Sundrive re-opening next month for training and accreditation

Harrybelafonte

First accreditation is 16th of February. The system has changed a little this year. At least two sessions are needed and the time for accreditations has changed too. See details here:

http://www.trackcycling.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=697:sundrive-track-reopens-sat-2nd-february&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

The usual questions re pedals: Bikes at the track are either suitable for runners (i.e. cages) or Look Delta cleats. Get there early to make sure you acquire a bike in your size and can adjust the saddle height.

Bringing your own bike? Memory is: No brakes or paraphenalia (this will cause confusion, but I mena mudguards, lights and I'd recommend no computers for beginners anyway), No Look Easy pedals, make sure everything is tight as a mofo (experience, pulled wheels twice, twisted handlebars and loosen cranks)

Be safe and have a ball.

The calendar of events is up too for you other guys. I'll expect to see a few at Duane Delany in June if not before.

lennymc

ill be there on the 16th - i have accreditation from last year, but think ill do it again to brush up. will give me a chance to get out on me new bike!!

CramCycle

How often do you have to get reaccredited? Got mine early last year

Beasty

CramCycle wrote: »

How often do you have to get reaccredited? Got mine early last year

You don't - once you are accredited that's usually it. However it's probably worth having a word with the coaches if you have not ridden the track for a long time, particularly if you are thinking about taking up racing on it. They may recommend a bit of a refresher, or simply keep an eye on you to make sure you've not picked up any bad habits.

Accreditation is all about safe riding on the track. If someone who is accredited shows signs that they need their skills refreshing, they may be asked to take the accreditation again.

johnk123

I really want to do one of these sessions and I think my club may be organising a group to go over, but very excited!

CramCycle

Beasty wrote: »

Accreditation is all about safe riding on the track. If someone who is accredited shows signs that they need their skills refreshing, they may be asked to take the accreditation again.

Have to say, slightly OT, but its well worth doing even if your not going to ride track, alot of good advice for safe road riding in general, training in good habits etc. Now back on topic.

kumate_champ07

CramCycle wrote: »

Have to say, slightly OT, but its well worth doing even if your not going to ride track, alot of good advice for safe road riding in general, training in good habits etc. Now back on topic.

I agree, it's definitely made me a better cyclist in the city, Ive more awareness of my surroundings and Im always checking behind me, its a good habit once you can look behind and keep your bike in a straight line.

Dermot Illogical

johnk123 wrote: »

I really want to do one of these sessions and I think my club may be organising a group to go over, but very excited!

Encourage them! It's some of the most fun you can have on a bike imho..

Harrybelafonte

johnk123 wrote: »

I really want to do one of these sessions and I think my club may be organising a group to go over, but very excited!

I wouldn't wait for your club to organise it tbh. The sooner you get it sorted, the sooner you can start proper training and be ready to race (if that's you intention). Either way, it's not a bad way to spend your Saturday mornings.

johnk123

Yeah you're right, I'm going to go on ahead myself as soon as I can. I've never been to sundrive before...

I've been dying to get into track and recently started cycling with a guy who does it so at least I have that.

At the price of the sessions anyway you really can't go wrong if you've ever been curious to try it!

RockWerchter

Would any one be able to tell me how long the accreditation will run for tomorrow?

Also i am assuming it won't be too strenuous and i'd get away with going on a spin before hand?

Harrybelafonte

RockWerchter wrote: »

Would any one be able to tell me how long the accreditation will run for tomorrow?

Also i am assuming it won't be too strenuous and i'd get away with going on a spin before hand?

Usually about two hours.

Not really strenuous, no, but I wouldn't go exhausted either.

RockWerchter

Cool, thanks for the info

Harrybelafonte

So, the day turned out to be one of the biggest turnouts for accreditation. Many from here go?

RockWerchter

Yep, very impressed with the set up.

Harrybelafonte

Seen as the World Champs are on, I'll remind everyone who was accredited last Saturday that they're welcome to finsih off the accreditation process this Saturday (it'll involve speed drills this Saturday and the Saturday after will be general drills) and the next accreditation will be March 2nd, Saturday.

I'll stop harking on about it now.

