Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Photos: DCC - from street to track. "It's like riding a sword!"

There's been a lot of talk and strong desires to head out to the track this summer by many on the forums and amongst the DCC the feeling has been strong. Five of the crew headed out early this Sunday morning and hit the track. In attendance: myself (absntr), 165, stickerguy, soupless and Lucas (not on the forums). While we all raced our track bikes, we all eventually tried out 165's tricked out Gan Well Pro. Reminder for next Sunday: bring track drops.

Onto the eye candy: photos.

Ed Rudolph Velodrome, Northbrook, Illinois:
http://photos12.flickr.com/17712275_e5d068dc0e_o.jpg

Stickerguy (left), 165 (right) gear up:
http://photos13.flickr.com/17712281_82f36df021_o.jpg

165 gears up while his Gan Well sits pretty:
http://photos12.flickr.com/17712290_3e6425a5f5_o.jpg

A long view of the 'drome:
http://photos14.flickr.com/17712294_eb520ea879_o.jpg

Stickerguy, breaking away:
http://photos14.flickr.com/17712299_881db67ffc_o.jpg

165 and stickerguy pace and keep the speed:
http://photos13.flickr.com/17712300_40af017d26_o.jpg

Soupless tries out the Gan Well (which everyone eventually does) and his verdict? "It's like riding a sword!":
http://photos13.flickr.com/17712303_4140d71ab4_o.jpg

Lucas hits the track on the Gan Well:
http://photos12.flickr.com/17712305_c47ad855a5_o.jpg

Despite my separated collarbone I still hit the track, lacking track drops on Sophia, the Gan Well went through more paces:
http://photos14.flickr.com/17712307_1c46c156b2_o.jpg

Stickerguy way out there:
http://photos14.flickr.com/17712311_b110f25255_o.jpg

165, close up:
http://photos14.flickr.com/17712313_973c69db41_o.jpg

165 steadies Stickerguy as he gets used to the Speedplay Zero's. Overheard: "That's ****-erotic!"
http://photos12.flickr.com/17712326_d2085615a2_o.jpg

Jeff takes a lead while I play catch-up:
http://photos14.flickr.com/17712330_7b40d5324e_o.jpg

Jeff zooms on by...
http://photos13.flickr.com/17712331_d15a80a060_o.jpg

Sweet! Thanks for the pics.
Friday nights start this week- on the 10th.

...and heading up to Kenosha Tuesday?...



(kilo in Northbrook tonight...)














everyone's riding [165]'s sword.

Hey all - I found a new bikeshop in Chicago that ISN'T Yojimbo's! ;)

and Marcus, stop your whining and get in line...

everyone's riding [165]'s sword.

All good. It was a heck of a lot of fun. Next Sunday...

As for riding swords, I'll be riding mine next - having not been home for the weekend I didn't get a chance to pick up my track drops.

Dag. Looks like you guys had fun. If only I weren't swamped with work and such, I'd ride some sword too. Nice pics as always Naz.

165 - How are those Speedplays? I'm thinking about switching over to that system from my crapass SPDs.

nice pics, nice track, NICE bike...get nice.

That looks great- I spent the day MTBing in the Jefferson Park forest preserve, way less spandex and more sport drinks. One of these days I'll make it up there with you guys.

Serious jealousy is setting in. [165], your ride is cuts me to pieces. Even if there were another crew, how would they look as cool without the awesome photography? Need a Gan Well or Sophia, you can get those at performance right?

165 - How are those Speedplays? I'm thinking about switching over to that system from my crapass SPDs.
the system is nice, but feels a bit unstable (I have the X5 model). There is a good deal of float which is a bit unnerving. Strange to hear me say that as I prefer a lot of float due to knee problems. Yet anohter happy medium I need to search out...

Is there anyone here or anywhere that DOESN'T wear bike shorts, bike jerseys, and use clipless shoes/pedals on the velodrome? I'm thinking about going to the track during Bike Fest here in PGH in a couple weeks and I don't have any of these. Are people going to spit on me for being such a no0b?

you might get the snub, but so did I when I started. People can be snotty, just like anywhere else. And they sometimes forget that we all started at one time. But do what you gotta do to get out there - and if that means street shoes and cut-offs, go for it. It is so much fun!

