Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Spaze goes back to school... to get schooled

Alright, so I moved to San Diego about a month ago now and have been getting back into cycling by commuting and riding on the weekends. Soon after getting here I discovered there is a velodrome in the area (by that I mean 5 miles from where I live) and that they offer classes. Last week we bought a bike for my wife and the seller had just bought a track bike said it was a blast. After going back and fourth about wanting to spend the money my wife finally asked me last night if I had signed up for the level 1 class. I replied no and she asked why I was being lazy, lol. So last night I signed up for the level one class! It starts next month, so I should have time to get back into a little better shape in hopes of not making a complete fool of myself. I'm super excited about this class and honestly cant wait to come home exhausted from class on mondays :)

I'll update this more as the class gets closer, but i've been lurking in here and there are some great threads on starting out. Now, if I get hooked, I need to find a bike/frame to buy.

Nice! Good luck!

They are right, it is a blast.

On your first day out, just concentrate on being smooth and predictable, and on learning.

Heck, on my first days, I had a hard time not getting vertigo in the turns (although they do flatten out at speeds over 27mph) and relaxing my arms enough so the bike didn't act so darty. There is lots to learn!

Bring your wife and bikes to the track on Saturday mornings and ride during the public session when any bike is permitted. Stay until noon and you can watch Eddie B coach his riders. Pam is a great coach; glad you're taking the class. She and Tony Olsen taught my wife and me to ride track 13 years ago.

Cool! I help Pam and Thom with the Monday night adult classes. You're going to have a blast! The Monday regulars are a fun and helpful bunch. I'll be there on June 18th to help fit people to their rental bikes.
Don't forget to come out on Tuesday nights to watch TNR (Tues Night Racing).

Hey, Tony! Met Thom at the Stage 8 finish line in LA with John Ledford, just before J did the pit ref thing on Tommeke Boonen, stood in front of him and wouldn't let him go until he autographed his picture on the cover of Velonews.

Spaze, don't forget about Saturday Night Lights, USAC sanctioned racing once a month through September. June 9 is the next one, SNL3, since it also needs a neo-fascist acronym. It promises to be quite the party. Hopefully we'll see some fast riders come down from LA to animate the racing. April was exciting with 67 riders. Gary will be announcing and there is a rumor about live music.

I'm going to Atlanta Velodrome tonight to start the first week of the 4 Beginner's class program. Hopefully will be fun :)

I'm going to Atlanta Velodrome tonight to start the first week of the 4 Beginner's class program. Hopefully will be fun :)

Sweet. How did it go?

Well...

I'll preface this by saying, I don't ride any bicycle at the moment. I actually just bought a road bike that I haven't even ridden (an old 'vintage' Rossin), that's in Florida at my parents house. So, where I'm getting at, is that I'm horribly unconditioned in terms of cardio. I'm not overweight by any means or weak, I weight train twice a week or so and I play racquetball pretty often too... but this kind of exercise is... well, different. I wanted to try cycling as I hate running, and I also like bicycles in general as I grew up riding BMX bike in trails and the like.

So the first time at the bank, well I felt like I was riding the banks back home in Daytona... (a bit scary for sure), then I felt the bumps and felt like I wasn't in control then my natural thought was to coast, so I let off but then the pedal pushed me to keep going and my mind said 'duh! no coast, keep pedaling harder' so I did... then I got more comfortable with the banks... I didn't look down but forward, where I want to go not where I'm at (something I picked up in car autocrossing). However, it's not easy as it looks that's for sure, and those bumps don't help.

I focused on staying in my line... I stayed in the lane between red n' black line and tried to stay in there along the turns... focused on relaxing and doing as little with my arms as possible.

Then we did some exercises at the end going up and down the banks... that was kind of intimidating at first, but again it worked out. I don't love the feeling of accelerating and my legs being forced to go with the acceleration, but I guess you get used to that.

My final thoughts is that it is more challenging than I expected and I think that the more conditioned I get, the more fun I'll have as I'll be less worried about my legs burning and more about enjoying the ride.

It gets easier.

It doesn't get easier, you just get faster. - Lemond.

So, here is the report. I go there nearly an hour early and was one of the first in line for a bike. Pam was super helpful and very nice. As you can see from the text I survived, which was my only goal for last night. Bottom line is I had a BLAST! I only forgot to pedal once in the first session and scared the bejesus out of myself on the apron. I also learned that without the little rotate peg thingys (technical term) rat traps are nearly impossible to get into once moving... at least for me. Past that the banking did not scare me at all, and actually reminded me about the banking I've been on in cars. I was shocked at the amount of grip one has on the track though. Surprisingly didnt have any problems starting or stopping on the boards and I'll give kudos to my lazyness at stop lights for my low speed stability (I never want to unclip).

The last drill was a one lap flyer and from what I saw of the level two group, I have a lot to learn, but thats a good thing :) I managed a 26.1 last night and was pleasantly surprised. My fat arse can really get up and go when needed.

