View Full Version : Northbrook Development Training
I was checking the Northbrook website and it looks like they have training nights on Mondays and Wednesdays. Has anyone gone to one of these? Does anyone want to go to one of these? Does anyone want to go to one of these with me?
pitboss
04-19-05, 12:25 AM
not seeing it posted anywhere (I even check the ER Velo 'rums too!)
what link are you checking?
Straight off the Northbrook webpage (http://www.northbrookvelodrome.org/racing/programs.php)
pitboss
04-19-05, 01:23 AM
hmmm...I wonder if that is still in place as the rest of the info is from 02-03 season. Marcus mentioned on Saturday that people have already started going up there for riding sessions, but I am not sure when, etc.
I talked to Marcus about maybe doing a beginner session - he's willing to chaperone us and show us the ways of the 'drome. He's real busy these days but maybe we can work something out soon-ish and organize a trip out there. It'd be "hella" fun.
It would be awesome if he gave us the guided tour. Maybe we could try and ride down there and then find a less tiring way of getting back. Is there some sort of train that goes out that direction?
Is there some sort of train that goes out that direction?
The Northbrook Metra station is close, and I think it is the Fox Lake to Chicago train (on the Milwaukee District North Line); but I've never ridden it.
Related topic...There is a 'Bikes on Metra' bill still needs to be approved by illinois senate; I do not think you can bring bikes on the trains (yet).
http://biketraffic.org/content.php?id=342_0_11_0
juvi-kyle
05-07-05, 11:01 PM
Just wondering where I can get any kind of information on Northbrooke's schedule, training, racing, etc.
yojimblab
05-08-05, 10:06 AM
The Monday night training sessions are going to start on the 23rd.
The NCC is having their open training day on Saturday the 21st. I'll try to get details out here as soon as I get 'em.
Sunday the 22nd is already reserved for closed club training.
Let's see- Opening night (and first Thursday) is the 26th- complete with the mayor and a ribbon cutting ceremony, etc.
I believe the first Friday is the 3rd of June.
The NCC is about as good at updating their web site as I am at logging onto bikeforums... But I'll try to keep you all updated.
Send me a PM if you need to know any info earlier.
Thanks! It's going to be a great Summer!
On a related note- there were 24 women who showed up to the womens' clinic (at the velodrome) a week ago...
ewwhite
05-08-05, 12:07 PM
...but we need LINES on the track :) Any idea when that will happen?
yojimblab
05-09-05, 10:02 AM
...but we need LINES on the track :) Any idea when that will happen?
They're waiting 'til the last minute for the lines. Once they start- they'll be finished lickety split. They might wait two more weeks before proceeding.
The balustrades (wall around the racing surface) still need to be painted as well. They'll get it done before opening night.
Speaking of opening night- The ceremonies start at 6:45 I believe. That's on the 26th. And I believe racers' registration fees are waived on opening night as well. For men- that's cat. 4 and up... All womens' and juniors' categories will be represented on Thursdays as well.
Regular Thursday racing will be starting at 7pm this year, as opposed to the old standard of 7:30.
The Monday night training sessions are going to start on the 23rd.
The NCC is having their open training day on Saturday the 21st. I'll try to get details out here as soon as I get 'em.
Sunday the 22nd is already reserved for closed club training.
Let's see- Opening night (and first Thursday) is the 26th- complete with the mayor and a ribbon cutting ceremony, etc.
I believe the first Friday is the 3rd of June.
The NCC is about as good at updating their web site as I am at logging onto bikeforums... But I'll try to keep you all updated.
Send me a PM if you need to know any info earlier.
Thanks! It's going to be a great Summer!
On a related note- there were 24 women who showed up to the womens' clinic (at the velodrome) a week ago...
Damn... missed it by days....
Oh well. Hope you had fun, Yojim.
Koffee
yojimblab
05-10-05, 07:52 PM
Damn... missed it by days....
Oh well. Hope you had fun, Yojim.
Koffee
Yes- lots of fun.
You should put the 21st on the calendar... I'm not sure of the exact times, but it will probably be a 4 hour session somewhere in the span of 9am-3pm. If you have a track bike- you should bring it... But loaners will be available with precidence given to juniors and women. Loaners should be reserved in advance if possible... But I wouldn't let the lack of a reservation prevent you from showing up.