Damn, school duties... I hope to make it out there in three weeks.

Nice photos. Looks like Gan Well produces some serious turbulence for those who follow. Could be the rocket boosters on 165.

Plow Boy

i see sidi's.... those the dominators?


\m/

i have a pair of genuis 4s...... im in love.

I was rockin' some Dominator's but since everyone was riding around on the track legal Gan Well, we all borrowed 165's Genius' for the Speedplay's.

As for float on those, I didn't feel it since I ride eggebeaters and they have a lot of that side to side float, which made me feel right at home with the Zero's.

Of the 5 of us that showed up only 2 wore lycra. 165 & me (I wear mine all the time even in my cubicle) When I showed up for the training nights I wore cargo short cutoffs & a sweatshirt. No one said anything. Probably 'cause they were so happy to see new faces at the track. Bring a helmet though. I got some static when I forgot mine for a couple laps.

Naz- Did you get any pictures of the little kid on his mountain bike? That kid is still finishing up his kilo

165's Sword equals me wanting a set of tubular wheels. Tubular dudes!

That was a really fun morning. At first we screwed around, did a bunch of laps, and all took turns on Josh's amazing Gan Well, & then we also played around with some practice racing. I beat my roommate in the individual pursuit granted we had a mis-communique & he went a bit further than I did. And then we started practicing our flying 200's. Results? My fastest time is faster than Josh's slowest time. Then we went to the handlebar to eat, drink, & be merry and of course a trip to Yojimbos. Fantastic.

jeff





Is there anyone here or anywhere that DOESN'T wear bike shorts, bike jerseys, and use clipless shoes/pedals on the velodrome? I'm thinking about going to the track during Bike Fest here in PGH in a couple weeks and I don't have any of these. Are people going to spit on me for being such a no0b?

I still find it incredible that they allow non-track bikes on the track! geez.

Looks like a good time and great pics. Thanks for sharing.

I still find it incredible that they allow non-track bikes on the track! geez.
Which bikes are not track in the pictures?

Which bikes are not track in the pictures?


#6 165 and stickerguy pace and keep the speed


Also someone mentioned a kid on a mtb.

Great pics. It makes me even more bummed that the beginner clinic got canceled in Colorado Springs this weekend.

Naz, great pics as always. What gear was everyone pushin'? 46x15 felt really slow when I went out there. Thinking about going bigger up front.

#6 165 and stickerguy pace and keep the speed


Also someone mentioned a kid on a mtb.

I guess stickerguy's bianchi pista is not a track bike.

I guess stickerguy's bianchi pista is not a track bike.


The bike in the back, dude.

The bike in the back, dude.
Whoops. My monitor is not big enough to see the entire pic, I needed to scroll. :D

Naz, great pics as always. What gear was everyone pushin'? 46x15 felt really slow when I went out there. Thinking about going bigger up front.
50x15

BostonFixed - Lala is referring to the geared bikes that have use of the velo too, during non-race hours. There were two cyclists training for a 40K, some triathlete, and then a few random wally-worlders coming off and on the velo. I found it strange too, since the only other velo I have been on is the Colorado Spring velo, and I never saw one out there. But that doesn't mean they can't be.

Naz, great pics as always. What gear was everyone pushin'? 46x15 felt really slow when I went out there. Thinking about going bigger up front.

Everyone had whatever gear they were pushing. But when everyone took the Gan Well out, that was when things started to really fly - Josh is pushing 50x15 on it and it felt good out there. I'll probably pick up another cog and throw that on Sophia for more acceleration. 48x18 made me spin like mad at parts but it did allow me to be in a lot of control on the banks. I think 48x16 or 48x15 would be a good compromise between the two if you were lapping, but you may want a higher gear for sprints.

As for non-track bikes on the track - yep, there were some. There were these two roadies doing a 40 km on the very inside of the track, they finished in 1 hour 7 minutes. Nice guys, one was an Italian - he liked my jersey.