Overall, it was a great night! It has also inspired me to look for cheap(ish) track bikes on Craigslist (any recommendations?). I figure if I had this much fun in one night, i should be doing this a few times a week! I'm stoked for next week and really cannot wait for what is has to offer.

Tony, It was great meeting you last night!

Nice write up, thanks for sharing. I think most of us share your passion. Next thing you know, you'll be doing that flying lap 10mph faster. You tend to pull a lot of G's in the corners at those speeds though..,.

So, here is the report. I go there nearly an hour early and was one of the first in line for a bike. Pam was super helpful and very nice. As you can see from the text I survived, which was my only goal for last night. Bottom line is I had a BLAST! I only forgot to pedal once in the first session and scared the bejesus out of myself on the apron. I also learned that without the little rotate peg thingys (technical term) rat traps are nearly impossible to get into once moving... at least for me. Past that the banking did not scare me at all, and actually reminded me about the banking I've been on in cars. I was shocked at the amount of grip one has on the track though. Surprisingly didnt have any problems starting or stopping on the boards and I'll give kudos to my lazyness at stop lights for my low speed stability (I never want to unclip).

The last drill was a one lap flyer and from what I saw of the level two group, I have a lot to learn, but thats a good thing :) I managed a 26.1 last night and was pleasantly surprised. My fat arse can really get up and go when needed.

Overall, it was a great night! It has also inspired me to look for cheap(ish) track bikes on Craigslist (any recommendations?). I figure if I had this much fun in one night, i should be doing this a few times a week! I'm stoked for next week and really cannot wait for what is has to offer.

Tony, It was great meeting you last night!

It gets better every week as you get the feel of your bike. Next Monday is the Flying 200 meters.
If you get there early again I'll be there to let riders get their bikes and warmup before class.
Get use to the cowbells, level two is all about the cowbells!

Nice write up, thanks for sharing. I think most of us share your passion. Next thing you know, you'll be doing that flying lap 10mph faster. You tend to pull a lot of G's in the corners at those speeds though..,.

It also does not help I have an addictive personality :) I'm also an adrenalin junkie that has raced crits, cars (still do this actually) and love high octane sports. Now if I could only get into better shape faster!


It gets better every week as you get the feel of your bike. Next Monday is the Flying 200 meters.
If you get there early again I'll be there to let riders get their bikes and warmup before class.
Get use to the cowbells, level two is all about the cowbells!

Tony, I now understand just how twitchy track bikes can be. I had only heard stories till monday night. It was hard for me to understand Pam's talk on how to control the bike better when you are standing on it. I just could not relate it to my road bike... but within seconds of standing on the track bike I understood. Everything both the coaches said made sense and was easy to digest which makes the class even better.

Flying 200m you say? that must be an all out sprint!! I cant wait! As for level 2, I'm hoping that I have the time to sign up as soon as level 1 ends :)

oh, and I may or may not be eyeing this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Fuji-Track-Pro-Complete-Bike-61cm-/180906990898?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1ee59d32)

We just did the Flying 200m last night... yeah it's pretty dang fast into that first turn, it was challenging to keep the bike in the low end of the bank (pole lane) as the speed just wants to bring the bike up, I think the highest I got was the sprinter's lane

Well week 2 has come and gone and here is my brain dump. This week I made the trip to the velodrome on my daily rider and really enjoyed it.. all 5 miles of it. So I got there, said hello, grabbed my bike and tried to warm up more(ish). I still hate rat traps... this time it only took me 2 laps to get into them just enough time to not really be able to warm up. We started with the snake and moved into the pace line for the second drill. This was something near and dear to my heart as a long time ago I rode with a race team when I was not fat and slow. Pace lines are something I'm very familiar with this time I dont need to worry about cars :). I felt very comfortable on the wheel of the person in front of me, but i did notice its MUCH harder to control speed and I had to be really on top of that to keep a consistent pace. When level one was brought back into the staging area we watched level 2 to points races. This was really fun seeing a rolling game of chess unfold, so much so I missed nearly 1/2 of what the coach was saying (I'll admit it). After watching that it was intervals starting on the flying 200m line. So we sprinted pole to pole or roughly 1/4 of the track. That reminded me just how rough intervals could be as my legs started to burn after my second run. As quickly as it began it ended, and the real flying 200 was next! We watched level 2 line up and have at! There were some blistering times again and the freight train (chris) was back with something like a low 13, but I dont remember. I managed a 14.7 but seriously slowed down the front straight. Pam (head coach) was nice enough to offer up some "extra credit" after all the 200's finished. When they did I figured I wanted to learn a little more and really "get my monies worth." oh.. I was about to! At first it was just me and then some of the guys from the level 2 group joined.. and when I say chris and another fast rider walk up, I knew I had just tossed my self into the deep end, with the sharks *gulp*

