Herne Hill Track Day Experience Saturday 17th July

Avanti have booked the Herne Hill Velodrome for 2 hours on Saturday 17th July, from 2.30pm, to 4.30 pm. This event is free to Avanti members, and will be a great opportunity for both newcomers to track riding, and for those who have been before, and are looking to improve their track riding skills.

Adie is organising this event, but is having a few internet problems at the moment (hopefully sorted soon)

We will be using the Herne Hill track bikes, which are fixed gear, with no brakes. They have plenty to fit all sizes. We have booked 2 coaches, and there is a maximum limit of 40 riders. You don't have to be a racer, or even fast to do this. Everyone will have the opportunity to ride, and there will be a comprehensive induction for those who have not ridden before.

I will post more details, including directions on the events section. Get this in your diary now, its not to be missed.

Herne Hill Velodrome is one of the best cycling tracks in the UK &
it is the last remaining finals venue from the 1948 Olympic Games that is still
in active use. Hopefully it will have a very important role to play in
the 2012 Games, not as a competition or training venue, but as a vital
grass-roots facility to develop the riders that will take part in 2012.

Herne Hill will of course always host top quality racing, but equally
important is its role as a track where children can begin their cycling
careers. It was designed in such a way that everyone, from novice to
Olympic Champion, can ride it. Bradley Wiggins started at Herne Hill, and
now we have secured its future, we can carry on the search in London for the
Olympic Champions of 2012 and beyond.

The track is 450m long with the steepest part of the banking at 30
degrees. It was designed to make riding and racing a pleasure & a thrill at
the same time.

Location

Herne Hill Stadium
Burbage Road, London, SE24 9HE

The entrance is between houses 102 & 106 Burbage Road, north of the
junction with Turney Road. It is close to both Herne Hill & North
Dulwich railway stations & the A205 South Circular Road. Parking is
available on site.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brian Willis on July 1, 2010 at 16:21

Err... I was under the impression that we could use our road bikes?

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Permalink Reply by James Vaus on July 1, 2010 at 21:15

You are not gonna get the most out of the track unless you are on a fixie,give it a go you might enjoy it. Just ask Steve!

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Permalink Reply by Brian Willis on July 2, 2010 at 8:00

Trouble is I've just gone through 6 weeks of (hellish) knee issues caused by a poor bike fit, I doubt that I could reliably get a track bike setup to suit in the few minutes I'd likely have, hence wanting to use my road bike.

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Permalink Reply by steve Riley on July 2, 2010 at 15:14

We discussed the option of either "own bikes" or fixed gear track bikes at the last social meeting, and it was agreed by everyone present that we would go for the fixed option. There are a number of reasons for this.
1) Riding around Herne Hill on bikes with brakes is not a great idea. If someone does brake suddenly then an accident is waiting to happen. Riding without brakes means that "closer group riding" is possible without the danger of "braking accidents"

2) Fully understand the bike fit issue. They do have a number of different sized bikes, and quite a few new ones, so it should be possible to make some tweaks to the riding position. There is inevitably a certain amount of "backpeddling" involved. My knees are not in that good a shape, but I've not found it to be an issue Herne Hill. The biggest issue is the fact that its hard work !

3) Herne Hill is designed for track racing, and its going to be a new experience for many.
I don't really see much point in hiring the circuit to just ride around on our own bikes.

I'm sure that there will be an introductory session, which is not at all heavy going, and gets you up on the banked curves. You can always try that first, and see how it goes. I hope that helps. Ta Steve

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Permalink Reply by steve Riley on July 9, 2010 at 9:46

Adie has confirmed the booking for Herne Hill, so as long as the weather is kind to us, this is going ahead. We have 20+ committed to coming so far. He is going to let the coaches dictate how it works as they will know what is safest and best, but we will ensure that there will be opportunities for all levels of ability.

A few points if you have not been before

1) Herne Hill is very weather dependant, and if its wet, then we will not be able to use the track. But if its not actually raining, then turn up, especially if its drying out.

2) The bikes have toe clips, so if you want to use these, make sure you wear shoes that you are comfortable with, and can fit into toe clips. .Trainers seem to work ok. You can take, and use your own pedals, this is not a problem. Remember to bring a pedal spanner if you are going to do this.

3) Bring your own water/snacks, as the cafe there is unlikely to be open.

Steve

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Permalink Reply by Steve Gale on July 9, 2010 at 13:21

For anyone that's not done this before, I went on the induction a few Saturday's ago and although its terrifying being on a fixie on a banked corner for the first lap or so, the fear soon recedes.

Please can you put me down for a place.

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Permalink Reply by steve Riley on July 13, 2010 at 17:32

LATEST UPDATE - The session will start at 2.30 pm, but there will need to be time for collecting, and setting up your bikes, signing indemnity forms, etc. So it might be a good idea to arrive a little earlier, around 2.00 pm

Steve