Harrybelafonte

Accreditation for Seniors and U16s has now been changed to 2:30 due to numbers:

http://www.trackcycling.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=700:accreditation-at-sundrive&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

2011abc

Can you jog my memory about the pedal set up and costs of hire bikes please?

Harrybelafonte

2011abc wrote: »

Can you jog my memory about the pedal set up and costs of hire bikes please?

Bike hire is fiver

Delta pedals or toe straps on hire bikes. You aren't allowed to exchange for your own.

2011abc

Oh,you could change pedals 'back in the day'."Delta" different to "Keo"?

Harrybelafonte

2011abc wrote: »

Oh,you could change pedals 'back in the day'."Delta" different to "Keo"?

Yes. You might be able to borrow shoes there but just bring a pair of runners and you'll be fine.

fixie fox

Will the league be on again and what night?

Harrybelafonte

fixie fox wrote: »

Will the league be on again and what night?

I'm sure it will be. Was Wednesdays last year, presume the same this year.

buffalo

Can I make sure I have this right: one session to get accredited to train (€10), and a second session to get accredited to race (€10) ?

Or can you do it in one giant session? And is the cost €10 total, or per session? Thanks in advance!

Harrybelafonte

I'm not 100%, but training is usually 5 a session with 30 for the season, so I'm guessing the 10 might be for both sessions?? But I'd email them if you want to be sure. It does list it on the site as Accreditation, so I'm guessing the two are included. Sorry.

funkyjebus

Hi Harry,

Been long thinking about track cycling but was put off because of affording a track bike.

So I can just pop down , rent a bike and do the accreditation, thats great. When is the next accreditation?

With regards to the delta pedals, can you rent the cleats and bring your own shoes?

Do I have to be CI licensed?

Thanks

Harrybelafonte

funkyjebus wrote: »

Hi Harry,

Been long thinking about track cycling but was put off because of affording a track bike.

So I can just pop down , rent a bike and do the accreditation, thats great. When is the next accreditation?

With regards to the delta pedals, can you rent the cleats and bring your own shoes?

Do I have to be CI licensed?

Thanks

You can't rent cleats, but if you're there early enough you could maybe grab a pair of shoes, but there's a limited selection there. Best to just bring trainers that'd fit cages ok just in case.

Details on Accreditation are here:

http://www.trackcycling.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=700:accreditation-at-sundrive&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

"Minimum requirement for training is a Cycling Ireland Club Licence" it says there.

buffalo

Was out today for accreditation. Hugh and Sean were perfect - friendly, knowledgeable, great at both explaining and communicating. Bike, shoes and session for €15, great value too.

Will be back, if only to make sure I don't remain 39th of 39 on the track segment in Strava!

Harrybelafonte

buffalo wrote: »

Was out today for accreditation. Hugh and Sean were perfect - friendly, knowledgeable, great at both explaining and communicating. Bike, shoes and session for €15, great value too.

Will be back, if only to make sure I don't remain 39th of 39 on the track segment in Strava!

Good to hear you enjoyed it. It was a good session. Make sure you come back for more.

Beasty

buffalo wrote: »

Will be back, if only to make sure I don't remain 39th of 39 on the track segment in Strava!

You've only 25s to make up - piece of cake for someone of your ability

Actually there's a massive clue on how to cheat on Strava if you check out one of the equal KOMs on that segment (and it's not mine!)

buffalo

Beasty wrote: »

You've only 25s to make up - piece of cake for someone of your ability

Actually there's a massive clue on how to cheat on Strava if you check out one of the equal KOMs on that segment (and it's not mine!)

I recall seeing someone hitting 150kmph or something in the looped segments...

Do I take a shortcut straight across the track? I'm not sure they'd like me doing that on the rented bikes. :P

Beasty

No - a certain other boardsie looks like they turned the computer off half way round the track, but it recorded it as a full loop so that individual has equal KOM having done only half the distance of the rest of us (I won't embarass that individual by mentioning her name here)

EDIT - I've got a paltry 970kph on that track TT segment - that's over 100kph slower than the KOM

Harrybelafonte

Reminder that accreditation day is tomorrow at 2:30 at Sundrive for those interested.

Harrybelafonte

Today is another accreditation day. If you want to race this year, this may be the best time to get sorted.