There were 6 of us total and pam managed to explain the rocket drill to me (I was the only one that had not done it) in 15 seconds and off we went. I was paired with chris, so I figured I would not have to chase him, sweet! Chris gave me some pointers and told me to do my best which was nice. Soon he was off and I was satelliting around the top. Looking back I saw another fast level 2 rider in the back and counted down... 3.. 2.. 1.. out of the saddle and down I went.... annnnd completely missed his wheel. So I continued my sprint and managed to catch him about 1/2 way to his group of 2. He pulled up and off I went... oh boy this is not easy. I managed to catch chris again and he laughed saying that I botched it and gave me pointers about not doing that again. He also said the guy I was chasing was fast.... yup he was. But he was also a bigger guy (I'm not svelte myself). About the time he told me to really ride his draft, he was off again and before I knew it I was counting down....3... 2... 1 and out of the saddle I went, down the banking and managed to catch his wheel nearly perfectly. I tucked in knowing this time was not going to be easy on my legs. Around we went, and by the time I caught chris again I was nearly done. I was really feeling it and wheezing. Chris laughed again and said that time I did much better. I was happy I had come this far and was sort of wondering what type of pace I'd be able to keep up this next time. Before I knew it I was on his wheel and about 1/2 way to may group I lost it... I had to pull up so I apologized to the guy on my wheel and called "out." I felt a little defeated, but I was not the first to call out and that was the last lap anyway.

I came in, completely wiped out, still breathing heavily feeling torn. I leaned something new, but I also felt like the slowest person out there. As I rode home, I realized how relaxed my allez felt and how good I felt... Another good night, and I'll be back next week to get my butt kicked and learn something new :)

oh, and I may or may not be eyeing this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Fuji-Track-Pro-Complete-Bike-61cm-/180906990898?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1ee59d32)

That's a great price for a great bike (assuming that you can get it for close to $500.)

That's a great price for a great bike (assuming that you can get it for close to $500.)

As if 60/61's were hard to find in road bikes, they are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find for used track bikes. I really should have jumped on that. ~$600 for that shipped would have been pretty sweet. Although I think I may be making too much out of the geometry thing. I think I should just get a cheap(ish) bike (or frame) and go from there. Although this monday whilst doing the snake I did have a pedal strike, and that jarred me for a second. but I'm sure with clipless pedals that will be even more infrequent.

there is an 09 track pro frame on ebay for $400 though... hmmmmmm

As if 60/61's were hard to find in road bikes, they are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find for used track bikes. I really should have jumped on that. ~$600 for that shipped would have been pretty sweet. Although I think I may be making too much out of the geometry thing. I think I should just get a cheap(ish) bike (or frame) and go from there. Although this monday whilst doing the snake I did have a pedal strike, and that jarred me for a second. but I'm sure with clipless pedals that will be even more infrequent.

there is an 09 track pro frame on ebay for $400 though... hmmmmmm

The older Fuji in the ebay link above is a perfect bike. I've seen that bike win elite US National Championships. Ridden by both elite sprinters and endurance riders. The angles are nice as well as the fork rake. Plus it uses a standard 27.2mm seatpost. Aero seatposts cause more problems than they solve.

Stay away from the Fuji track pro. The integrated seat post and clamp have LOTS of issues. It also has chainstay issues. Some earlier production models won't clear anything but cranks with wide Q factors.

The older Fuji in the ebay link above is a perfect bike. I've seen that bike win elite US National Championships. Ridden by both elite sprinters and endurance riders. The angles are nice as well as the fork rake. Plus it uses a standard 27.2mm seatpost. Aero seatposts cause more problems than they solve.


I have the last of the Fuji Track pro with the older design (2008). Cannot fault the bike other than the motor... :innocent:

Stay away from the Fuji track pro. The integrated seat post and clamp have LOTS of issues. It also has chainstay issues. Some earlier production models won't clear anything but cranks with wide Q factors.

Not to mention that with all of these problems, sites were blowing out the track pro frame only for ridiculously low prices. Hipsters were buying these and slapping whatever fork they could find on it to get a stylish Fixed Gear racer.

You do not want to change the fork rake of a track bike. A real track fork cost more than the frame costs - I have do doubt that many of those frames got the right fork.

The older bikes were great though - just be careful with ebay.

Cannot fault the bike other than the motor... :innocent:

heh, I know that feeling!


Not to mention that with all of these problems, sites were blowing out the track pro frame only for ridiculously low prices. Hipsters were buying these and slapping whatever fork they could find on it to get a stylish Fixed Gear racer.

You do not want to change the fork rake of a track bike. A real track fork cost more than the frame costs - I have do doubt that many of those frames got the right fork.

The older bikes were great though - just be careful with ebay.

good to know. I'll make sure whatever I buy I post here first for a real opinion. I'll probably also stick with something proven (fuji, felt, etc) and not stray from that. I have seen quite a few pista knock off frames that might work as a start....

hope you don't mind me posting about my last day at the school here in DLV

We did pace line again with a sprint on the last lap, that was fun.