As for sprint times:

Jeff's top 200meter sprint: 14:55
Josh's top sprint time: 13:79 (he couldn't get back in the 13's again though after his first one).

A lot of the sprinting took place while other people were on the track so it wasn't quite ideal conditions and the approach was tough as well as you had to avoid some people out there. No matter, the track is open to all when no events are planned and it was great to see people come out and ride, track bike or not.

Even that kid. I think he finished this morning. How old was he? 6, 7? Being groomed?

Is there anyone here or anywhere that DOESN'T wear bike shorts, bike jerseys, and use clipless shoes/pedals on the velodrome? I'm thinking about going to the track during Bike Fest here in PGH in a couple weeks and I don't have any of these. Are people going to spit on me for being such a no0b?

People might be put off because no one wants their bars or anything else to accidentally get caught in/on your shorts, shirt, hoodies, whatever. Tight fitting garments seriously limit the chances of clothing related accidents and crashes. There's some pretty close brushing up/bumping with other racers sometimes. Therefore, if you are in street clothes you represent a threat. You are jeopardizing the safety of others. I don't think anyone will spit on you. But now you know. Get a cheap jersey and shorts. You'll wick better anyway.

Wait a second, they allow non-track bikes on your track? Also, where did [165] get the Blackbird SF jersey?

We can't even get on Hellyer with brakes, let alone on a bike that coasts.

The look on the guys face in the background of the "****-erotic pic" is hilarious!

Wow. The track looks great. I rode there a few years ago, before the renovation and it was pretty bumpy. It was a great track, though, and everyone was really nice, despite the fact that my girlfriend and I showed up out of nowhere without bikes.

Also, where did [165] get the Blackbird SF jersey?
had it for years

as far as bikes with gears and brakes - this velo allows open use. Additionally, on Fridays I believe, there is an open class race, for any class of bike. Whatever works...it is people on bikes. But during track races, my understanding is that brakes and brakeless do not mix classes.

165 steadies Stickerguy as he gets used to the Speedplay Zero's. Overheard: "That's ****-erotic!"



it's not ****, it's just erotic...

Wait a second, they allow non-track bikes on your track? Also, where did [165] get the Blackbird SF jersey?

We can't even get on Hellyer with brakes, let alone on a bike that coasts.

Judah - is Hellyer regulated? Do they have people who allow you in and out, admission, etc all day?

Northbrook, while a serious track is in a suburb, in a neighbourhood park. Next door is an aquarium, a baseball field lies right next to it and there''s a skating rink, a basketball court and the field that sits dead center in the track itself is used for soccer.

During non-events and no one training, it's a free for all pretty much.

From the Hellyer Park Home Page http://www.stanford.edu/~roadman/Bike_Racing/NCVA/ :
:(

The Ed Steffani Velodrome is located in Hellyer County Park and is administered by the NCVA (Northern California Velodrome Ass). The velodrome may only be used during a session attended by a designated track supervisor recognized by the NCVA. Supervisors unlock the facility as needed at the start of a session, collect day use fees, enforce existing use rules and manage traffic for safety and effective training, and lock the facility at the end of their sessions.

Yeah, hellyer is fenced off. No one allowed on unless the guy-with-the-key is there. You can't get on (for all I know) unless you have: a fixed rear wheel, no brakes, drop bars, bar-end plugs, a helmet, $5.

As for the Blackbird SF jersey, I still want to know how you aquired it. Very nice, and pretty rare, jersey....

ah - I grabbed it from vintagevelos about 4 years ago (?) or so? Couldn't pass it by...it was the last one, and pretty cheap if I remember correctly (for qaulity wool). I had heard of Blackbird from a few messenger friends, and I am always down for supporting my former endeavors (no matter how short lived it was)

My bianchi pista isn't track legal because of its lack of decals.
see no one can tell if I spent $500 or $5000 and it freaks them out.

I was running the 48 chainring that came stock & a 16t cog on
the wheel Marcus built up for me awhile back. I picked up a
14t & 15t cogs that I might try out. hopefully I can bum a
lockring wrench off someone tonight because I started running
out of "gear" when Lucas & I were doing a pursuit.

