Newport Track Help

Velonutter

Hi All,

My club have booked the Track at Newport for the 30th December, I have a couple of Questions.

1. Although I regularly ride on an outdoor and many many years ago used to race at Herne Hill, I have never ridden wood, any suggestions such as tyre pressure (I'm riding Pista CS Tubulars)?

2. I'm told the banks are steep and that you need to maintain at least 14 mph or will slide down, is this true?

3. We have the whole afternoon so I don't want to knacker myself out, what gearing should I go for?

4. Do I need to take my own rollers to warm up?

All help would be gratefully received.

SteveR_100Milers

Velonutter wrote:

Hi All,

My club have booked the Track at Newport for the 30th December, I have a couple of Questions.

1. Although I regularly ride on an outdoor and many many years ago used to race at Herne Hill, I have never ridden wood, any suggestions such as tyre pressure (I'm riding Pista CS Tubulars)?

2. I'm told the banks are steep and that you need to maintain at least 14 mph or will slide down, is this true?

3. We have the whole afternoon so I don't want to knacker myself out, what gearing should I go for?

4. Do I need to take my own rollers to warm up?

All help would be gratefully received.

1. as normal road pressures. I use 110 psi in clinchers, those with tubs will put in significantly higher

2. Yes this is very important. A lot of crashes are caused because riders just back off too much, but a coach will spot this and speed you all up if its getting dangerously slow.

3. The hire bikes are 84", most riders are fine with 84-86" for a general training session. Others will have a different view, but this range is fine for beginners.

4. Only if you want to warm up! Normally a session is structured so that you will warm up by riding at a steady pace for around 20-30 minutes usually riding a pace line taking turns for a lap at the front. For the kind of session you are doing I doubt you will need them.

My advice though am sure this will be drummed into you is to look, look and look again before changing your line to make sure you dont take anyone out. The worst kind of track riders are those that swing up and down the track without looking; very dangerous.

Velonutter

Cheers Steven 8)

Pokerface

Are you bringing your own bike? If not - the hire bike will have set gearing and tyre pressure, etc.

And you'll be on and off the track so many times you'll get lots of rest!


I've raced at Newport - it's an OK track and you'll have a great time. Enjoy!

Velonutter

Cheers Colin, I have my own track bike, but the 3 others travelling down maybe using club bikes depending on if there is enough to go round.

Looking forward to it, although a little anxious riding wood.

What tyre pressures do you use for Tubs on there?

Pokerface

Velonutter wrote:

Looking forward to it, although a little anxious riding wood.

Yeah - I would be too.

Pokerface

Velonutter wrote:

What tyre pressures do you use for Tubs on there?

OK - to get serious again! I prefer the tubs in the 140-160psi range - but it will depend on the size of the tyre. (If it's a 21 vs 23mm. Smaller means more pressure I believe).


Anyway - you're not really racing so don't stress over tyre pressures.

What wheels do you have? Just some basic track tubs?

Velonutter

Pokerface wrote:

.....What wheels do you have? Just some basic track tubs?

Yep, Pro Lite Rosa Track wheelset, just basic track wheels with Vittoria Pista CS tubs