Track Cycling

[Imploder]

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. 

Thanks Cargyrl, awesome advise. I'll give the guys at VWE a call.

[Imploder]

Just had an awesome chat with Martin. Really nice guy, really passionate about track cycling.

We've arranged to meet sometime in Dec, for a introduction to track, kind of course. Really just get the feet wet and see what's what. Will keep y'all posted.

[Cargyrl]

Just had an awesome chat with Martin. Really nice guy, really passionate about track cycling.

We've arranged to meet sometime in Dec, for a introduction to track, kind of course. Really just get the feet wet and see what's what. Will keep y'all posted.

Have fun and remember to keep pedalling! Before you know it you will be a racing snake on the track. Track is extremely addictive and what is even better, your family can also be a part of it, as it is very spectator friendly. League is a whole family fun affair.

[Imploder]

Have fun and remember to keep pedalling! Before you know it you will be a racing snake on the track. Track is extremely addictive and what is even better, your family can also be a part of it, as it is very spectator friendly. League is a whole family fun affair.

Thanks, Martin was telling me about Kieran, I was doing a little joy-joy dance in my seat....

Go from 45 - 55 km/h in six laps behind a scooter. Sounds like my kind of crazy...... But first I need to figure out how to cycle at 45km/h?!?!?

[RastaMan]

Have fun and remember to keep pedalling! Before you know it you will be a racing snake on the track. Track is extremely addictive and what is even better, your family can also be a part of it, as it is very spectator friendly. League is a whole family fun affair.

That is true, its probably the only part of cycling when you can take the whole family with.

And those u/6 racing is probably my highlight of the day.

 

May I ask what kit you were racing in?

[Onlybikes]

Love track racing and riding fixed gear bikes on the road is a hell of a lot of fun . I prefer Pilditch over hector norriss . Built up a very old road bike and converted it to a fixed gear was way cheaper and easily accessible than all these beautiful track specific bikes .

[Cargyrl]

Thanks, Martin was telling me about Kieran, I was doing a little joy-joy dance in my seat....

Go from 45 - 55 km/h in six laps behind a scooter. Sounds like my kind of crazy...... But first I need to figure out how to cycle at 45km/h?!?!?

 

It is easier than you think, even the youngsters ride that fast, the guys ride much faster, when the scooter pulls away. Much fun, lots of adrenaline, no gears, no brakes, no problem!

 

Track racing will teach you bunch riding skills and racing tactics which translates very well to road races too, there is reason why trackies do so well at road races nationally and internationally. 

[Cargyrl]

That is true, its probably the only part of cycling when you can take the whole family with.

And those u/6 racing is probably my highlight of the day.

 

May I ask what kit you were racing in?

 

Loved the u/6 race! Very cute and that is how quite a few of the top riders started. 

 

I was racing in LPCC kit, I am the one who laughs a LOT! Because it is fun going to the races. 

[Cycho]

From KZN Track Cycling on FB:

 

TRACK BIKES WANTED . DEAD OR ALIVE. If you have a track bike or parts you are not using and would like to donate it to KZN TRACK CYCLING or if you have a Track bike you want to sell please email me at greg@cyclesphere.co.za. We want to get our Track development programe underway in December but cant without bikes.

 

Anyone out there that can help?

[Outriding]

Durban and PMB Clubs also have development bikes for loan and will help any newbies get in to track cycling.  A young development rider form PMB only racing track for a short while, won the 1500m SA Title in April this year and then picked up a ride on the Team Abantu development team. I remember him at his first visit to Durban when someone told him to stop, well he stopped peddling and landed up on his head with lots of blood been shed  and then a year later he is SA Champ!!! Such a great story we are proud of him, well done Christopher Mlotshwa.

[Cycho]

PS - Anyone have a 47/48cm midget track frame lying around to save me trying to get one from the US?

[Cycho]

Durban and PMB Clubs also have development bikes for loan and will help any newbies get in to track cycling.  A young development rider form PMB only racing track for a short while, won the 1500m SA Title in April this year and then picked up a ride on the Team Abantu development team. I remember him at his first visit to Durban when someone told him to stop, well he stopped peddling and landed up on his head with lots of blood been shed  and then a year later he is SA Champ!!! Such a great story we are proud of him, well done Christopher Mlotshwa.

 Unfortunately he still seems to be falling on his head!!!   

[Sani]

As a Kid many moons ago I used to watch a lot off track racing at Hector Norris Park , This is one form off Cycling I really want to try , A Guy and His Daughter  in our club competes provincial , He invited Me but I couldn't get to it yet , But Ill definitely make a point off trying in the new year .   

[Outriding]

 Unfortunately he still seems to be falling on his head!!!   

must be the training he is getting from his coach(?) I heard the expression "use your head Chris"

[SurferChild]

That is true, its probably the only part of cycling when you can take the whole family with.

And those u/6 racing is probably my highlight of the day.

 

May I ask what kit you were racing in?

Hey RastaMan...

 

So we meet again on the hub   I was standing next to you on those 3 podiums of yours  and may I say Thank you again for the ice cold beer after the race!!!

[RastaMan]

Hey RastaMan...

 

So we meet again on the hub   I was standing next to you on those 3 podiums of yours  and may I say Thank you again for the ice cold beer after the race!!!

mmm small word

 

I guess we can say first impressions arent always correct?

 

Some quality racing from you dude well done.

Hope you keep at it