I believe the velodrome is owned by the Northbrook Park District
and a big heck ya to them for letting us Dupage & Cook County folks
use their facilities.

jeff



The bike in the back, dude.

hopefully I can bum a
lockring wrench off someone tonight because I started running
out of "gear" when Lucas & I were doing a pursuit.
I'll bring my hozan pliers next week for ya.

I was thinking about getting down to one of the beginner nights in kenosha but their website doesnt seem like it has been updated in a few years, any info on the kenosha velodrome? Also is it nice/worth the drive(from milwaukee) etc?

if you go, take a broom to seep off the track. sometimes, people break things. bastiges...

']ah - I grabbed it from vintagevelos about 4 years ago (?) or so? Couldn't pass it by...it was the last one, and pretty cheap if I remember correctly (for qaulity wool). I had heard of Blackbird from a few messenger friends, and I am always down for supporting my former endeavors (no matter how short lived it was)

I was hoping for a story about how you finished a brevet in half the time joel did, or defeated him in hand-to-hand combat or something.

HA! Never - Joel is a great guy. And he can house me for sure.

']if you go, take a broom to seep off the track. sometimes, people break things. bastiges...

Ugh that sucks, what nights is it open to the public?

People might be put off because no one wants their bars or anything else to accidentally get caught in/on your shorts, shirt, hoodies, whatever. Tight fitting garments seriously limit the chances of clothing related accidents and crashes. There's some pretty close brushing up/bumping with other racers sometimes. Therefore, if you are in street clothes you represent a threat. You are jeopardizing the safety of others. I don't think anyone will spit on you. But now you know. Get a cheap jersey and shorts. You'll wick better anyway.

I wear cut-off jeans that fit, thus nobody would catch themselves on me any more than on lycra. Also, I have a velodrome jacket, but it's long sleeved, so I'd probably wear a close fitting T-shirt. Oh well, looks like I'll end up "selling out" and buying real race gear soon if I'm going to do any real velodrome racing.

I wear cut-off jeans that fit, thus nobody would catch themselves on me any more than on lycra. Also, I have a velodrome jacket, but it's long sleeved, so I'd probably wear a close fitting T-shirt. Oh well, looks like I'll end up "selling out" and buying real race gear soon if I'm going to do any real velodrome racing.


Seriously, why in the world do people here have such a problem with lycra? It's f-ing stretchy, deal with it! Chr#$t almighty, my guess is that a whole lot of people here wear t-shirts (ironic and vintage, of course) and girls' jeans that are almost lycra tight. The OTHER thing to consider, is that unless your head is waaaaay up yr arse, lycra is significantly more comfortable than anything else. It's functional.

Seriously, why in the world do people here have such a problem with lycra? It's f-ing stretchy, deal with it! Chr#$t almighty, my guess is that a whole lot of people here wear t-shirts (ironic and vintage, of course) and girls' jeans that are almost lycra tight. The OTHER thing to consider, is that unless your head is waaaaay up yr arse, lycra is significantly more comfortable than anything else. It's functional.

It is seriously harder to stuff the rolled up pair of socks into licra.................. :p

I ride naked..... a) hit a nice cloudburst and I dont need a shower when I get home b) wet road muck keeps my skin sumple c) when I wreck I get fresh patches of shiny new skin

It is seriously harder to stuff the rolled up pair of socks into licra..................

That's why I use a cucumber. Of course, once the girls get me out of the lycra, they have their choice...

I ride naked..... a) hit a nice cloudburst and I dont need a shower when I get home b) wet road muck keeps my skin sumple c) when I wreck I get fresh patches of shiny new skin


Well, of course. I was only talking about on the track. I ride naked throughout the city on a regular basis. Ask mayor Daley. ;)

N.B. At May's Chicago CM, I came around a corner to the sight of Travis Culley (of "The Immortal Class" fame) stripping down naked, remounting, and continuing down division.

"It's like riding a sword!":


Hmm, I wouldn't dare to ride any of my swords, even mune up :eek:
Nice ride and nice shots, thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
v.