Kwijybow
|
The track class is great fun, and likely short enough amount of riding that even recumbent only riders might enjoy it, I believe you can still borrow one of the velodromes loaner bikes for the class. I didn't have a track bike when I took the class, and just brought pedals, and my preferred saddle. I've since bought and sold a track bike, but I've been thinking about reacquiring one. The track is pretty steep ebing a 250m olympic style, @42+ degrees in the corners. it requires somewhere in the low to mid teens to speedwise through the corners at the minimum to stay connected, and if you get too upright you can drag a pedal which isn't good for the wood or your on the boards. Its quite a sight to go through the corners up at the top of the track and look to your left at a good 50+ foot drop. A good motivator to keep the speed up. I of course am a fan of recumbents, but have plenty of reservations about riding one there. Definitely not in a group, but even solo it would be a little daunting. However it is fun and safe once acclimated, and the controled method by which you gain access to the track and follow its traditions is a pretty good one, and more than in most equipment sports ensures a pretty level playing field for the races. Heck most or alot of track racers are still on tubulars, as they are ostensibly safer in the event of a blowout on the steep banking. (they stay glued on providing some grip, whereas clinchers without the air pressure will roll of the rim, leaving aluminum on wood, which isn't very grippy.) There are several tracks that are larger, and have shallower banking, and are not wood that are probably alot more recumbent friendly. I probably could use a refresher course its been a several years now (3+) since I rode out there. If anybody is interested in doing it together let me know. I'll try to discern when the first class is going to be. Take Care, Nelson.
|