1st Track Class :)
 

Saturday was my first day riding the velodrome...fun fun fun. My class consisted of only me and one other student (Nick) who I don't think was old enough to drive yet. We started out learning the basics of the track layout and bike/equipment choice while we spun stationary bikes practicing floating (coasting with your legs without applying back pressure).

When it came time to ride I asked what bike he wanted me to set up. Roger, the instructor, asked me to bring my Lemond Fillmore down for him to look at. I was a bit nervous riding this bike seeing as how the geometry is more road then track and might induce a pedal strike and thus a splinter slide. After looking at it he said I was good to go. Ok I guess...my fingers are crossed.

The first time we went out we rode the different positions: apron, blue line, black line, etc. I picked the spot right behind the instructor so that made me feel confident seeing a stable bike in front of me; sorry Nick, I probably was not :) Every time I do something new with bicycles I'm amazed how much my motorcycle background plays a part. The biggest carry over was my head position. As I enter a clover leaf on the motorcycle I'm looking at the exit while my peripheral vision is picking up the position of the riders in front of me and any inaccuracies in the road. Same thing on the track, except the track is smooth as butter. The only thing that was a little hard to shake was as a motorcyclist I've learned that no matter what temperature the road is painted lines are slippery, so riding right on the line on the track was weird. It was also a bit unnerving listening to the boards below me creak and move. It was like lying in bed of an old house and listening to the sounds it makes around you. Since riding on the track is extremely quiet it's almost like it's amplified.

An hour into the class we took a break, reviewed a few items, and picked up another rider. This time out we practiced what I'll call a single pace line. Once per lap the lead rider would turn up the track after coming out of the back turn while the remaining riders would pass underneath, after which the former lead rider would join at the back. This was a lot of fun. We're working up to doing the entire lead change in the turn rather then starting in the straight. I did learn that it was much easier to hold a steady line with a faster pace (makes perfect sense with the gyroscope action of the wheels), but they want us to learn slower riding first before going ubber fast.

The next drill we practiced I'll call a sudo double pace line. Since three of us were brand new riders they didn't want us riding shoulder to shoulder with each other. Rather the instructor would be the only one riding next to us. During this drill I learned this instructor had been riding the track since 1976 and started out riding BMX with all of the greats back in the day. Too cool.

Besides actually riding the track, the best thing was watching another rider. He was riding a 1984 white steel lugged EG Bates frame from England. But the best part about it was the bike had a rider that complimented it so well. He was mid to late 60's and refusing to let his passion of riding the track come to an end. I guess I have a soft spot for people like this; probably because I can see myself doing the same thing.

My ride home was funny. I kept thinking of the differences between riding the same bike on the track versus the street. The only wind on the track was created by the riders and the sounds are so quiet....I do have to say that mine was probably the quietest. I don't know what kind of spoodge Ernesto is putting in his lube but my chains have never been quieter. I swear I can hear a sigh and see a smile from my chain upon application. http://www.adventurefind.com/hbfk/LOOB.htm Go buy some for all your friends. I can't wait to let loose and really let my legs spin on the wood.

Oh my mom is actually in town this week so I might have some pictures next week!

Thats awsome. I take it this is the velodrome in Carson? I watched the worlds there and cant wait to go back. I remeber getting a flyer there on cost etc. but lost it.

How much did it cost ya? Going back I take it?

By the way Rogers bike is elegant. I really like white bikes, Im gonna drop by Kalavinka in Tokyo this Dec. and get a bike built. Im thinking white and red lugs, but it will be a road bike (sorry).

Cheers

Yes it's the indoor track in Carson, CA. Last weekend I finished my course and am now certified to ride the track anytime. I'll be back out there again tomorrow taking Roger's track racing sessions. And yes Roger's BT is awesome.

All the information you need to know about that track is listed here:
http://www.homedepotcenter.com/event...ompageid=10923

While I was out there I had the previlage of of few different things.
1. I was able to watch the try outs for the US pool of track riders. 3000 meter rides....first 2 laps under 16 seconds....all others under 18.
2. One of the US National sprinter champs was there training. I swear his thighs were the size of my waist. His flying 400's were insane!!
3. Track director Bob Williams from Blaine was out and I had a chance to talk and ride with him.
4. Learned starting starts from another National champ....why Roger was explaining who he was he pointed to one of the large pictures on the wall indicating it was him. Sorry I'm not good with names.

All in all some really cool people and nice track. I agree with Super Rookie, I think it was an oversite in forgetting to install bathrooms for the riders inside the venue instead of port-a-potties or waiting between sessions to cross the track and run upstairs.

It looks like there are 2 different tracks in Texas: Houston, and Frisco.

http://www.houstontx.gov/alkekvelodrome/
http://www.superdrome.com/

Take a look at those sites. Search and contact them for classes....it looks they they are offered. But no I'm sorry you'll be hard pressed to find a track that will allow a mtn bike on them.

Merton

The Superdrome in Frisco is the closest track to you.
and no, they will not allow MTBs on the track. They do
have bikes available for the class.

Isn't Bob Williams one of the nicest guys ever?

I am curious how many people were in your class.

Tim

Isn't Bob Williams one of the nicest guys ever?

I am curious how many people were in your class.

Tim

My class was sweet......we only had 3 people. So lots of rider/coach time :D

Yes Bob is pretty cool. I knew something was up when I saw a Flanders jersey.....I'm from MN so I recognized that....so I had to ask him a few questions....tada...Bob Williams.

Bob was giving really high respects to Roger as one of the top coaches in the country. One of the things he said is that everytime he comes out and see Roger he learns something new. I thought that was pretty cool coming from another coach and track director.

SR, you're coming out in Jan for Nationals right? Let's find each other at the Chicago meet-n-greet and talk.

The Track Nationals is in October for 2006. Are you thinking of the World Cup?

I need to get some money i.e. a job first. I am planning on coming out to Nationals this year if I can qualify again...time will tell. I might go back to school so I can race at college nationals instead though...

meAt and greet will be nice. look for the gold trimmings.

tim

Yep you're right...world cup Jan 20-22.

Are you with XXX Racing yet?

I will be joining up in Jan. I don't want to pay the fee twice.

I am on a lifting program now. so hopefully better results than my one week at the rudolph!

You going to be racing again next year...with the pink...

Yeah that track is on the old 7 Eleven velodrome site at Dominguez Hill.
Roger Young is an awesome guy and come from a long family history in cycling. His dad use to help me at his old cycling camps. He , his sister ,wife and dad are champions national,world and in life .

7 Eleven velodrome I ridden before and is/was nice. Learn from Roger!

S/F,
CEYA!