It'll be a good time- I'll be there, and I hope to see lots of friends there as well! Koffee, [165], crusty, absntr, salome, skitbra, ewhite, devious golden, paraleisure, monkey, stickerguy, ryan c, calculator, hella, rusholme, soupless? raygunner?? gravityhurts??? (lotsa stick shakin' in Chicago... And I still left a bunch off)
Prolly not. I've moved! But have fun out there....
Koffee
raygunner
05-11-05, 09:35 AM
I'll have to come out on the 21st. I went out there two weeks ago. The place looks great, no lines, but still great. I haven't been up to the North Shore in awhile (I kinda forgot how far Northbrook was) but I'm looking fowards to doing some long rides out there (apart from my typical commuting).
melikebike
05-16-05, 02:58 PM
so whos going up there next monday cuz i need a ride
yojimblab
05-21-05, 03:32 AM
so whos going up there next monday cuz i need a ride
Yikes- well, today is the open clinic... 9am-noon.
If anyone needs a ride up- I think I still have a couple spots in the motovehicle (call the shop, be ready to leave at 8am...).
Two different people from the Forums contacted me yestereday saying they were planning on attending. Woot!
The lines are being painted Monday the 23rd- the track will be CLOSED that day (no Monday session).
The 26th is Opening Night! Ceremonies start at 6:30 with racing at 7:15. Race entry is free on opening night, spectating is $2/head.
Opening night will have 3 races each for all juniors and women and men cat. 4 and up and the final event for our first season High School League.
The next week starts a new 40+ masters' series on Thursday nights... As well as the Friday night series (cat 4+5)
What else? The snack bar will be open again this year... It's been about 6 years since we've seen any of that action!
pitboss
05-21-05, 08:56 AM
sorry to say - I will be missing both events due to school. Yeah, I am pissed - but there's always Friday nights! Hope everyone that goes today has a blast - and I am trying to make it out to the shop today too Marcus. Maybe see you there.
monkey and I drove down to Northbrook for the open clinic thing today. Little did we know that it was going to be a bunch of hardcore trackies (i.e. Cat 1's and 2's, etc.) who pretty much already knew what they were doing. Introductory this was not. Anyhow, my bike didn't pass for track legal and they didn't have any loaners so I sat out for the day but monkey gave it a valiant effort, impressive considering that he didn't have 2,000 dollar disc wheels. Most of these guys were riding on Fujis, Cannondales, or Bianchis, but there were definitely some specials like an old school lugged Colnago, a Gios, a Waterford, Yojimblab's Dennis Kilfoy, and a Gan Well. They did a bunch of drills and then they practiced some time trial starts and generally made me feel embarassed about the size of my quads. Some of these guys were running 55t rings in the front :eek:.
A good time was had by all, but shame on the rest of you Chicago people for not showing up. I'm determined to get my bike up to speed and actually take it for a spin on the track in the next couple of weeks and I hope to see more B.F. representation then.
I want to go - let me know when you folks are thinking about heading up next, since I'm carless.
melikebike
05-23-05, 01:06 AM
arggh missed the saturday clinic, does anyone know when the next open clinic is?
sucks I couldn't make it, but I had this weekend trip to WI planned for awhile.
Incidently, brought my bike to work so I'll be at northbrook tonight around 5pm.
Anyone else?
jeff
pitboss
05-23-05, 09:27 AM
jeff - shoot me an email the night before you decide to head out there and I will bring my kit too.
will do. i'm going to find out what days i'm allowed to go during the week
and i'll post something about meeting up next week.
jeff
The prevelence of spandex and carbon fiber was very intimidating at first, but most of the riders were friendly and more than willing to help newbies. I think I learned a lot from that first time out, and the guys that run it encouraged us to come back. However, they did say that Mondays may not be open to newbies until July because of nationals qualifying and other events. I think I would have to gear up for next time. I felt like I was spinning out running 46 x 15. Hella, thanks for hanging out. Marcus, good to formally meet ya!
yojimblab
05-23-05, 08:48 PM
The prevelence of spandex and carbon fiber was very intimidating at first, but most of the riders were friendly and more than willing to help newbies. I think I learned a lot from that first time out, and the guys that run it encouraged us to come back. However, they did say that Mondays may not be open to newbies until July because of nationals qualifying and other events. I think I would have to gear up for next time. I felt like I was spinning out running 46 x 15. Hella, thanks for hanging out. Marcus, good to formally meet ya!
