I just got this in a newsletter from Matt at Sterling Sports Group: (the guy that led the climbing and descending clinic last month for us)

The first race I ever won was on the Track. It was a chariot race, 1 lap all-out, and I was 16. Since I lived in Colorado Springs it was pretty easy to slide down to the 7-11 Velodrome and explore. I'd pop my super- sweet, black 'Paris-Match' track bike on my shoulder and pedal the three miles to the track. Honestly, it's not that easy to carry a track bike while riding a road bike, but whatever. The point - finally - is that Track racing is fun and I want to share it with others. So, we're hosting our first ever track-day at Hellyer Velodrome August 18th from 5:30 - 8:00pm


Track Day - simply put YOU NEED to try track. We'll have full use of the facility and there are plenty of bikes available to rent, so you really have no excuse. We'll also have the tent, the refreshments, and maybe even a guest coach or two to help you out. The 411:


What: Sterling Sports Group Track Initiation Day


When: Monday August 11th 5:30 -8p NOTE DATE CHANGE!


Where: Hellyer Velodrome - Off Hwy 101 in S San Jose


How Much: $10 for you $5 for a bike (juniors are free)

Anyone interested in going? I probably can't but maybe you guys/gals would like to try it out. :)

Gary

I might give that a whirl. I've been a the track a few times this summer, and it looks like fun, although without the ability to coast I may burnout in 1 lap:eek:

You mean we wouldn't have to take 5 beginners classes first? Or is this a track clinic sort of thing?

The requirement is 3 beginner classes ;).

I encourage everyone to go and try riding and racing on track. It's a lot of fun and you'll learn a lot of things.

ifox, just sent you a PM.

there are also beginners sessions most Saturday mornings and beginner sessions coached by Michael Hernandez, Sabine Dukes, and Giovanni Rey on Mondays in July -- 7th, 14th & 28th.

but the charge is only $5 for a bike + $5 for instruction. Matt must be charging an extra $5 for his sessions.

http://www.ridethetrack.com/calendar/

note to you hipsters out there. if you have your own track bike, you can't have a brake or forward facing bars (ie cowhorn). your bike must be fixed, no brakes, with a drop bar for the mass start races. helmets are mandatory.

if you're renting a bike, bring your own pedals.

the Monday sessions are beginner sessions (although non-beginners may also participate). they consist of chalk talk, discussion, on-bike skills and drills, and (typically) a couple of training races.

before you can race any of the standard race evenings (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) you are required to complete three beginner sessions. of course, you can complete more than three (recommended if you don't have a racing background).

I'm guessing that since it sounds like he's renting out the whole track we pay a bit of a premium. Well... $5 extra, that is. hehe!

If you have any questions you may want to contact Matt or his group:
http://www.sterlingwins.com/contact.php

Velogirl... thanks for the info! Don't want anyone bringing a bike they can't use.

Maybe we should do a BF (beginner) trackday on a weekend!

Maybe we should do a BF (beginner) trackday on a weekend!

That would be good! I need one more beginner session to get my three.

great, so i need some new drop bars, take off my brake and a 13T cog for the rear.

that's a lot of money just to get my ass handed to me on the track.

great, so i need some new drop bars, take off my brake and a 13T cog for the rear.

that's a lot of money just to get my ass handed to me on the track.

Or just pay $5 (less than cost of cog).

Every cyclist should check out the track once or twice, imho.

Or just pay $5 (less than cost of cog).

Every cyclist should check out the track once or twice, imho.

I know. I do a tuesday fixed ride with some kids in SJ and Hellyer is one of the stop sometimes. I do plan on trying the monday or sat beginner sessions one of these days. Just waiting for my eye to heal up. Will also probably pick up a fixed/fixed rear so I can run a smaller cog on one side.

Ahh, I see. Well depending on when you go, if I am going as well I can let you borrow a my training/warm up wheel as well.

FYI: I was just informed by Matt that the track session has been moved to August 11th at the request of the track.

Title edited to reflect date change. (And to bump) ;)

quick question:

so what gear combo are you guys running out there. I ride 46x18 on the street, I'm assuming I'd need at least a 46x13? what's the pace like?

I would say you'd wanna be up in the mid-80's gear inch-wise. I've raced with 78" (48 X 17) & 81"(48 x 16) and in the C's didn't feel like it was a disadvantage, but unless your really like to spin I'd say stick with what most people have.

thanks. that sounds good, I can get about 80 using a 15T in the rear. That makes it easier to use the same chain length, I think.