Then we did match sprints... I barely won against what I would consider a strong rider, he started in the front and I stuck on his wheel the whole time until the very last turn where I gave 200% to the finish, maybe got him by like 1/8 of a wheel. Unfortunately that drained me so much 5 minutes later I had absolutely nothing left for our mass race... the whole group took off and I had nothing. I really just felt completely drained, the motor was overheated :D

All in all, there's much to learn and I'll have to see if I can pick up a cheap track bike to keep going with this. I learned alot and it was really fun.

hope you don't mind me posting about my last day at the school here in DLV

We did pace line again with a sprint on the last lap, that was fun.

Then we did match sprints... I barely won against what I would consider a strong rider, he started in the front and I stuck on his wheel the whole time until the very last turn where I gave 200% to the finish, maybe got him by like 1/8 of a wheel. Unfortunately that drained me so much 5 minutes later I had absolutely nothing left for our mass race... the whole group took off and I had nothing. I really just felt completely drained, the motor was overheated :D

All in all, there's much to learn and I'll have to see if I can pick up a cheap track bike to keep going with this. I learned alot and it was really fun.

Yep, that sounds about right. If you are doing several races, you have to be careful when to use your sprint power. Certainly, if you can learn to draft and then pass at the right time (not too early, not to late), you can be an effective rider. Doing lots of intervals will help a lot with your recovery rate (but if I do them right I always feel like I am going to puke). Most experienced people are not going to let you draft the whole race though.

Cheap track bikes are fun.

Well I knew he was a stronger rider than me, so I was hoping I'd be in second so he could set the pace and I could see if I could follow. I was hoping he wouldn't have kicked it up so early, but he did, so then I just aimed for hanging on to his wheel to see if at towards the last turn I would have enough energy to go for a sprint. That's kind of how it worked out, however I started to sprint a bit too hard and I came up really close on his wheel almost hitting him (SCARY MOMENT!) and I had to duck a bit towards the apron before the last turn, that definitely took away some momentum since I had to 'brake' some... I thought by then it would be over, but I got back behind and spun as fast as I could, coming out of the turn I felt like I was gaining so I swung outside of the pole lane and we basically had a drag race towards the line... it was really fun and it could have gone either way.

But yeah, my night was over after that, my legs felt like acid and lead all at the same time, definitely need some conditioning.

hope you don't mind me posting about my last day at the school here in DLV

We did pace line again with a sprint on the last lap, that was fun.

Then we did match sprints... I barely won against what I would consider a strong rider, he started in the front and I stuck on his wheel the whole time until the very last turn where I gave 200% to the finish, maybe got him by like 1/8 of a wheel. Unfortunately that drained me so much 5 minutes later I had absolutely nothing left for our mass race... the whole group took off and I had nothing. I really just felt completely drained, the motor was overheated :D

All in all, there's much to learn and I'll have to see if I can pick up a cheap track bike to keep going with this. I learned alot and it was really fun.

Danilo,
I don't mind at all. Its nice to know that I'm not the only one, in school, lol.

I learned a little bit about conservation years ago when I used to TT and crit race. ITs nice to be able to pull out that speed when you need it, but on the track it seems like you need it a lot more often. Live and learn! You'll also gain strength and endurance the more you ride as chas58 said.

I'm looking at bikes as well, and this is the next thing to show up on flebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-Bianchi-SUPER-PISTA-TRACK-bike-60CM-/290735567016?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b130b0a8) it looks super nice, and I guess I could sell the wheels and make it a little cheaper. Right now carbon wheels are not going to make me any faster than boat anchors.

the Superpista is nice! sell the wheels, get some Deep V's in Celeste (represent that Bianchi ;) ). BTW I don't think those wheels are carbon, very light, or very aero... but they are popular amongst the fixed gear street riders, so they would sell.

the Superpista is nice! sell the wheels, get some Deep V's in Celeste (represent that Bianchi ;) ). BTW I don't think those wheels are carbon, very light, or very aero... but they are popular amongst the fixed gear street riders, so they would sell.

we'll see what it goes for and I'm a little worried about the size (it being too small). Right now its a little more than I want to spend, but it is a VERY nice bike and one that I'd never need to upgrade.

So last night was the unclass, class. Pam was on vacation and tom (thom?) was there coaching us. We started with pacelines and man there are some fast level 1 people as well. I made it though the warmup and all the way to the last lap sprint, but I could not hold unto the group and finished 5th or so. After that we had several other drills including the serpentine where you had to move all over the track passing riders in a staggered formation. I liked it a lot and realized again that slowing quickly takes some serious forethought.

About 1/2 way though the night I got to be a holder (not sure what the actual term is) for a level two standing start and that was a new experience for sure. We also got to witness a level 2 Miss and out race which was neat to watch. I really cant wait to progress a little and start racing because I miss it a little (racing anything actually). After that I rode back home and realized that if I do get a bike, I'm going to have to ride it home, and up the few hills as well.... hmmmm maybe I should wait on a bike afterall, lol!!

