The experiences of a new track racer...
There aren’t many posts in this track forum, so I thought I’d add one about my experiences as a new track racer.
I completed my track accreditation a year or so ago and had been stuck between either racing cross or track this winter. In the end I decided to go all in for track, did a load of SQT sessions at Lee Valley and entered the Full Gas Track League.
It is very fast and very hard, but mainly it is great fun. The dynamics of the different race formats is the key to enjoying it so much. For example, an elimination race is a very simple format to understand, but riding it takes weeks to get used to, and I really enjoy the learning process. The camaraderie and atmosphere amongst the riders is also excellent.
My clubmates asked me to do a write up about how it was going and I have been getting some good feedback on it, so I added it to my blog.
If you are thinking of racing track, I can thoroughly recommend doing it. If you read through my write ups from the first few weeks, you will also get an idea of what it is like to start out as a complete newbie.
For context, for most of the year on the road I do vets/masters races (usually LVRC crits) and am never close to winning anything. I think I’ve been in the top ten a couple of times. So I’m no great racer.
https://e17blade.wordpress.com/
I completed my track accreditation a year or so ago and had been stuck between either racing cross or track this winter. In the end I decided to go all in for track, did a load of SQT sessions at Lee Valley and entered the Full Gas Track League.
It is very fast and very hard, but mainly it is great fun. The dynamics of the different race formats is the key to enjoying it so much. For example, an elimination race is a very simple format to understand, but riding it takes weeks to get used to, and I really enjoy the learning process. The camaraderie and atmosphere amongst the riders is also excellent.
My clubmates asked me to do a write up about how it was going and I have been getting some good feedback on it, so I added it to my blog.
If you are thinking of racing track, I can thoroughly recommend doing it. If you read through my write ups from the first few weeks, you will also get an idea of what it is like to start out as a complete newbie.
For context, for most of the year on the road I do vets/masters races (usually LVRC crits) and am never close to winning anything. I think I’ve been in the top ten a couple of times. So I’m no great racer.
https://e17blade.wordpress.com/
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Comments
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I appreciate you posting that. Good read.
If we had a track local to me I'd be there every week in the winter. Closest to me is 3 hours drive and it is still outdoors.
Good work, seems like you are learning and working hard!0 -
Thanks for posting - it's a good read.0
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Cracking read, thanks E17!Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
E17Blade wrote:
That's the best blog I've read in a very long time - so much better than most of the rubbish people do. I even had a little giggle at times.
Top work that man.Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
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Thats a fantastic read E17Blade, I'm currently halfway through my track accreditation and its great to hear your experiences as a first year track racer.0
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An update on this season would be great when you have time.0
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As a newbie on here I thoroughly enjoyed reading your contributions E17Blade. Great write ups, really brought things to life.0
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ThisDawn Balfour wrote:As a newbie on here I thoroughly enjoyed reading your contributions E17Blade. Great write ups, really brought things to life.
Brilliantly written and very entertaining.
Chapeau Sir!0 -
A new track racing season is on the horizon. I’ve written a new blog in anticipation: “Season Three”...
https://e17blade.wordpress.com/2019/10/12/season-three/0 -
Another new season has started - which always prompts a new blog...
https://e17blade.wordpress.com/2021/12/21/validation/
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Matthewfalle said:
That's the best blog I've read in a very long time - so much better than most of the rubbish people do. I even had a little giggle at times.
Top work that man.
But how can you say that - the man has admitted to being a clubbie !
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