I've never really thought of myself as a racer but for a while now I've
had it in the back of my mind to have a bash at track cycling. Just out
of idle curiousity, really. I know that DISC sometimes has [come try][]
sessions, but I always seem to miss 'em. So when I heard
that Audax was holding its club night at the velodrome, I thought
I'd pull my finger out and get over there.
A bit of perspective
Seeing photos of the velodrome, watching it on TV, or even looking over the railing, you don't fully appreciate how high—and steep—those bends are. But when you stand on the apron and look up at those sheer walls looming above you…well, that's a different perspective.
I always suspected that track racers were a little bit nuts, and now I'm sure.
Adjusting to a fixie
My chance came to throw my leg over a fixie and a few sudden adjustments to old riding habits were required immediately: no brakes to steady the ship while I mounted and (oww!) no kicking the pedal back to a suitable take-off angle. As for the handling, another rapid adjustment was required.
A few gentle turns around the apron and côte d'azur seemed to be in order. Hmm, don't attempt to freewheel (more adjustments).
OK, get onto the track proper. Twitch, twitch—this bike seems to be very, umm, responsive—revisit previous adjustments on handling.
Now, a bit more pace and a bit more altitude. Onto the sprinter's line (although never has there been such a slow sprint!) Cool! Whoa! I'm closing quickly on that bunch ahead, better slow down… Hmm, don't attempt to freewheel—revisit previous adjustments on freewheeling.
Well, I guess the only way to handle the traffic is to gather a bit more pace and go around it. Zoom! Above the blue line! Yes! Umm, what did that guy say about the bends? Oh yeah, keep your weight on the pedals. Good advice, that. Made it! Hmm, don't attempt to freewheel at speed—revisit previous adjustments on freewheeling and swear.
Right, can we make it all the way around above the stayers' line? Oh, hell yeah! Make it two or three laps for good measure. Great fun, but I quit while it's still fun and I'm not dead.
The dude from DISC asks if we want to organise some races. Erm, not today thanks, mate. Mind you, that didn't stop a quite few folks letting it rip for pace and even getting a bit of drafting going. Later, on a quieter track, I did experience how much of a blast it is to come from high up on a curve and zoom back down the slope onto the sprinter's line. Whoooooooo!
Downbeat
The evening ended on a downbeat note when one of the guys took a nasty fall and was carried off in an ambulance. But as Ryan [said on -oz][], it could've been worse:
Injury notwithstanding, it was a good fun night out and something quite different for just about all of us. It was a great idea for a 'different' club night, and I really do hope it finds a regular place on the Audax calendar.
I don't think it's turned me on to track riding, but it's given me a little bit more appreciation and admiration for track racers. And yes, they are definitely nuts.
Comments
Yeah, I wonder if it's the bikes, or the place, or both in combination. While I found it heaps of fun, I still can't get my head around the idea of racing in that environment. But then, I'm hardly built for speed and if I were, I'd probably see things differently.
I suppose like all things, it's a matter of weighing-up the level of risk you're prepared to accept.
Sounds like you had a good time, but those places are seriously dangerous. One of the guys I ride with had a bad fall at the velodrome late last year. Fractured skull, broken shoulder and ribs. He's only just getting back on the bike now.
I'm not sure how they insure the come-n-try sessions, because these are open to the public (presumably the session fee covers insurance). As for Audax, members all have Cycling Australia cards and track riding would be considered training, so that covers it.
Sounds like you had a lot of fun. btw: did you need a racing/training license to use the track? I'd really like to see some 'try the track' events in sydney but you need a 0 ride-it license just for the insurance.