I'm stoked for next week and at this point I should probably just sign up for level 2 in the next series of classes :)

we'll see what it goes for and I'm a little worried about the size (it being too small). Right now its a little more than I want to spend, but it is a VERY nice bike and one that I'd never need to upgrade.

So last night was the unclass, class. Pam was on vacation and tom (thom?) was there coaching us. We started with pacelines and man there are some fast level 1 people as well. I made it though the warmup and all the way to the last lap sprint, but I could not hold unto the group and finished 5th or so. After that we had several other drills including the serpentine where you had to move all over the track passing riders in a staggered formation. I liked it a lot and realized again that slowing quickly takes some serious forethought.

About 1/2 way though the night I got to be a holder (not sure what the actual term is) for a level two standing start and that was a new experience for sure. We also got to witness a level 2 Miss and out race which was neat to watch. I really cant wait to progress a little and start racing because I miss it a little (racing anything actually). After that I rode back home and realized that if I do get a bike, I'm going to have to ride it home, and up the few hills as well.... hmmmm maybe I should wait on a bike afterall, lol!!

I'm stoked for next week and at this point I should probably just sign up for level 2 in the next series of classes :)

Thom spells his name this way.
That was a chariot race where you were holding someone at the start with other racers. I'm at the bottom holding Lisi.
259652

Next week is Australian Pursuit, riding counter-clock wise (normal) not like Thom had level 2 riding clockwise, it's a strange sensation riding the other direction :twitchy:

... riding clockwise, it's a strange sensation riding the other direction :twitchy:

Did that once at my local track at the end of training just because I could - empty track. Very weird indeed! :twitchy:

we'll see what it goes for and I'm a little worried about the size (it being too small). Right now its a little more than I want to spend, but it is a VERY nice bike and one that I'd never need to upgrade.

So last night was the unclass, class. Pam was on vacation and tom (thom?) was there coaching us. We started with pacelines and man there are some fast level 1 people as well. I made it though the warmup and all the way to the last lap sprint, but I could not hold unto the group and finished 5th or so. After that we had several other drills including the serpentine where you had to move all over the track passing riders in a staggered formation. I liked it a lot and realized again that slowing quickly takes some serious forethought.

About 1/2 way though the night I got to be a holder (not sure what the actual term is) for a level two standing start and that was a new experience for sure. We also got to witness a level 2 Miss and out race which was neat to watch. I really cant wait to progress a little and start racing because I miss it a little (racing anything actually). After that I rode back home and realized that if I do get a bike, I'm going to have to ride it home, and up the few hills as well.... hmmmm maybe I should wait on a bike afterall, lol!!

I'm stoked for next week and at this point I should probably just sign up for level 2 in the next series of classes :)

I enjoyed the serpentine drill as well. It was fun weaving through the riders and really feeling the banks on the track!

My name is David btw. I'm the one who is always in the blue/black/orange Spy kit wearing sneakers and using a rental bike. Come say hi!


I hate to jack your thread, but I would like to share an interesting learning experience on Monday as well:

I participated in the miss-and-out at the very end. I am very familiar with these events on the road because we used to do them at crit practice when I was still in college. My mistake was playing the final sprint (which I lost to my friend Hans) like a road sprint:

I rolled up the track and grabbed his wheel right before the start of the last lap, planning on jumping around him w like 100m to go and using him as my leadout. The problem was, I gave him the sprinter's lane!

At some point I realized that in order to pass him, I would have to lose momentum by going up the banks of the track a little bit. I waited until turn 3 to jump, and there was no way I was going to pass him as the track banked up, unlike a flat road. He diligently looked over his shoulder every other pedal stoke and kept his momentum in the sprinters lane and easily beat me.

I know from road experience that from a power standpoint (w/kg and/or w/cda) I am a better sprinter, and I will beat him in a sprint on the road 9/10 times.

/end thread jack

Anyways my point is that I am quickly learning (as u may be too) that there is much subtlety and tactics involved with racing on the track. I can't wait for next week and i'm already browsing CL for a used track bike!

I participated in the miss-and-out at the very end. I am very familiar with these events on the road because we used to do them at crit practice when I was still in college. My mistake was playing the final sprint (which I lost to my friend Hans) like a road sprint:

I rolled up the track and grabbed his wheel right before the start of the last lap, planning on jumping around him w like 100m to go and using him as my leadout. The problem was, I gave him the sprinter's lane!

At some point I realized that in order to pass him, I would have to lose momentum by going up the banks of the track a little bit. I waited until turn 3 to jump, and there was no way I was going to pass him as the track banked up, unlike a flat road. He diligently looked over his shoulder every other pedal stoke and kept his momentum in the sprinters lane and easily beat me.

I know from road experience that from a power standpoint (w/kg and/or w/cda) I am a better sprinter, and I will beat him in a sprint on the road 9/10 times.

/end thread jack

Anyways my point is that I am quickly learning (as u may be too) that there is much subtlety and tactics involved with racing on the track. I can't wait for next week and i'm already browsing CL for a used track bike!


