I have booked Calshot Velodrome for Saturday 28th Jan from 5.00pm to 8.00pm.
I have arranged two sessions. The first session 5.00pm - 6.30pm is for those who have been before and this will be for a group of 16 . The second session 6.30pm - 8.00pm is for those who haven't been before and will be for a group of 10.
Equipment
They supply track bikes, shoes and helmets. However they do advise to bring your own helmets to save time adjusting the centre helmets to fit.Their bikes are equipped with Look Keo2 pedals. Those riders who use the same pedals may prefer to use their own shoes. They suggest that long-sleeved tops and cycle tights are worn whilst track cycling. Please note that they no longer permit riders to use their own pedals
By car
For SatNav users their postcode is SO45 1BR From Southampton, follow A326 Fawley and the brown tourist signs for Calshot Activities Centre and Castle.
Cost
The track and instructor is £270.00, Therefore if we get 26 to go the cost will be £10.50/person . If you would like to be included please let me know asap as it will be on a first come first served basis.
There is plenty of room for spectators should you wish to take your 'other half ' or family.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to be included I already have 8 names for the first session. The intention is to do the Club Run in the morning and then aim to leave at about 2.30pm for the first session.
We have 5 'first timers' and 10 'done it before'. We could do with a few more for both groups. Any one with transport problems we should be able to arrange, just let me know . Either place your name on the Forum or phone / text me 07976 703738. Jeff
We have the following names for Calshot ( 17 in total ) so there is still room for a few more. See Mark's 'You Tube' above if you'r unsure.
Names so far: Andy, Andy K, Ant, Dan, Darren, Jeff, John C, Katie H, Katie, Mark L, Paul T, Phil, Phil's son, Ron, Ryan (poss), Sam, Steve.
I understand John & Sam are going with Andy K who are all cycling in the 'first time group' at 6.30pm
I can take 6 in my car. So at the moment we need two more cars or let me know if you have already made arrangements. Transport and cars should not be a problem.
In answer to Mark, I'm going on the shorter dog & duck run with the club to get back in plenty of time. Then go down ready changed with jeans & top for coming home. We need to be at Calshot by 4.30pm for the first session so we need to be on our way about 2.15pm.
What a brilliant time! My first time on a fixed and my first on the track - a Velodrome with the steepest banking in Europe - I kid you not!!
19 of us made the trip to Southampton. A more experienced ACC group did the first session and then it was the beginners turn! We were all a little nervous - riding a fixed without brakes for the first time, and those banks did look steep - but we all quickly got into our stride and were soon riding fast, in tight (ish) formation, trying to avoid crashing into the back of the leading rider, effortlessly moving up and down the banking (it really is incredible how the bike sticks to the track despite an almost verticle drop!! ) with beaming smiles on our faces. We couldn't believe it when the instructor said we only had 15 mins to go - time indeed flies when your enjoying youself!
Thanks to Jeff H for organising the whole thing - we must do it again soon! I've got the bug!!!
Thanks to Andy K for driving us there and back and to Andy, Sam, Martin and Lizzie for the company there and back.
Fantastic fun - where were the rest of you!? You missed something special.
It was a great day. Good instructor got the initial nerves out the way. Having 8 in the "advanced" group meant exactly the right number for a team pursuit at the end. Great to get on the front and realise that you're reeling the other team in ...
Tom's taking the video clips off our camera and editing them together. Quality isn't all that but we'll see what we can do. Watch this space.