Track anyone?

[Alan M]

Depending on weather I am thinking of going to the HH track/velodrome next Saturday (13th). Assuming you have done the induction at some point you can usually rent a bike. I think the deal is 10-11.30 intermediate training session and inductions are now at 11.30 and basic training 12.45 (according to the website). Great for speed training, improving confidence and following wheels. Last year we had a poorly attended track championship and if it runs again this year it is probably time to start the build up.http://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/

[Snoop Doug]

I can't see me ever riding track, and I have a lot of respect for all who do. Excellent point about kicking off some promotion for this year's event nice and early.

Warning - the following is encouragement, it may make you feel like you want to get involved. That's OK

Keira and I went along last year's track champs to spectate. Fab weather. Took a picnic, sat in the middle of the arena and enjoyed some exciting racing. Took a camera too but forgot to charge it so only got a warm up shot

[youtubewww]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0mKisC5m4w[/youtubewww]

The only disappointment, as Alan says, was the number of people in attendance.

I would encourage folk to go along. It's a good family/social option too. (whisper) wouldn't it be just great if the club run could (optionally of course) divert to HH on that day?

[Alan M]

Thanks Snoop, weather looks OK for Saturday!

[higg]

Also this one

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNV-fS8Q6f4&feature=player_embedded[/url]

Get out there !


Aodan.

[Snoop Doug]

[quote="higg"]Also this one

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNV-fS8Q6f4&feature=player_embedded[/url]

Get out there !


Aodan.

[kieran]

I was down there this Sunday - only about 10 on the track, lovely, and as it had to end early due to some other meeting we didn't have to pay - bargain!

[Alan M]

Nice video, thanks, any takers yet. weather looks fine.

[quote="higg"]Also this one

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNV-fS8Q6f4&feature=player_embedded[/url]

Get out there !


Aodan.

[Col]

Hi Alan

I take it you mean Sunday the 13th if so I maybe able to make it, do you ride up there?

Colin

[Alan M]

I am going sat am instead of club run. It is a training ride and yes I will ride there on shopping bike.starts around 10

[Phil H]

Slightly OT question: if you've done a track session elsewhere, can you ride at HH or do you have to do their induction? So if, for instance, a person had managed to get themselves on a training session at Calshot on the 19th, after doing that would they be able to just hire a bike and go at HH?

[higg]

They would certainly prefer if you did the induction, but, depending their judgement of your experience, they might leave you on.

I haven't riden on any other tracks but I suspect the protocols about how you start/finish, behave around the lines etc. will differ between tracks.

They are reasonably serious about who they allow on the track, after all, they have to protect the other riders. Part of the reason the track is so safe is that everybody is schooled through the same system. Don't be detered track riding is safe.

To be certain, I would either email them or arrive at the early time for the induction.



Aodan.

[kieran]

you will have to do the herne hill induction even if you've done it elsewhere. Sunday is aimed at the more experienced track rider and for those who do the leagues etc, but it doesn't take long to move up from a saturday to a sunday.

[Alan M]

Mmmmm... good question, not withstanding what others have said I don't think they keep any records so are unlikely to know - induction has now been shunted after the intermediate training session. Calshot is a far more demanding circuit so if you were comfortable doing that HH will seem easy peazy. Look at the website for the training sessions if you want to do one. I suspect the difference between Sat and Sunday sessions might be a matter of speed as much as competence but I havent been on a sunday


[quote="Phil Hawkes"]Slightly OT question: if you've done a track session elsewhere, can you ride at HH or do you have to do their induction? So if, for instance, a person had managed to get themselves on a training session at Calshot on the 19th, after doing that would they be able to just hire a bike and go at HH?

[kieran]

The one big difference between Calshot and HH on a Saturday is the number of riders on the track so still take care. I am not sure what they do on Saturdays, on the next few Sundays they will be practicing the madison. Also in the past have done weaving through a bunch to the front and other skills. Good fun and something different.

[Elliot M]

Also, at HH you start and stop on the outside, not the inside. i wouldn't try to skip the induction. Can't make this weekend but keen to pop along a few times this summer.