Racer Ex 

Strava? I don't like it.

Ygduf

Not random, isn't belittling enough; doesn't count.

UmneyDurak

I am kind of interested in social aspect of Strava. How exactly does it work, is there a discussion group based on locality, or just people searching out people with similar times?

Ygduf

mostly, you can find people by their times, or if you do spectrum or a similar group ride it will match you with other riders who did that ride. Via that, you say "hey I recognize that guy" and now you know his name. You can comment on his ride, he can comment on yours. There is not real forum or board aspect to it. If you want to meet people, it can be an introduction, but you still have to say hello the next time you ride with them.

mattm

Hey Norcal track types: I see that Hellyer has motorpacing for road bikes on some Fridays?!

https://www.ridethetrack.com/schedule/calendar/

Anyone know if that extends in to January or beyond?

Jandro 

From the entry: "For motorpacing details, contact Peter Bohl: motorpace(at)yahoo.com".

Could start there

Racer Ex 

Too hard. Make think type question. Ow ow ow.

Anyone doing the timed events in a couple of weeks? Pursuits, flying 200, and some team stuff. Ex will be there.

Jandro 

My buddy Jesse is trying to get me to do these. I'm of a mind to oblige him. Are you doing all of them? If not, I'll plan to get to one you're at.

Track is not my strong suit (who am I kidding, I don't have a strong suit) but it sure is fun.

Racer Ex 

Just this one for now. Planned on the one two weeks after but I need to get Mrs. Ex to physical therapy the week before that.

Hermes

I will be there.

Hermes

Last year road bike motor pacing was by request. My suggestion is to take at least one Saturday's beginner class to learn about the track before you attempt to motor pace on your road bike. Also, if you are an experienced at motor pacing already, that is a big plus. I motor pace with Peter all the time and he is one of the best in the business and very experienced track racer and motor pacer. He is a very easy going, inclusive supervisor and will have you liking it immediately. However, you need to show up with a plan. For example, you want 20 lap at xx miles per hour or you want him to wind you up to 40 mph and dive off the banking and do a flying 200 meters solo or you want a kilo where he winds you up for two laps and you do the final lap by yourself. There are numerous variations on theme to assist you in achieving your racing goals.

Having said all that, IMO, the best use of the track for a road cyclist is riding fixed gear bike no brakes. It really sharpens the senses, increases your skills and smooths the pedals stroke and improves top end cadence.

As a Cat 2 road, you are eligible for an upgrade to a Cat 3 which requires:

1) Passing a WRITTEN TEST (PDF) before participating in a race at Hellyer
2) Have the approval of a NCVA Board approved USA Cycling coach and NCVA Upgrade Committee.

The best way to accomplish this is to take the required 3 beginner sessions and get to know the supervisors and coaches at the track.

mattm

Thanks, smartypants!

I did mail the guy a few minutes after posting; answer is that the four dates on the calendar are the only ones planned.

Thanks, Hermes!

I've raced on a track before (in WA) a few years ago, but don't have a tarck bike at the moment. Will get one for next season, I plan on showing up out there for sure.

The motorpacing idea sounded like good speedwork training - although I was hoping they would have some sessions later in the season. (Feb/March). Though maybe that can happen on demand, I'll talk to Pete.

Good point about a plan, I wasn't sure if they offered structure or what. I think I'd want a mix of longer/steady stuff, and then some sprints as well.

Anyway I've never done motorpacing, besides trying to hold Chuck Hutch's wheel.. but doing it on an area closed to cars sounded like a great way to start. I hear people do it on Canada Rd too but I assume you'd need to pay Pete extra to bring the scooter out there.

Jandro 

You can rent a bike at Hellyer for 5$ per session. Just FYI.

mattm

Yeah - the thing is tho that the gearing on rentals is usual way to low to make things fun (for me).. at least that was my experience in WA.

Hermes

Rental bikes are only available for certain sessions such as the Saturday morning beginners session. Each session on the calendar will say if rental bikes are available. I think the rental fleet is 82 gear inches.

aaronmcd

Stanford/Cal ride on Sunday, anyone? Chris? They meet at the PO at 9:40. Not sureif I can make it - asked my wife to ride Sunday, and now I'm trying to change our plans (my easy ride) to Saturday.

aaronmcd

They have short, medium, and long routes (~40, 60, 90 miles).

Ygduf

I'm on the list. Unlikely though.

Sunday will do the AV-A ride. Saturday will likely ride with my friend who's coming off sciatica, knee, and work constraints.

wktmeow

Might do the HOP medium in Danville again tomorrow, unless teammates have something else planned. Anyone here do that ride?

Racer Ex 

No track for me this weekend unfortunately.

caloso

Resisting the siren songs of the River Ride and the Wheelworks Ride in order to do a long slow ride in proper winter fashion.

cmh

Norcal folks -

I'll be spending most of Thanksgiving weekend in SF, and I'll have my bike (and some access to a car). I think I'll be staying close to Ocean Beach, but I'm not quite sure. Any recommendations on where to ride? I hope to get out for a couple rides of 2 - 3 hours each some time Thursday through Saturday. Where is the place to go from there? Over the Golden Gate and into Marin?

Thanks for the help.
cmh

furiousferret

I'll be up there next week as well in Pacifica. I'm probably going to ride up Skyline into the city or up Mt San Bruno.

Racer Ex 

Over to Marin is a nice ride. This is a nice out and around and back. You could also make a right and head down through Ft. Baker to Sausalito. There's some fairly interesting stuff down south as well depending on your time frame. If you want to throw the bike in the car for a short drive it opens up some more possibilities. Going to be down there myself but probably with an MTB.

Racer Ex 

Go south. Much better.