Do you ride the track?

[stumpy]

I'm not far from Halesowen.

If you want the point of view of a keen cyclist who has never been to a track before-

• I'd think that I'm not allowed on the track without special equipment
• I'd think that I'd look like a ninny if I turned up with my bike
• I'd think that everyone else there would be shaven-legged Olympic hopefuls and I'd be lapped before I could get moving
• I'd think that the track would be a free-for-all and I'd likely end up on the floor

Maybe you should publicise what's there, what people can do, how much it costs, etc.

I joined not long ago and had the same fears. Come along on a Wednesday and you can do a 4 sesh trial to see if you like it!!! The bike hire is cheap I look like a ninny anyway so you'll be in good company, The closest I'm gettin to the olympic's is BBC2 and I've not fallen off yet.(touch wood) It was my first time on a fixed as well and it's amazing how fast you get used to it (I'm saving for one for winter training now) I think the taster sesh is £20 for 4 sesh's but that comes off your membership if you join....Just come along and try it (Call first to make sure it's on though as a bit o rain stops it) also if you can talk to me on the way round and round and round(Pm me or Davesn if you have any other querys).

Simples

 

[CopperBrompton]

www.halesowencycling.net

Your website is broken in Firefox. There's a right-hand column with a scrollbar, and a main column with no scrollbar that ends with the top-half of 'Facilities'. You can scroll the whole page, but the main column text stays where it is.

To answer your question, I'd like to have a go just for the novelty value, but really would be most interested in doing it on the trike, and I'd imagine that wouldn't be allowed.

 

[Dave5N]

Your website is broken in Firefox. There's a right-hand column with a scrollbar, and a main column with no scrollbar that ends with the top-half of 'Facilities'. You can scroll the whole page, but the main column text stays where it is.

To answer your question, I'd like to have a go just for the novelty value, but really would be most interested in doing it on the trike, and I'd imagine that wouldn't be allowed.

No it isn't. The main column isn't meant to scroll. That is all the content on that page. See other pages for more info.

 

[womblechops]

To answer the original post, largely time (the lack of it) stops me. I did go to Herne hill for the first time last month and had an excellent time on the hottest day of the year - even though all I did was go round and round and round AND get lapped by the shaven legged olympic types.

It was quite scary first time getting in the middle of a pack on the banking but I must confess I did quite like the thrill of it.

So much so in fact that I went home and flipped my hub to fixed for commuting! (Of course I quickly realised that couriers are all mad and will flip it back to freewheel shortly).

 

[CopperBrompton]

No it isn't. The main column isn't meant to scroll. That is all the content on that page. See other pages for more info.

You misunderstand: you see the top half of the word Facilities, and none of the text which is presumably beneath that heading.

 

[womblechops]

You misunderstand: you see the top half of the word Facilities, and none of the text which is presumably beneath that heading.

Ben, I am using Firefox v3 and can see it all no problem.

 

[biking_fox]

But I have a track with around 5 million people less than an hour away. How can I tempt them in?

I know the biggest problem with the Manchester velodrom is that it's booked solid for months in advance!

I've been once with mates. We hired fixies there, and were coached in stopping etc. It was safe, fast, tiring,and fun!

However I'm not sure I'd want to go regularly. I don't have the aptitude for training, and the road is more scenic. Without training the competitive instinct quickly wears out.

 

[Losidan]

If not, what deters you? How could we tempt you in?

For me genunie fear...I have read a few places of people going for a go and having their arses handed to them on a plate...A chubby guy like me...they'd laugh me out of the velodrome!!!!
I always thought it would be a good thing to do in the winter though as would compliment bmx racing in some respects in terms of the of short sprint events and need to spin a high cadence.

 

[Dave5N]

For me genunie fear...I have read a few places of people going for a go and having their arses handed to them on a plate...A chubby guy like me...they'd laugh me out of the velodrome!!!!
I always thought it would be a good thing to do in the winter though as would compliment bmx racing in some respects in terms of the of short sprint events and need to spin a high cadence.

No need for fear. If you want a go give me a shout.

BTW I use Firefox.

 

[surfgurl]

I would love to have a go at track cycling. I'm a total beginner and doubt I would be any good. Have you got any total beginners sessions that include bike hire?

 

[CotterPin]

Track cycling sounds fun. At the end of next year I am turning 50 and I am looking for a few challenges to stave off the ageing process

 

[Losidan]

I would love to have a go at track cycling. I'm a total beginner and doubt I would be any good. Have you got any total beginners sessions that include bike hire?

they do at manchester...in fact, i think there is some introductory sessions you have to complete before they let you loose....bike hire available too
http://www.manchestervelodrome.com/static_info/cyclingatmanchester.htm

 

[montage]

I Have the mountbatten near me, and Calshot and hour or so drive away (annoying river in the way, otherwise it would be a 15/20 minute drive).

Actually....I am tempted to get into track sprinting.....but would most likely do it at the mountbatten rather than calshot, due to convienience. Making a track bike sounds like a winter project.

What length gear is usually ridden for sprints?

 

[joch]

will hopefully start tomorrow - hope it doesn't rain...
living only 2 miles down the road from herne hill so ideal place to go. does anyone know what sort of cleats they are using, shoiuld i bring my own pedals?

 

[Ian H]

Off to Newport (indoor wooden track - same format as Manchester) with the club on Sunday. We've a four hour session with coach for £20 a head. Quite strenuous fun. If several people get together to book it's not expensive. Weekends get booked early so forward planning is needed. There are some photos from last time here:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclingmrso/sets/72157616675089702/