Giving him the sprinter's lane wasn't the problem. You just have to learn some come-around techniques. If you are evenly-matched, it's not as simple as riding the wheel then popping around him.

Coming around an opponent when both are evenly matched and at full gas is not easy. As you mentioned, the rider coming around has the disadvantage of going up track and a slightly longer distance (if the move is done in the turns) not to mention having to pass the entire length of the opponent's bike for the win.

There are ways to attack (as the following rider) and counter-attack (as the lead rider). I got "razored" and "pinned" just last week by a slower (but more experienced) rider and spent 250M in the wind riding above the sprinters lane which had me traveling far enough to keep me from passing for the win.

Giving him the sprinter's lane wasn't the problem. You just have to learn some come-around techniques. If you are evenly-matched, it's not as simple as riding the wheel then popping around him.

Coming around an opponent when both are evenly matched and at full gas is not easy. As you mentioned, the rider coming around has the disadvantage of going up track and a slightly longer distance (if the move is done in the turns) not to mention having to pass the entire length of the opponent's bike for the win.

There are ways to attack (as the following rider) and counter-attack (as the lead rider). I got "razored" and "pinned" just last week by a slower (but more experienced) rider and spent 250M in the wind riding above the sprinters lane which had me traveling far enough to keep me from passing for the win.

I see.

I can't wait till next time. Maybe I should have just gunned it from farther out and played it by ear.

I see.

I can't wait till next time. Maybe I should have just gunned it from farther out and played it by ear.

The practice races are great for trying different techniques at full gas. Even if they don't work, you get to see how they feel and maybe the will work for you some other time.

There are so many subtle things that can make or break a match sprint. I watched a guy sneak away from me in the saddle one day. It absolutely DID NOT occur to me that he was starting the sprint...until it was too late and the gap was too big for me to close to get a draft.

There are more ways to lose races than there are to winning them. Pay attention to how you lose and if you keep those things from happening, eventually you'll be in a position where you can't lose, then...

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/35/73240058_c82fb78889_o.jpg

hahaha nice.

I enjoyed the serpentine drill as well. It was fun weaving through the riders and really feeling the banks on the track!

My name is David btw. I'm the one who is always in the blue/black/orange Spy kit wearing sneakers and using a rental bike. Come say hi!


David, Sorry for not saying hi, I didnt see this until today. I'll make sure to come over next time an introduce myself :) I'm the tall guy riding the chrome 61, in whatever getup is dry and not stinky, lol. I've also been riding to/from class on my black allez. I saw that race last week and it looked really good. I should have jumped in but I knew I could not hang with you guys for the whole race.

So recap from last night. Rode to class, grabbed my bike and before I could even think about an on track warm up level 2 was called to the fences. The Coaches were talking to us about the paceline burnout's which some of us did last week and when out turn came Pam divided us into two groups. There was a big part of me that hoped I was in the slow group after last week but alas, that was not the case. There were 8 of us including, Hans and David. I had no problem keeping pace with the group until the 1/2 lap pulls and thats when the riders with endurance really began to shine. I made it to ~2.5 Laps to go and thats when a gap opened up that I could not close. I had just been on the front for the previous 1/2 lap and was out of pace to keep up. I called out and looked behind me to see.... no one. I pulled up and saw only 3 riders continuing and had a good chuckle. It was the same 3 as it always was and I was glad to have held up this long. I pulled in and headed to the cool down ring when another rider started talking to me about trying to tag onto the back after pulling and missing the group completely. I gave him some tips from my time with the rocket drill that i found useful when trying to get into the back of a fast persons wheel. We finished cooling down just as level 2 was heading up to start their next drills. We continued the night with the serpentine drill again which was very enjoyable again, and then we waited for the Australian pursuit.

Pam decided to mix level 1 and 2 riders on the pursuit which worked out well. When she called up the first (and fastest) group or 6 I knew it was going to be fun to watch. As they were taking their spots I had just sat down when my name was read. Again, I was in a fastish group.... *sigh* I figured it was going to be a quick race. I joked with the level 2 rider behind me to at least give me a half lap before he destroys me, and laughed. The first group was done quickly with the freight train cleaning up (sporting new aero bars). I took my position and we were off. Riders 3 (me) and 4 (person I'm pursuing) were a good 1/4 track apart and I knew the odds of me catching him were small. But the first lap I was determined to make up some distance on him. After the first lap I could see I'd gained a little, but not enough to make a difference. By the second lap I was surprised I had not been passed, but the cow bells ringing reminded me I might not last another. Once I crossed for my third lap I looked back and sure enough I had may be 20 bike lengths on my pursuer and had lost whatever I had gained on the person I was pursuing. I could feel myself slowing down now as my endurance sucks right now. We come to lap 4 and more cow bells and I look back to see the rider at 10 lengths...... really... ONLY 10 lengths, I'm really slow at this point and time and he had only gained 1/2 the distance. But I'm a sitting duck... wait... I'm a sitting hurting duck as I round the turn 4 again. Was I going to make it another lap... this was a joy and a curse at the same time. Lap 5 and the cow bell's are going nuts. Rounding turn 1 I look back and see next to nothing as he had caught me. Turn two I could begin to hear his bike, and 1/2 way down the straight it was over.... I was 3rd.... wait... 3rd? How the heck did that happen? Watching pursuits clearly does not prepare you for them and I was satisfied that I lasted as long as I did.

