Track Cycling

[Outriding]

Giant got some great bike ready to race off the shelf and fairly in-expensive,  think I paid 13 two years ago, ask your local dealer to check for stock.

[Outriding]

track racing is addictive!

[Outriding]

KZN Hosting a two day open omnium event on the 13/14 December 2014 in Durban

[Cargyrl]

And Paarl will be hosting Paarl Boxing Day races on 26 Dec.

[lefthecountry]

I love riding track, but also riding track bikes on the streets and through traffic.

 

Yesterday I was riding mtb up kloofnek road in cape town, a 2km long road that brings you to about 330m height, and some guy on a track bike suddenly overtook me with easily twice my speed. I could barely Make it all the way up with the 34-24 ratio I was in, so that was insane!

[Imploder]

What is the process for beginner? Are there any starter courses?

[RastaMan]

Well you start training. Usually alone high up the bank. When you gain confidence you start training with the group. No set way,there is also a whole bunch of groups to race in, so no one needs to be thrown in the deepend. I started in in June and walked away with three 3rd places in thetransition 'new to track' category

[RastaMan]

Well you start training. Usually alone high up the bank. When you gain confidence you start training with the group. No set way,there is also a whole bunch of groups to race in, so no one needs to be thrown in the deepend. I started in in June and walked away with three 3rd places in thetransition 'new to track' category

[Imploder]

^{Will you get k@ked out if you ride a normal road bike?}

[jonnow]

From what I understand Imploder, you can't use a normal bike.  You need to rent one or have a track bike. I've sent a message to the guys and will revert back with answers and more details as I'm keen to try it out without spending huge money.

[Imploder]

From what I understand Imploder, you can't use a normal bike.  You need to rent one or have a track bike. I've sent a message to the guys and will revert back with answers and more details as I'm keen to try it out without spending huge money.

Thanks Jonnow, I'm also very interested...

[RastaMan]

There are a few peeps who ride their road bikes there. But not in a group, because you have brakes and the rest dont

[Tumbleweed]

What is the process for beginner? Are there any starter courses?

 

Wendell's son ran a course a while back at Pilditch. Was friggin' frightening, Get hold of the folks from VWE.

[Cargyrl]

Hi there Imploder, the correct introduction to track riding would be to join session which specifically is focused on "learn to ride" track, it is usually hosted by a competent track rider who will teach you the basics of riding a track bike and riding safely on a track. There are various rules which need to be observed, due to the fact that there are many riders on a track focusing on different disciplines within track such as sprinting vs endurance, as well as the fact the cyclists are riding on various levels of expertise. Each track also have its own specific customs, such as at HNP when recovering from an effort you roll above the white line, at Pilditch you cannot, you roll at the bottom azure line or inside the track. 

 

VWE track academy has a website up an running now (google it) now and if you contact them they will probably hook you up with a bike and I can assume do a proper introduction to track riding induction, that is if you want to ride at HNP. Contact Sheldon if you want to learn how to ride in Pretoria, Pilditch, you may PM me if you need further information. 

 

PS - typically it is very unsafe for a mixed group of bicycles to train together, geared bike vs track bike is looking for trouble, however if you are the only  one on the track, yes then you can train with a geared bike. 

[Loose cog]

Great advise Cargyrl. HNP is open 24/7 (if you want to ride in the dark) with Tues & Thur busy training afternoons for club riders. I generally ride on a Wed or Fri afternoon until sunset. 

 

If you do take a road bike on to the track make sure you stay clear of other riders who are training. Because track bikes are fixed geared you can't sit up and free wheel like a road bike and therefore road bikes tend to get back ended by trackies.

 

Depending upon what size bike you ride I would be happy to let you to take one of my bikes for a spin (sizes 52-56).

[Loose cog]

A birdie told me that someone was riding an old Colnago track bike at HNP on Saturday. Anyone knows the rider and how I can contact him?