I have ridden tubulars for many years and have yet to experience the "black stuff" of which you speak. Fact is, as you state in your earlier post, pressure is key. I defy anyone to ride a steeply banked track on tyres inflated to less than 12 Bar (yes- I do have personal experience) no commercially available clincher tyre can handle that pressure - yet, 12 Bar is not sufficient for competition - anything less that 15 bar in your tyres at international level- and you may as well stay in the pub. Of the questions regarding the use of tubbies on the road - I have limited experience in road racing and will thus leave comment to those in the know.
Johnny B, I can't comment for the current vets riders - but when I rode, although I was a personal friend of many of the top ladies, they understood that they would not receive assistance in any form. It's been many years since I rode in the vets bunch-but surely the other vets has something to say, I know I would have
Sounds great, is accommodation a problem? I know with the likes of the Jock it can become so. BTW - tell the proof reader of the poster that Majestic has a "j" not a"g" - constructive, not even criticism!
Simon, Nothing serious from my side either - Balance sheet= Money won at track races: about R300.,00 Money spent personally to go to world championships in excesss of R50 000. I have 4 Gold medals from World Champs, 1 Silver and 1, Bronze and very little recognition. I am waiting for the flood of wannabee Vet riders who reckon that these are "soft" medals. Step up to the plate boys and do better.
Thanks Simon, I 'm not normally on this late (at my age we're normally in bed by 7) But let's hear it from the old trackies - you wanna come race??? Here's your chance - let's see.
I'm quite honoured to be equated to Garen. Personally, I think we should start a Vets track League (no not the usual suspects) - but give it some thought- PM me and we'll talk if you're keen.
No you are 100% correct - won at Belleville in 99, but the Pilditch S.A's in 2000 was classic - even Ian Lester (who was commentating) was referring to the "tandem on the front" (in the points race,'cos Neil just sat wheel) - haven't spoken to Neil for years but still have a lot of respect for the man. I actually miss the -"I'll try to kill you on the track - but I'll be your mate off it" mentality - maybe I'm just old!!
I've still got the scars, but the experience is one I wouldn't trade. Neil wasn't to blame - it was my own fault. But I got him back at Pilditch the next year, and have got the 'photos to prove it!! All clean, no-one injured.
Now Now - Neil has served his time........................but I promise to return to track when he does so we can recreate the 1999 Vets points race - classic
I battled to walk again - then started riding as a pilot for a visually impaired rider-then got fired from the disabled track team for being too old. That's gotta hurt!!
