London Velodrome - Opens to the public......

slap_my_bass_up

I went today, one of the coaches rides for my club and he managed to get a booking for us. It's my first time using a fixed wheel and god it was terrifying with the 45 degree banks! But it's amazing and highly addictive! Defo going back to get the accreditation.

dave35

What coach? And what club do you ride for? I work there and live in hornchurch.

kingstonian

I'm doing the taster session on sunday morning. How long before the session starts should I plan to be getting there - just wondering if the process to get hire shoes and bike is easy or tortuous.

dave35

Hire isn't horrific,we've got it down to a tee. Please arrive at the venue 45 mins before your session and to track centre 25 mins beforehand so we can get you sorted. Enjoy it,I won't be working but you will be in good hands.

kingstonian

dave35 wrote:

Hire isn't horrific,we've got it down to a tee. Please arrive at the venue 45 mins before your session and to track centre 25 mins beforehand so we can get you sorted. Enjoy it,I won't be working but you will be in good hands.

Great - thanks mate. Looking forward to it !!!!!

kingstonian

I had the taster session this morning, I can really recommend it. The first few laps were a bit nervous, partly because I had a guy in front of me with zero confidence, so much so that he ground to a virtual halt halfway through the bend.....

Once I'd got the hang of it I loved blasting round, getting some slingshot from the banking etc. Will definitely be doing stage 2 of the accreditation soon.

Emphursis

I had mine Sunday morning as well! The 11:15 slot?

My only negative was on the first few laps when the people in front of me were a bit unsteady so even though I wanted to pick up a bit more speed, there was no way to do it. Such a rush going round the corner at the top for the first time, especially after nearly ****ing a brick when I was going round the bottom and realising hang on, that's actually pretty steep!

kingstonian

Emphursis wrote:

I had mine Sunday morning as well! The 11:15 slot?

My only negative was on the first few laps when the people in front of me were a bit unsteady so even though I wanted to pick up a bit more speed, there was no way to do it. Such a rush going round the corner at the top for the first time, especially after nearly ****ing a brick when I was going round the bottom and realising hang on, that's actually pretty steep!

Yep, we were on the same session.

The first couple of laps were tortuously slow, but to be fair to the coach she reshuffled the order of the group which sorted the problem out.

I really enjoyed it, after the first 2-3 laps on the boards and gaining the confidence that the grip was there, everything was fine. I didn't realise that I would get a workout, as I thought there'd be much more talking etc than riding, but I definitely did as we were riding for at least 45 mins of the hour session.

Emphursis

Small world lol.

I didn't realise it'd be so tiring either! I'm glad I've been cycling to work for a few weeks, else I wouldn't have been anywhere near fit enough. As it was, I think I went off too hard and spent quite a few laps going above the ads trying to lap everyone!

Nickb303

Are the pedals used Keo or Keo Classics?

Thanks

gattocattivo

I don't know, but my cleats work in them and I've got Look Keo Max on my bike. I think.

dave35

Look keo, red or grey will fit.

Nickb303

Dave & Gattocattivo thanks

Paul 8v

Going to try and book a session with a few guys from the club, looks really booked up so it must be good! Is there any way of booking a taster session as a group?

chrisw71

Taster sessions can be booked for more than one person or club sessions can be arranged by completing a group enquiry form http://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/en/con ... quiry-form

Paul 8v

Cool, thanks Chris