the last drill was something called satellite where pacelines alternated passing and being passed. This should have worked flawlessly as by now everyone knew the fundamentals but the directions were not crystal clear and the first pass was a little chaotic. After that things went well and the exercise was fun. That concluded the regular portion of the night until pam asked for people that wanted more extra credit. Wanting to "get my money's worth" I went to the boards and she told us it was the rocket drill, but this time it was just a single paceline and single riders sprinting from the front to the back. I managed a solid 3 sprints and decided to call it a night. As with all interval style drills I learned I had legs again, and they yes, they burn :)

I packed up, threw back on my cycling shoes, turned on my lights and got on my bike to head home. There is a fairly substantial hill less than a mile from the velodrome and I stuck my allez in the big ring to make the most of the decent and in the hopes to make the accent easier. As I neared the bottom I took right the lane (easily doing the speed limit) and noticed that someone was making a very illegal u-turn from the right most lane of traffic across the double yellows (the road is 2 lanes in either direction). His little scion with the turning radius of the titanic and his lack of vision came right into my lane just after I got on the brakes and started yelling. The dude promptly gives is all the gas it has and burns out as he heads up the hill. Meanwhile the light turns yellow and I stop.. ugh, so much for making it up the hill in one go tonight. The light turns green and up the hill I go.... and thats when I notice the little scion sitting at the next light. By the time I get within 10 cars of the scion the light turns green and he does a burn out and takes off... to the next light... which is red and 100 yards away. I make it to him and stop next to his car. As much was I wanted to scream at him for being and a$$ hat, I mustered all the good I had in me and said "hey, remember to watch for cyclists. There are a lot of us around here." Thinking I was speaking to someone reasonable, I started to move up to the front of the line of traffic when I heard him shout something about my shorts and my sexual orientation. The light turned green and yet another burn out to another red light 100 yards away *sigh*. This lasted for a while as he was on my commute home and there are lots of lights. Hindsight being what it is, I should have taken another rode, but I know this one is safe, and has a nice bike lane. I did eventually found out he lives not more than 3 blocks away from where I do. Sometimes people really astound me...

Still enjoyed the night and cant wait for next week :)

the last drill was something called satellite where pacelines alternated passing and being passed. This should have worked flawlessly as by now everyone knew the fundamentals but the directions were not crystal clear and the first pass was a little chaotic. After that things went well and the exercise was fun. That concluded the regular portion of the night until pam asked for people that wanted more extra credit. Wanting to "get my money's worth" I went to the boards and she told us it was the rocket drill, but this time it was just a single paceline and single riders sprinting from the front to the back. I managed a solid 3 sprints and decided to call it a night. As with all interval style drills I learned I had legs again, and they yes, they burn :)



That last drill was the passing paceline drill. It's really hard to explain and easier to demostrate, like Thom and Pam did.
Next week is "Cowboys and Indians", you're going love it! One of next week's drills is learning how to do half lap pulls.

I never felt like I was ever fully warmed up last night and you probably heard me complaining about it. That's why I kept jumping in with the slower level 2 during their races. I did 5 sprints during the rocket drill and before the last one only Ian was in front of me when I caught the line, so off I jumped without a breather! Got in 22 miles last night, but damn Strava didn't record......
See you next week.

*sigh* I just got an email saying the velodrome is closed today due to painting the track. So no class tonight, but next class I'm bringing my checkbook and signing up for the Level 2 class.

I'm also seriously on the hunt for a starter bike now. I figure if nothing pop's up locally or on ebay I might just pull the trigger on a Specialized Langster and see where that takes me.

I spent 7.5 hrs yesterday painting, only 8 showed up to help paint! They're finishing up today just in time for racing TNR tomorrow night.
Just tell Pam next week you're taking the next session so you can reserve your bike. You can pay her at the start of the next session.
I'll be down at the track tonight to tell riders no class tonight and check out the finished product. Come by and check it out........

I packed up, threw back on my cycling shoes, turned on my lights and got on my bike to head home.any reason you are not putting your pedals on the rental bike?

^
you're not allowed to.

That's a stupid policy.

That's a stupid policy.
It prevents stripped out pedal threads on the rental bike cranks. It's safer for beginners and most riders will have their own track bikes pretty soon if they're really interested in riding the velodrome.

