Manchester Revolution 19 - Track Taster
McBain_v1
Posts: 5,237
A few might be aware that I was due my first ever ride on the velodrome yesterday, courtesy of some rather switched-on consultants that I retain on occasion. I was on the track for slightly less than an hour due to a late arrival, (apparently some over-paid nonces were kicking a football around and lots of deluded people were going to see them do this, so the traffic was really bad.
Notwithstanding this, the whole experience was fantastic. I must confess that my mouth went dry the time came to get onto the track and start doing some circuits. Not only was I riding a track bike with a fixed wheel for the first time in my life, but there were no brakes on the bike and apparently the banked corners slope at 40 degrees - all a bit far removed from my normal terrain. Anyway, the instructor chappie (Jamie Staff - ruddy hell was he in good shape) was pootling around giving us advice and when I eventually mustered the courage to get onto the track proper I found out three important things in rapid succession:
1. the tyres DO grip even on those insane bends;
2. if you hang on to the bars in a death grip, your hands will eventually cramp;
3. trying to free wheel for a bit results in the bike booting your arse, reminding you to concentrate.
The culmination of the taster session was a time dash over 250m. Again, that lad Jamie said he'd do a whirl (took him 15 seconds during which he was shouting out what he was doing, where he was looking etc.) - my time was a pathetic 22.59 seconds :oops: but I did console myself that it was the first time I'd done anything like this, and would be better next time...
...and that there WILL be a next time
I can't recommend this sort of thing enough.
Oh yeah, watching the racing from inside the track whilst nibbling the free food and supping the free beer was also damned good fun as well
Notwithstanding this, the whole experience was fantastic. I must confess that my mouth went dry the time came to get onto the track and start doing some circuits. Not only was I riding a track bike with a fixed wheel for the first time in my life, but there were no brakes on the bike and apparently the banked corners slope at 40 degrees - all a bit far removed from my normal terrain. Anyway, the instructor chappie (Jamie Staff - ruddy hell was he in good shape) was pootling around giving us advice and when I eventually mustered the courage to get onto the track proper I found out three important things in rapid succession:
1. the tyres DO grip even on those insane bends;
2. if you hang on to the bars in a death grip, your hands will eventually cramp;
3. trying to free wheel for a bit results in the bike booting your arse, reminding you to concentrate.
The culmination of the taster session was a time dash over 250m. Again, that lad Jamie said he'd do a whirl (took him 15 seconds during which he was shouting out what he was doing, where he was looking etc.) - my time was a pathetic 22.59 seconds :oops: but I did console myself that it was the first time I'd done anything like this, and would be better next time...
...and that there WILL be a next time
I can't recommend this sort of thing enough.
Oh yeah, watching the racing from inside the track whilst nibbling the free food and supping the free beer was also damned good fun as well
What do I ride? Now that's an Enigma!
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Comments
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Well done - it's 8 years since I had a spin on the track.. Fab isn't it...0
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Well done McB!
I read your first thread after being told I'm going to be thrust onto the track at the end of the month.
Glad you enjoyed it, I'm quite looking forward to it, although I fell my lack of fitness may show, I'm still in fat christmas mode!0 -
A few friends & myself are booked in for next Sunday evening, i've ridden a small track down in Calshot when i was 15 (cor blimey - where did those 30 years go!) with School but i believe its been rebuilt since.
Hope my back holds out.
I'll post my pathetic 250m time after the event.0 -
McBain_v1 wrote:apparently some over-paid nonces were kicking a football around and lots of deluded people were going to see them do this, so the traffic was really bad.
well I never, people have other interests than cycling, would you believe it.
a "deluded" one :roll:0 -
Did the "Taster Session" today, very good value at £9 including the bike for an hour.
It was a lot harder than i thought it would be. The bike has a tendency to drift down to the bottom of the track on the banked corners until the instructor bawled at us to keep pushing harder through the bends.
Also remembering to keep pedalling at all times took some getting used to, one guy wiped out spectaculary and went straight over the handlebars with the bike stiil attached and did a somersault before sliding down to the side, unfortunately he took no further part.
Did about 8 laps before i was knackered and came in for a rest, dismounted the bike to find my legs had turned to jelly.
Second time out was much better.
All in all it was a great experience and is highly recommended.
The City/West Ham game hadn't long finished when we got out so traffic was horrendous. (Velodrome is opposite City's ground).
P.s.
We didn't have anyone timing us but using my watch i did just shy of 24 seconds for the 250m.
Crap really coz whilst sat in the traffic my mates sat nav picks up TV & we were watching "Question of Sport" and they showed a clip of Victoria Pendleton in a sprint finish and she did 11 seconds for the last lap!!.
If you ever get the chance go along, it's a Blast!0 -
Agree with Ned, I found the whole thing massively motivating.
The only downer is the access, but I reckon that public transport might be the way to go next time around.
What do I ride? Now that's an Enigma!0 -
i did a 13.58 last time i went, i was pretty pleased! was only 15 at the time too0
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...I have ridden an hour taster at Manchester ,and a whole days training at Newport...fixed wheel, no brakes, high banking, scary stuff...but fun. When I rode Newport the track needed cleaning, it was very slippery with dust and loads of people came off...I'm not the bravest of riders, I don't do falling off, so I didn't really give it my all......all the way...'til the wheels fall off and burn...0
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McBain_v1 wrote:
The culmination of the taster session was a time dash over 250m. Again, that lad Jamie said he'd do a whirl (took him 15 seconds during which he was shouting out what he was doing, where he was looking etc.) - my time was a pathetic 22.59 seconds :oops: but I did console myself that it was the first time I'd done anything like this, and would be better next time...
In fairness - Jamie Staff is a former Keirin world champion!
Sounds like you had a great time - it's reminded me that want to have a go on the track - must look into it...0 -
Get it done - I'm already thinking about a return journey to coincide with Revolution 20 in February. Just need to organise the transport a bit better and make sure that there are no football matches on that day which can really bugger things up
What do I ride? Now that's an Enigma!0 -
^^^nah it was a 200m haha0