It was cool to see you guys... Too bad I arrived late and didn't get a chance to ride with you.
But I hope it's not too intimidating. I know what it's like walking in and not knowing anyone... But these days- the World is a smaller place, and although many of us haven't met- we can still be friends and help each other explore new paths. (what have I been smoking, eh?)
But really- The intimidation is only internal- This is the best season ever for people to try track racing for the first time at the Northbrook Velodrome. A quarter of the racers on the track are new... And an eigth of them could be "the Forum Junkies" (DCC et al). It really is a ton of fun, which only grows exponentially when friends come out too. Both on the track and in the stands... Many unforgettable nights have come out of Northbrook on Thursday evenings during the Summer.
And of course- Tomorrow is racing at the Kenosha Velodrome and Opening night in Northbrook is in 3 days...
yojimblab
05-30-05, 12:21 PM
The next week starts a new 40+ masters' series on Thursday nights... As well as the Friday night series (cat 4+5)
Friday Nights- Actually start 10 June and run until 19 August.- http://www.dafinc.com/bike.htm These count for cat 5->4 upgrade points.
Track bike and "stock" bike heats are run seperately... Usually- there's enough people to seperate men and women, and some times enough to have A and B groups...
Tuesday evening training programs will start tomorrow- 30 May. I'm not sure about the starting time, but it'll probably start around 7pm (+/- half hour). These don't count for upgrade points at this time.
Monday Evenings- Don't start until the second week of July. Last week- the lines were being painted, today is a holiday (what's that?), June has Track Championships every Monday night, July 4th- another holiday (the village uses the velodrome for their fireworks display).
These sessions (starting 11 July) count for 5->4 upgrade.
yojimblab
05-30-05, 01:12 PM
You mean you're open?!
The shop is open today 2-7pm.
Today- I work in memory of all of the porn dealers, I mean importers and manufacturers, that I like to keep happy... As well as all the friends who bring beer on the holidays...
But seriously- today's a beautiful day. Everyone- be thankful for what you have. We're fortunate to have nice weather, good friends, bicycles to ride, a velodrome nearby and the ability to enjoy it all.
I'll be at Northbrook tomorrow not sure when, but you can PM me to meet up
Marcus - any chance you'll be there?
Tuesday evening training programs will start tomorrow- 30 May. I'm not sure about the starting time, but it'll probably start around 7pm (+/- half hour). These don't count for upgrade points at this time.
yojimblab
05-31-05, 09:58 AM
I'll be at Northbrook tomorrow not sure when, but you can PM me to meet up
Marcus - any chance you'll be there?
I'll be heading up to the Kenosha races, heading out of town at 4. Anyone need a ride?
We've got Unknown Distance (sort of self explanitory), Tempo (points every lap) and Points Races (sprints every 5 laps) tonight. http://333m.com/schedule/2005Schedule.htm
I know of at least three people who will keep you company at the Northbrook velodrome tonight. I'm sure you'll have a good time!
I'll be there Thursday (for sure) and possibly some time this weekend...
yojimblab
05-31-05, 02:29 PM
Tuesday evening training programs will start tomorrow- 30 May. I'm not sure about the starting time, but it'll probably start around 7pm (+/- half hour). These don't count for upgrade points at this time.
Looks like the Tuesday sessions start at 6pm. If you can't get there until later- don't sweat it... There will still be room...
See below...
For those of you that do not want to go up to Kenosha to race tonight
the NCC is having training at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome. This will be
happening all summer long on Tueadays. The night will be open to all USCF
licensed riders and will start at 6 pm. One can show up anytime during
the evening and leave when they want. This is a good time to practice
those kilo starts since the event is on Monday. Steve Thoradson is
leading the evening but you are welcome to do whatever training you
want.
www.northbrookvelodrome.org
Ed Rudolph Northbrook Velodrome - Home of the 2005 Collegiate Track National Championships
Related topic...There is a 'Bikes on Metra' bill still needs to be approved by illinois senate; I do not think you can bring bikes on the trains (yet).
they let you bring "standard-form bicycles" on trains now. http://metrarail.com/Special_Promotions/bikes_on_trains.html
I think this is the train schedule for the northbrook line: http://metrarail.com/Sched/md_n/mdn_wko.shtml
vBulletin® v3.7.3, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.