The track scene

crazydingo

I was thinking it'd be fun to try out track racing and was wondering if there's anyone here who is into it because I haven't seen much mention of it (although I haven't gone digging).
Is it big in Ireland?

steinone

Velodrome racing or fixed gear racing?
Velodrome racing is alive and well here, I am planning to head down to Sundrive road next weekend and give it a go.
Fixed gear racing on the streets or elsewhere is much the same, if you want more info just send me a pm:D.

abcdggs

whats the difference between velodrome and fixed gear racing?
i had understood that all track racing was on fixed gears.

TinyExplosions

I suspect he's refering to Alleycats, which aren't always, but tend be done on fixed gears.

As for track racing, trackcycling.ie is the place to find out all the info you want -there's a couple of boardsies, myself included that will be racing this year

crazydingo

I was referring to velodrome racing, it sounds like fun although I'm far from the fitness levels I'd need to be for competing and I'd have to make a few modifications to my bike but it's something I'd be interested in getting into I think.
As for alleycats, "much the same"??? They are lethal! But great fun
Is there racing on in Sundrive this weekend? If so I might pop down for a look

steinone

Sorry for being so vauge with the answers but you should hear some of the questions I get about it, some people think alleycats are for fixed gears only:P.
Plus I was thinking they could have been referring to the American style "fixie" or track scene, alleycats, trackstanding comps and all the rest.

steinone

crazydingo wrote: »

As for alleycats, "much the same"??? They are lethal! But great fun

I meant much the same in popularity at the moment.

Chips Lovell

The track league is every Wednesday night at Sundrive Road. First night's racing was last week and it'll last for the summer.

steinone

As far as I know training is on saturday mornings, to be track accredited thats the day to do it.

abcdggs

steinone wrote: »

As far as I know training is on saturday mornings, to be track accredited thats the day to do it.

track accredited?? is this like a license??

Chips Lovell

Kind of. Essentially they sign off on you as safe to race. It's not that difficult and is really just to ensure that you can handle your bike and know the safety drill.

flickerx

Yeah but its not actually a wooden velodrome in Sundrive Road, is it?
Its just a gritted track... or am I mistaken.

Home:Ballyhoura

Recently resurfaced with a smooth tarmac, very good I have to admit. They are still waiting to paint the lines, I was up there on Saturday for the selection race!

RobFowl

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Recently resurfaced with a smooth tarmac, very good I have to admit. They are still waiting to paint the lines, I was up there on Saturday for the selection race!

Any joy !

Home:Ballyhoura

RobFowl wrote: »

Any joy !

No luck for me, not this time I'm afraid. I wasn't really on form, coming down with a cold to be honest. I did a one lap warm up when I got there, that's really nothing!! Anyway, I was shivering on the start line for the flying 200 and 1K standing start individual TT! Now that didn't help whatsoever, all I felt was pain in my legs. A sort of pain I have never felt, the legs didn't know what to expect and weren't ready at all! I think I could have even damaged my legs by doing this, they were very sore and felt all cramped up afterwards and for the following 24hrs until I did a 100km recovery spin to free them out. They feel good again now. I might have still been recovering from the Corkman 3 day, you never know!

Anyway, I did go on a break in the 25 lap scratch race and finished well up the pack but they have the results wrong. One guy pulled in to get a puncture fixed, and joined back in the race about 6 or 7 laps behind. However, they gave him a final result of 3rd!!! :eek: Like what was that all about, he made the team as a result of this instead of my teammate who is entitle to the place! A very enjoyable day in the end!

steinone

What are the guys and girls down there like to newcomers?
I fancy going down this Saturday to get track accredited, going alone and all being a bit kinda awkward...

Home:Ballyhoura

I saw a few lads getting accredited, they seemed sound out. It's basic enough, anyone would be able to do it no bother just do a few laps riding in groups and following the procedures and instructions given to you. Don't be worried about it!

steinone

Thanks, shouldnt be too much trouble to me then, riding fixed gear nearly a year and now brakeless anyway.:P