Herne Hill Velodrome - anyone go there/tried it?

[thefollen]

I've just discovered this place exists and am mildly excited.

See they have starter sessions and the like. Would I be fine rocking up on my road bike, and is it (the track) any good?

 

[thefollen]

http://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/

 

[VamP]

The track has been recently resurfaced and is superb. Great historic venue.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

The place is undergoing a renaissance after their crisis a couple of years back. Their calendar is pretty well booked up now. And, as far as I know, it's just about always ok to just turn up and have a look when there's something going on.

 

[VamP]

Also on 26th October this takes place there. An awesome event, whether as a spectator or a participant.

 

[TheJDog]

I have a friend who did the beginners' course in the last few months. He really enjoyed it. I think they lend you a bike. I doubt you can just rock up and expect to be allowed to roll around on your road bike, no..

 

[thefollen]

Excellent, thanks peeps. Read on the site they'll provide a bike; will be brilliant to try a fixed and really go for it!

 

[oldroadman]

I'm not sure if you have to go through an accreditation session first, protocal and etiquette. Just turning up and "going for it" is a way to find out falling off is painful, so do go and listen to the coaches, it will be all the more enjoyable for a little learning.

 

[slowride]

I ride at Herne Hill when time permits and it's a fantastic facility with very friendly helpful team of volunteers.

You have to do 1 "Induction" session which is 6 or 8 quid (including bike hire if you want) for 1 hour from 1-2pm Sat. Just turn up 1/2 hour before as it can get busy.
After Induction you have to do 3 "Beginner" sessions which is 6 quid for 1 hour from 12-1pm Sat.
After that, it's the "Intermediate" sessions which are 2 hours from 10-12 Sat.

 

[brommers]

Latest pic

 

[Red17]

I did an induction / taster session there last Saturday.

This time of year they are monthly on Saturday PM. £15 for 1.5hour session and they lend you the bike and coach you through a variety of drills.

You can't use a road bike on the track and need to do an induction before you can move onto any other sessions. After the induction you can turn up at some beginners sessions and you have to work to get an accreditation before you can move up to the next level.

During the warmer months you can turn up most Saturdays for the induction I believe - its all on their website.

New clubhouse is not yet open, but I was impressed with the coaching and what you got for your £15. I'm planning to do a couple of the beginners sessions now I have my induction - they do get busy though, even at this time of year.

 

[Dogtrousers]

It's the the only surviving venue from the 1948 Olympics.

I've never been there, but I thought I'd delight you with that little fact.

 

[RedRider]

Latest pic
View attachment 153699

Looking good

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Not a lot of people know this, But F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone used to race there as a schoolboy or junior. He was a keen cyclist in his early youth, making regular trips to the south coast.

 

[oldroadman]

Raced there, and as a youngster saw some epic races, Simpson and co putting on a show. All of which inspired this old git to have a proper go. If I knew where that would lead....would do it all again. It looks great now and when the new stand properly opens will be really something. Brilliant place!