Originally Posted by
gr@sshopper
I'm a roadie and mtber. Ride in quick group rides, occasionally race cross country.
My boss wants me to get a license and ride with him at the carson velodrome. So, questions.
1) Think I should sign up for the intro classes or the accelerated class?
2) Sounds like a won't be able to use my bar bike conversion. Older specialized Cirrius. Any comments?
3) Will my old road pedals be ok? SPD sl.
4) Any tips on smoking an old guy who's been doing this a while? I know I'd wreck him on the road, but seems like there might be a little more technique for the track. Figure if I'm going to do this, I need to kick his ass.
1: Sign up for both. The intro class to learn track etiquette which will keep you safe and predictable. The accelerated class will help you not get used too badly as you progress :-)
2: Nope. No conversions. It's up to the track director, but most conversions are out.
3: SPD SL are perfect. Remember to set th etension to hard so you won't pull out during big efforts. This is important.
4: You will probably be his Mary for a while, hahaha. The track is one place that certainly rewards experience over youth. Also, try to avoid the funny business until you become comfortable on the track and people become comfortable racing with you. You will likely have to race with others of your same experience level for a while. At our track there are guys who are CAT1 on the road, and still have to race with the rookies for 4 race days before they can move up. They are also forced to stay with the pack during races (20 MPH) and learn handling skills. They don't get any love If they run away from the front of the race just because they are strong enough to do so. This is so that when they finally do get to a Cat 1/2 Track race they are comfortable rubbing shoulders while riding in a pack...at 35+ MPH.