I spent 7.5 hrs yesterday painting, only 8 showed up to help paint! They're finishing up today just in time for racing TNR tomorrow night.
Just tell Pam next week you're taking the next session so you can reserve your bike. You can pay her at the start of the next session.
I'll be down at the track tonight to tell riders no class tonight and check out the finished product. Come by and check it out........

Wow, sorry tony! Seems like a long time to be out there painting, but the more I think about it, there is a lot to paint! I'll try to get by sometime this week to look at your work! Yup, I'll be there with a check next week for the next session for sure!!!

It prevents stripped out pedal threads on the rental bike cranks. It's safer for beginners and most riders will have their own track bikes pretty soon if they're really interested in riding the velodrome.

I don't find cages particularly safe. At Giordana the only thing you can change is the pedals.

I don't find cages particularly safe. At Giordana the only thing you can change is the pedals.

DLV has that rule, too.

If you borrow a rental bike you can't change the gearing (48x16), wheels, saddle, bars, etc... only the pedals.

This does two things. It keeps the bikes intact and it keeps us from having a bike room full of incomplete bikes at the end of the night when people take off their personal equipment and hide the bike in the bike room with no saddle, bars, rear wheel, etc...and we have a pile of parts to sift through and reassemble them.

In short, it just makes things easier and organized.

Alright Week 5 (has it really been that long?) was last night and I had fun. I was bummed that my pedals had not arrived soon enough to put them on my pista, but next week I hope to be out there with her. The night started out picking my wife up from the airport quickly tossing on my gear and driving to class. I got there just in time to hit the warm up pace line and managed to stay with those guys until the last lap. I was leading off the back on 2 to go and did my 1/2 lap pull down the straight and then up. I knew I probably didnt have enough to stay with the group once they sprinted, but I was going to try. When I came back down I noticed the rider in front of me had quite a gap, and then called out. So that was it for both of us, as I could not close that type of gap before the sprint to the finish. I was still happy I had lasted and feel like my endurance is getting a little better.

The next drill was 1/2 lap pulls at race pace. This was actually great training for catching riders during a race and practicing quickly changing spots. After 5 laps of this I was starting to get really winded and having forgotten to eat (or bring) anything before I figured this may have accounted for it. After that was the cowboys and Indians drill. Seeing level 2 do it really made me realize just how well organized they could quickly become. When it was our chance to do it, the cowboys were spread out enough that myself and another rider went off the front of the group to catch them. 2 laps of 1/2 lap pulls later and we had them. After a cool off lap we were back on the boards for round 2 with two new Indians. This round the cowboy's were very organized and I offered to take the first pull because 1) I was not going to last much more than that B) I'm a big guy that would punch a big hole in the air and iii) I can get up and go when needed. The other riders jockeyed around and when the whistle blew it was like the start to a locomotive. While we were not as fast as level 2, we had become as well organized. I think it was around 2 laps later the Indians were caught. Thinking about this now, I really like this drill! It teaches you a lot (etiquette, teamwork, etc) and its a ton of fun.

After that was Italian Pursuits! we had 2 teams of 6 and we organized ourselves so that I was 4th thinking I could keep going that long, but I was not fast/strong enough to be an anchor. Tony was roped in to help us and he took up 3rd. We set out and as soon as the third lap started tony took off! JEBUS I thought, where did this come from and had to say down to catch up. Once I was there and moving again I told him up (I'm sure he was like do what?) and we were trucking again. Tony split off and away we went! I didn't hear anything but my legs the entire lap and before I knew it I was satelliting out of breath watching a good race.

That was the last drill of the night for me as I packed up and made my way home. But I'm going to have to start riding long distances and with groups more that is for sure. I need to get back to the point that I can hang with the faster guys for a warm up, lol!!

that is good that you are getting lots of practice and good at 1/2 lap pulls. I have seen some people who can't really do that effectively, and wear themselves out trying. on a 200m track, you really have to go up and down quickly and effectively at 30mph in order to get any benefit from drafting. if you spend 1/4 a lap going up and back down, and 1/4 a lap catching up to the wheel in front of you, the next thing you know you are on the front again with no rest period.

After that was Italian Pursuits! we had 2 teams of 6 and we organized ourselves so that I was 4th thinking I could keep going that long, but I was not fast/strong enough to be an anchor. Tony was roped in to help us and he took up 3rd. We set out and as soon as the third lap started tony took off! JEBUS I thought, where did this come from and had to say down to catch up. Once I was there and moving again I told him up (I'm sure he was like do what?) and we were trucking again. Tony split off and away we went! I didn't hear anything but my legs the entire lap and before I knew it I was satelliting out of breath watching a good race.

That was the last drill of the night for me as I packed up and made my way home. But I'm going to have to start riding long distances and with groups more that is for sure. I need to get back to the point that I can hang with the faster guys for a warm up, lol!!

Yeah Ross, I heard you say "down" backed off, then heard "up" and upped the pace but not too hard. I had a great time riding with the level 1 riders and getting giving advice. I got in 24 miles last night riding with the level 1 and 2 groups. Got home, showered and passed out :)