Future track sessions at Lee Valley

[Phil H]

While interest is still high, I thought I'd run a quick and unscientific poll on when people would like another go. In 2015, they are currently only offering 2 hour slots - which is a shame as I think 3 hours/2 groups is about right. Anyhow, here are the slots available for booking:

· Mondays – 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm
· Tuesdays – 10am to 12pm or 8pm to 10pm
· Wednesdays – 10am to 12pm, 1pm to 3pm or 6pm to 8pm
· Saturdays - 1pm to 3pm, 3pm to 5pm or 5pm to 7pm
· Sundays – 8am to 10am

It's likely that weekday/daytime/not school holidays are going to be easier to book.

I've attached the Lee Valley specs for bikes and clothing. The ACC specs are simpler: are you paid up? have you fulfilled your marshalling duty?

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Track bike and clothing specification for the velodrome at Lee Valley VeloPark.pdf

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[Bridget]

Some clubs do have a regular slot, I think that might be why they are shorter. I think 2 hours is long enough if you are used to being at the track and can get on and off the track quickly.

I doubt we'd have enough interest within the club for a regular slot for 32 riders, but maybe there is the possibility of combining with another club?

[Phil H]

It depends upon what the goals are.

I hadn't envisaged trying to book regular slots for the time being - I don't think there's enough interest. By booking a club session then it gives people a chance to have a go on a track for the first time - or have a go on the Olympic track - roughly knowing the people riding around them.

The BC sessions are 3 hours and those are good. However, not everyone is a BC member.

Another issue with regular slots is that we don't have our own coaches. We're either reliant on Lee Valley coaches (@ £50 an hour each) or the goodwill of the likes of Terry - who I don't want to presume upon too often.

Lots of options to think about - including getting our own qualified coaches.

[Bridget]

Good points. I would personally never have gone to the velodrome were it not for the club sessions. I was absolutely terrified and now I'm racing there. Well... Entering and starting races anyway.

And yes! Club coaches needed

[Andrew F]

Agree that they are all good points. The main reason I went was to ride in the Velodrome whilst being around some familiar faces and riding styles rather than a group of complete strangers. I'm not sure that was a good or bad thing considering that I was a little apprehensive (terrified? ) to even get on the bike in the first place, so bad that I nearly quit!

Having persevered I was getting into the swing of things and enjoying myself at the end , so much so that I was thinking of a return visit(s) and seeing what Herne Hill has to offer on the way home. For me 3 hrs was enough despite not having as much track time as everyone else. You don't realise how much mental concentration goes into it riding around in circles which depletes the overall energy reserves.

A thought: can the Club hire Herne Hill for a couple of hours (and coaches) and do a similar session there? It doesn't have the 'Olympic' cachet that LVV has but it is less intimidating track, more novice friendly?

I think track riding would appeal to confident road riders who want to have a different challenge/riding experience and who will persevere when things are a little tougher than they imagined...

I for one would like to do it on a regular basis to keep the momentum going, on the use it or lose it basis. It is also something different to the road therefore providing extra stimulus.

Track riding has touched a nerve with me!

[Bridget]

Hi Andrew,

I felt exactly the same in July. Very scared just to get on the bike (despite having ridden before at Herne Hill), and then afterwards determined to go back for more

I'd really recommend to go to another session soon to maintain the momentum.

- At Lee Valley, there are taster/stage 1 accreditation sessions next on Mon 5th and Weds 7th Jan in the morning. They get booked up quickly so if you still are on holidays then, I'd grab the opportunity.
https://ebookings.leevalleypark.org.uk/ ... 1&SELQTY=1

you need to click ' pick another week' to see sessions further in future.

- Herne Hill don't run weekly beginners sessions during the winter months, but they have periodic ones which you need to book on via Rider HQ. Next is on 18th Januaray
http://www.riderhq.com/events/68175/her ... -session-1

BTW, Herne Hill was used for the 1948 Olympics so it does have 'Olympic cachet'

[Andrew F]

Hi Bridget,

I have booked the 5th January for another session.

I was thinking of more recent Olympics within my living memory rather than way back to 1948 (essentially I forgot). But thank you for the correction/reminder.

Andrew

[Steve Rigby]

I have booked onto the Rider Development sessions: 15 Feb & 29 March
Anyone fancies it be great to have ACC company

[John Fitzgibbon]

Great Session Phil I found Terry's coaching very clear and concise and really enjoyed the morning
If I was to choose a time the Saturday Morning would be ideal again

[JulianG]

Scott and I, booked up for level 2 early feb loved it

[John Fitzgibbon]

Hi Steve Rigby
I'm interested in the Rider Development Sessions on the15 th Feb and 29 th March but can't find the details for this but since writing I have now got the details and will be going