Nikcee Mixing it up
So the first Learn To Race (LTR) clinic down at the Burnaby Velodrome was lots of fun. Tons of city fixed gear riders showed up to, as Nikcee so eloquently stated, ride some boards. It was good to see such a diversity of riders interested in the track.
From what I understand everyone enjoyed their time. Some were a little intimidated by the steep banking of the turns (47 degrees), but soon everyone was riding like a pro. My personal favourite is the black line. The black line is the is the lowest point on the track you are legally allowed to ride at, if you are racing. As a result it is the fastest line on the track. There is nothing like coming out wide and high then dropping down into the turn, grabbing the black line and rocketing around the turn at break neck speeds. Yeee haw!
While the clinics are designed to teach track techniques, they are also largely about teaching the edict on the track. With lots of riders the track can quickly become crowded and collisions can occur if everyone doesn't stick to the rules of engagement. And make no mistakes the track crashes can be some of the worst. Imagine getting flung off your bike at the top of the turn and basically landing on the cement floor... yikes!
The new face of the velodrome?
While I was there I was also watching how the veterans of the track (many of whom, I know from road racing) took all the jeans and BMX crash helmets. Everyone was really hyped to see the fresh energy and enthusiasm. For example, La-la (long time track guru) is keen on setting up a NO SPANDEX race day in the near future.
Personally, I showed up all fully kitted-up in my blue race gear, but I would be more than happy to doff some that stuff in favour of some jeans, a bike lock chain belt before I mix it up on the boards with some style.
Its something that I think will only help the velodrome culture grow and become something even cooler. And trust me Clairebear would agree.
Photos
I was able to crack off a few photos during one of the breaks (below).
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Comments
clickety-clack
one thing to notice is that katie appears to not have her toe clip on properly in the shot of her...
morgan went as fast as he looks... i tailed him for a few laps and the boy can motor...
the shot of lyle coming past under me shows how speed affects body positioning... he was going way faster than me at the point (i remember) and his body is far more perpendicular to the track.
Is there a race happening before the LTR2? I might want to go watch. Anybody know for sure?
Good times people! Nik, thank you for the kind words, but I think we all did a pretty damn good job out there. It sounds like LTR2 will get us more track time and less learning how to ride fixed gear bikes.
As Wendell mentioned above, they are considering having a "no-spandex" class (with us specifically in mind) for the January 2-7 race event. If anyone happens to get info on that, be sure to pass it on!
Now where are the LTR1 spokecards? =D
http://www.burnabyvelodrome.ca/bvcraceseries.html
normally... http://www.burnabyvelodrome.ca/downloads/nov2006.pdf
but the short answer is that this weekend they have 3 days of track racing... I'm up to head out to watch some of it.
as for the spokecards... well the debate still rages as to whether they should be LT (one wheel), R1 (2nd wheel) or LTR_ (with a blank so you can claim your level)...
Someone should talk to them about it... that would be mad funny if they started offering spokecards for those who completed the series.
For now I'm still working on the official 'HeyFixie' cards. I'm getting far more questions on those...
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=243005
personally i love the baboons/asses on cages line. thats SSFG on BF summed up in a line.
I knew posting the girls was asking for a thread breakdown.. but who can resist such lovelies on (fixed)wheels?
((lyledriver))
We're gonna die, but not our love.
Oh yeah.. I tried to hold onto Wease's wheel near the end, but he dropped me after 2 laps. Scarey fast. I was worried about passing clearances the whole time. (especially when we all started going at our own speed)
((lyledriver))
We're gonna die, but not our love.
i actually thought wease was a track regular as he motored past me on the 2nd ride. then i saw the bike (hehe)...
i thought i was doing motoring (having passed most of the crew at least once) then rumble... whoosh... theres goes wease!
he definitely took to it... especially the banked corner bomb drops to the black line.
Thanks for the good words! I love the boards, I am all over it, like a fat kid on a smarty!