Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Track Racing question

I'm new to racing and the track, but i want to begin to race and spend more time out there. there are some beginner classes every Saturday, so before i go out, is there anything i need to know?

i currently own a 03 bianchi pista. what other parts or information i need to know to start racing. Can i race my pista?

gavin

I'm new to racing and the track, but i want to begin to race and spend more time out there. there are some beginner classes every Saturday, so before i go out, is there anything i need to know?

i currently own a 03 bianchi pista. what other parts or information i need to know to start racing. Can i race my pista?

gavin

If you've got a helmet you've got everything you need. You can race what you've got. The beginner classes are great - learn how to hold your line and ride a wheel. But get into racing ASAP, because you'll learn a lot faster.

Also, learn how to spin - keep the gears low (around 77-82 inches if you're young, 86-90 if you're older).

If you have a road bike go on group rides.

i want to start racing as soon as possible.I'm a college soccer player looking to get into racing in the winter. i have strong legs so this will help me. to race i think i have to take the classes, but i do comute everyday on my track bike so i've been riding for about two years now.

gavin

i want to start racing as soon as possible.I'm a college soccer player looking to get into racing in the winter. i have strong legs so this will help me. to race i think i have to take the classes, but i do comute everyday on my track bike so i've been riding for about two years now.

gavin

NNNNOOOOO! Not another soccer player! You guys are always so strong!

The essential thing to remember when riding a bike is that you don't have to slide tackle the riders next to you. All that sideways running and lateral movement are unnecessary on the bike. On the upside, you already know how to hit the deck.

I worked with a soccer player who took up bike racing. He was really strong, going from (road) Cat 4 to Cat 2 in half a season, but after a while we were calling him the Human Crayon.

I take it from your location that you'll be racing at Hellyer? It's a fun velodrome, and the experience I had there over the summer (I raced there two Wednesdays when I was in the area house sitting) was very positive. Good people, good attitudes, some really good racers. I think they want you to do 3 Saturday morning beginner sessions before they'll let you race. All you need is a brakeless track bike and a helmet and you should be good to go. Have fun!

Yeah, Hellyer they ask for 3 beg sessions before you race, but if you want to race Wens night I'd highly suggest making the "Beg Racer Sessions" taught by Larry Nolan every forth Sat of the month. I've done the previous two, and I don't plan on missing anymore between now & race time. They also want you to do 3 beg sessions before going to this as well.

If you goto the BegRacerSession look for me, I'm on a Fuji Track Pro, got some tatts and I'm usually telling jokes and/or signing badly in the paceline. It'll be base miles time, so I'll be slow. I also ride the SF Velodrome (the polo fields) off hours for some additional "no-brakes" seat time. I welcome company.