Sundrive Accreditation - Beginners

rob w

I’m thinking of signing up for an accreditation session down in Sundrive next month and getting into a bit of track cycling, but have a few questions from anyone with experience/info on the accreditation!?

I’m an experience road cyclist, but have never been on the track. I always ride clipless pedals so will just hire a bike on the day and pick up a pair of look delta cleats. So just a few questions…

How beginner/novice friendly a place is it?
What level is expected of someone signing up for accreditation? (Im not used to riding fixed or being on the track)
What about track stands/technique etc? (I don’t want to embarrass myself by faceplanting first day out!)

A few stupid questions, but would appreciate if anyone could answer them!

Thanks in advance!

Rob

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Hi Rob,

The rental bikes are look keo's now, so that's a bit handier.
Re what you're going to do, there are no trackstands at accreditation! I'm heading into my third season now and I have never even attempted one so there's absolutely no pressure there!

At accreditation, you will learn how to ride fixed, ride the track and most importantly do both safely in a group. Accreditation is about getting you safe on the bike ( tip - look around, A Lot!) nothing more strenuous or serious than that.

Track is super friendly and very social as you're in a group almost all the time. Track is awesome!

Harrybelafonte

Basically, if you're half way fit and have the wherewithal to listen to the coaches and keep looking around you'll be good. Also, no heroics. On the accreditation day stay with the group until you're released to go at your own speed.

I can't seem to use Search on boards, so here's a few other things as I remember them.

Get there early. Bring allen keys. This is so that after you rent your bike you can quickly adjust saddle height etc. In that vein, measure your own bike before you go so as to be able to quickly adjust the bike. You'll get more time on track as a result.

Bring full fingered gloves, though not essential. Bring warm gear. There'll be standing around listening involved.

Bring runners in case your bike doesn't have clipless, only cages.

Basically just come down and enjoy it
Most importantly, don't think about it, just come and try it. Very few don't enjoy it.

As regards never riding fixed, don't worry, the worst that'll happen is that you forget to pedal for a second and you'll get an bit of an arse kick.

Track stands are rare, I've only come close to doing one in a match sprint. There'll be none in training.

Look over your left shoulder all the time before moving off from the fence. ALL THE TIME. Look over the other shoulder if moving up the track.

Hands on the drops all the time. The front is twitchier on track bikes sometimes, so being on the "hoods" can give a little less control.

Please listen to the coaches at ALL times. Seriously. Sometimes it's difficult to understnad what they're asking you to do, but ask them to explain again before you go up on the track, don't try and guess when you're up there. That's how accidents happen.

Beasty

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Please listen to the coaches at ALL times. Seriously. Sometimes it's difficult to understnad what they're asking you to do, but ask them to explain again before you go up on the track, don't try and guess when you're up there. That's how accidents happen.

This is the fundamental difference to what happens on the road. Safety is paramount on the track, and the coaches are trained to ensure minimal risks are taken. The experience should make anyone a much better road racer.

And yes, it's a real friendly place - you may get shouted at, but that will only be to make you aware of things you are doing wrong, for your own benefit as well as the benefit of everyone else on the track. It's surprising though how quickly you can get the hang of it all.

The accreditation session is done at a relatively easy pace, with again, as already mentioned, the main focus being safety

rob w

Great stuff. Thanks for the replies lads, some great advice there!

Good to hear it’s a generally friendly place for beginners…..transition to the track feels a bit daunting, but looking forward to it!

One more question….

It mentions on the trackcycling.ie website that riders need a cycling Ireland licence too……does anyone know if that is that needed for accreditation too or just for racing/training?

Harrybelafonte

Not sure. I've heard some not having for first accreditation session but needing it for next. But it's a question best asked directly of them via email.

TBH, you'll need it anyway and get get a track, etc specific and not fork out the big full competition fee.

Harrybelafonte

Not sure. I've heard some not having for first accreditation session but needing it for next. But it's a question best asked directly of them via email.

TBH, you'll need it anyway and get get a track, etc specific and not fork out the big full competition fee.

rob w

Cool, thanks.

I just dropped them a mail there about the licence.

Thanks again for the info!