilingcat]

Before you show up, check to find out "pre-requisites" like having a valid license or belonging to a club. Each place has its own requirement.

Some places may require you to "qualify" by taking their training class.

Have lots of fun though...

[crazycanuck]

Smcat-It's a ladies open night and you don't have to belong to track cycling WA. A good (uber fast mtb chick) cycling friend of mine informed me that it's pretty mellow and the 2 coaches are great.

I'm going to an open sess next fri & will have my dear take some photos.

It's just a bit of fun & have no intention of becoming the next Anna Meares!

[Tokie]

It helps if you think of the track bike like a spin bike - maybe you can get someone to mentor you on the track. It helps to follow someone around and the gradually work your way up on the track. Following helps ensure that you stay at the correct speed so you don't slide off the track. My GF says "after about 20 laps you forget that the track is banked" and it's amazingly true. Have fun, it is a real thrill! tokie

[alimey]

Hi there

I have done some track - including at Calshot in the UK - it's basically so short & steep that it's like riding inside a wooden salad bowl. Here is the best thing about track - it's not as difficult as it looks. The track doesn't get any steeper, so as long as you are going fast enough (if the tyres are good quality & pumped fairly hard, 12mph is plenty to stay upright), then it's just as easy to ride at the top as the bottom. Just harder on the mind (& of course further to fall downwards). Most people who fall just slide down the track & rarely hurt themselves. I think it's one of the safest cycling disciplines. I also found I got hot & thirsty - chewing gum helped w/ the dry mouth (fear & thirst). Just make sure it stays in your mouth - losing it on the track won't make you popular!

Another thing - track bikes are really cool - not very expensive & lovely & light. Plus you can convert it into a fixie if you want to ride it on the road . . .

[Gowest]

Love riding track. I think the most important thing to learn is track etiquite - how to enter and exit and the track terminology - stick, stay etc. Because you have no brakes this is essential for safety. We also did drills on the track when training - it is like playing games on a bike - island hopping, pyramids, miss n out etc. Lots of great advice in earlier posts - we need more tracks and riders in the US! Riding track also teaches you to be comfortable riding close to others and how to relax on a bike. Have fun!