GNCTrack

Let me re-phrase, only for experienced track riders, or is there place for newbies aswell. You raise an interesting point Fork-it. In South Africa there are very few genuinely experienced track riders. Instead, most of us have spent some time on the track figuring out what it takes to go faster. There are only a few simple tricks, like don't go too slow in the banking or you'll slide off, and hold a straight line when someone is trying to pass. Otherwise, it's just good quality training. I must warn you though, if you don't know what lactic acid is you're going to find out real quick! Newbies always welcome.GNCTrack2008-05-19 05:15:29

It's a bit difficult riding a road bike at Pilditch - the bottom bracket is too low so the pedals keep hitting the banking. We have track bikes that you can borrow - bring your own pedals and riding gear. If we get enough roadies then we may open a special time slot for them - but they'll have to ride over 30kph in order to stay upright! The cost is R10 and that covers the flood lights and a 5min power test on the SRM if you want it.

Every Thursday evening from 6pm to 8pm you can come and play in complete safety at Pilditch velodrome. Hone your bike handling and sprinting skills. Test out your power on our SRM powermeter and chat to like-minded cyclists. There's even a roller skating rink to keep your kids entertained. You'll find Pilditch next to the Pretoria West Showgrounds, entry on Maltzan St just off Church St. See you there! GNCTrack2008-05-19 04:22:50

Hi Gary This looks excellent! I will be "advertising" it at my events and will try and get my guys to come down from PTA for them! If there's anything we can help with give us a shout! Sheldon

Answer: Job Huggett at Pilditch

Hey Fire, see pm. The chance to use the SRM is open to you next time you're up here.

Congratulations on winning the R500. Answer: Job Huggett at Pilditch As stated in the rules you can collect your prize at Pilditch on Thursday evening. While you're at it, why not bring your pedals and test out your power on our SRM bike? Thanks to all the Hubbers for contributing to a fun competition. Watch this space next week.GNCTrack2008-05-16 06:29:35

Its not

Relax Hubbers, we're all just having fun here. How about another clue: This elite rider recently took part in the SA Track Championships...

His real name is Job although he claims to have little patience. At last night?s training session at Pilditch stadium he talked about concentrating on pursuit riding for a while. It got us thinking that in order to be good at this you need to have a high average power for about 5mins. Next week at the Thursday training session we will arrange for an SRM power meter to be set up on a bike so that anyone can come and test their ability. We?ll give you 5 mins to push out the highest average power that you can (bring your own pedals). Maybe you can become a track pursuit star! Can you tell us who this local rider is and where the photo was taken yesterday? Rules: 1. The first Hubber to post both the answers on this thread wins. 2. The prize will be presented in person at Pilditch Velodrome next Thursday evening at the start of track training. 3. If the winner can't collect on that date then the prize is forfeited and it will snowball to the next competition. 4. The decision of the judge is final and no further correspondence will be entered into. GNCTrack2008-05-16 06:03:13

The spectacular venue of Pilditch Velodrome on the West side of <?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Pretoria is the safest place in Gauteng to start honing your riding skills for next season. Winter training starts tonight, Thursday, 15 May from 6pm until 8pm. Entry is R10 and includes lights. For those without track bikes there are a number of track Fuji?s available at no charge ? just bring your own pedals (first come, first served). <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> The training is open to both beginner and advance cyclists and friendly, expert advice is available to those wanting to learn more. There is no better way to have fun and improve your riding than to play on the track. Can you keep up? http://www.laserm.co.za/temp/can u keep up.wmv Pilditch is at the athletics stadium next to the show grounds on Maltzan St, left off Kerk St.

Hi Guys and Gals!! Thanks for the concern and the well wishes! Quick summary - Dislocated my clavicle, my SI joint and had a slight concussion. Oh and I have quite a few bad roasties! As I have been able to work it out, as the motorbike pulled off the track, the front two riders drifted up the track. I was on Grenville's outside in third place, and wanted to jump (I must always try to avoid a sprint with Grenville and James in the bunch). As I got to Grenville's inside I looked over my left shoulder to see if it was clear. But (as I recall/figured it) Jean Spies was already jumping down the inside. By this time I was already overlapping Grenville's wheel, and whether I drifted up, or didn't quite turn enough isn't clear, but I touched Grenville's back wheel. Joppie Hugget who was behind me says he actually thought I was going to hold it up, but I wasn't that lucky! No one's fault, just part of racing... As soon as my SI joint is recovered I'll be back on the trainer. So, I shouldn't loose too much. My arm won't be recovered by provincial champs, so I won't be riding there, but I've already ridden a qualifying time for Nationals, so I'll be riding the pursuit in PE. As for the bunch races, we'll see what the arm is like before making that decision. Once again, thanks for the concern. HR - Pilditch is open from 5 in the morning until late at night (there is 24 hour security). Like RM said lights are extra (R85.5 for the first hour R171 for the night - speak to me if you want to arrange this as it must be arranged in advance) but it's light enough to finish your warm down at about 7:30. There are people who train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (I was training both evenings, but that is obviously out the question now) but no-one is paying for lights. Then as has been mentioned, we race on Wednesday evenings, I'm normally there from 5 but racing starts at 7pm. Also, you must join Pilditch to be able to use the facilities. I have forms that you must fill in (I think the security guards also have forms), then you must also give us two ID photos and R23. This all needs to be dropped off at Pilditch during office hours (or you can give it to me). For anyone who is following this, the Fixed Gear Racing Series WILL be held this Wednesday, so see you there!! My right arm is now tired of doing all the typing, so I'm going to give it a rest!! Later, Sheldon

Hi Sabre Sorry I was unavailable, I dropped off the face of the earth for a few days! Had a few days away up in Pilgrim's Rest area. No Internet, Cell phone was dead, and a few mountains to climb! I'm back on the earth now, how can I help? I see you have some stuff for me. PM me your contact details and I will make arrangements/plans to get the things from you... Thanks Sheldon

Hi Guys Thanks for everyone who has responded to my appeal for help. I will put a list up of what all I have been sent. I have some work pressure at the moment, so I might be a bit quite for the next few days. However, I will start contacting people from next week Wednesday to make arrangements to get what they have donated. I am always open to more donations. Please PM me your contact details and what areas you live and work in, so that I can try and co-ordinate my collection efforts. I was also wondering if I should contact the bike shops and ask them if they would act as collection points, then I could go by there once in a while and pick up what they have collected, and then you guys will also know where you can drop things off. This might make everyone's lives a little easier. If there are any bike shops on the Hub who would be prepared to act as collection points, could they please PM me too? Once again, thanks for all the help, please keep it coming!! Sheldon