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Track Cycling / Re: Tuesday Night Track Cycling Beginners
« on: March 26, 2024, 10:32:54 PM »
Loads of people there tonight I didn’t spot you. If you see me there I’ll usually have club kit on pop over and say hello.
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2
Track Cycling / Tuesday Night Track Cycling Beginners
« on: March 13, 2024, 01:00:03 PM »
I am attending track sessions on Tuesday nights 7pm-9pm. There is an intro to track straight after this 9pm - 10pm for absolute beginners. You just need to bring along your usual summer cycling kit shoes must be Look Keo for clip in shoes. You can hire a bike at the velodrome. I’m happy to attend this with anyone who is interested in having a go but maybe put off by going alone. There’s information here:
https://www.newportlive.co.uk/en/sports-wellbeing/cycling/track-cycling/
There’s a good mix on a Tuesday women and men attending of different ages and the coach is good too.
Alternatively anyone who is fed up with the weather and has attended the club trip to the velodrome is welcome to come to the 7pm session and do a few group rides and light training in the dry, it’s 2hours so there is plenty of time for a chat in between rides, and again mix of all abilities.
https://www.newportlive.co.uk/en/sports-wellbeing/cycling/track-cycling/
There’s a good mix on a Tuesday women and men attending of different ages and the coach is good too.
Alternatively anyone who is fed up with the weather and has attended the club trip to the velodrome is welcome to come to the 7pm session and do a few group rides and light training in the dry, it’s 2hours so there is plenty of time for a chat in between rides, and again mix of all abilities.
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Track Cycling / Track Session 36 13/02/2023
« on: February 15, 2023, 07:05:47 PM »
Good to see Brian back coaching the improvers session which was a bit of a rude awakening for some. Started off with a warm up which after 3 laps (of splintered groups riding as fast as they could) got called back in and told how to do the warm up properly. After just about getting the warm up correct we moved onto weaving and then stacking which was more or less how I recalled doing it. We finished up with a cool down which turned into a smash fest by the end, and another assessment from Brian. Really good session if you were going for accreditation as it was run similar to how I remember they do the actual assessment.
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Track Cycling / Re: Track Session 35 Return to the track 30/01/2023
« on: February 08, 2023, 08:27:54 PM »
I hope to go next week too and if they let me I will have a go at stacking. I remembered the stacking is tricky because it relies on everyone staying relatively close to the line you are on, and it requires a bit of effort to go from the bottom to the top of the stack, I think you had to slow the bike down to fall behind the group and then push on to go up to the blue line to join the group at the top of the stack. I will edit this next week if it’s incorrect!
I remembered a few pointers that I was given by Brian when I went for my accreditation. I think the main one was to always look over your shoulder to check it’s safe before you move up or down the track, I was told a common mistake was to forget to check there’s no one coming past when you pull away from the railing. They told me to be assertive and communicate with riders around you, I think that’s why I was shouting so loud on the weaving drill, also need good communication when you do the stacking. It might have changed a bit since then I noticed on Monday everyone just rode out onto the track, we used to have to line up on the rail and pull off.
I remembered a few pointers that I was given by Brian when I went for my accreditation. I think the main one was to always look over your shoulder to check it’s safe before you move up or down the track, I was told a common mistake was to forget to check there’s no one coming past when you pull away from the railing. They told me to be assertive and communicate with riders around you, I think that’s why I was shouting so loud on the weaving drill, also need good communication when you do the stacking. It might have changed a bit since then I noticed on Monday everyone just rode out onto the track, we used to have to line up on the rail and pull off.
5
Track Cycling / Track Session 35 Return to the track 30/01/2023
« on: January 31, 2023, 09:04:22 PM »
Spurred on by the club visit to Newport on Sunday I’ve decided to try and get back to visiting the track on a more regular basis. So I booked on to join the improvers session.
I had to get a set of new tyres for my bike so I knew it was going to be an interesting visit. I had to spend the warm up scrubbing the tyres on the cote d’azure and then gradually ride them up onto the boards hoping that they wouldn’t slip. I had cleaned them before hand with isopropyl alcohol, the coach did ask me if I had roughed them up with sandpaper I told him no way I was sanding £36 tyres I would rather fall off.
Unsurprisingly there was a small mixed group of riders out at 20:30 so it was a bit sketchy, mostly because I was a bit rusty and the pace varied quite a bit depending who was on the front. Thankfully they were a friendly bunch and weren’t to bothered by my unorthodox style. Did 2 sprint drills Aeroplane and Taking Laps, and then a 36 Lap TT which turned into a sort of team pursuit with 3 of us taking laps. Good fun and probably about right for my fitness levels at the moment. Don’t think I could handle a Wednesday morning suffer fest just yet.
Good to see Rob there joining the session before me and I think signed off to be able to join the improvers session next week. Hopefully Brian will be there to coach us.
I had to get a set of new tyres for my bike so I knew it was going to be an interesting visit. I had to spend the warm up scrubbing the tyres on the cote d’azure and then gradually ride them up onto the boards hoping that they wouldn’t slip. I had cleaned them before hand with isopropyl alcohol, the coach did ask me if I had roughed them up with sandpaper I told him no way I was sanding £36 tyres I would rather fall off.
Unsurprisingly there was a small mixed group of riders out at 20:30 so it was a bit sketchy, mostly because I was a bit rusty and the pace varied quite a bit depending who was on the front. Thankfully they were a friendly bunch and weren’t to bothered by my unorthodox style. Did 2 sprint drills Aeroplane and Taking Laps, and then a 36 Lap TT which turned into a sort of team pursuit with 3 of us taking laps. Good fun and probably about right for my fitness levels at the moment. Don’t think I could handle a Wednesday morning suffer fest just yet.
Good to see Rob there joining the session before me and I think signed off to be able to join the improvers session next week. Hopefully Brian will be there to coach us.
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Track Cycling / Re: Trip to Geraint Thomas National Velodrome Sunday 22nd January 15:00 – 17:00
« on: January 24, 2023, 09:51:24 PM »
Thanks for supporting the trip everyone, it was great to see so many of you out on Sunday, I hope you all enjoyed it. Rob has been looking into going back up to attend some of the Beginners Accreditation Sessions, as a result, Jason who was our coach on Sunday has been in touch: "...we would be happy to say all riders on the club session have passed Stage 1. They will each still need to pay Newport for the accreditation certification for that stage."
So if you were thinking of going up again you could attend any of the sessions that are suitable for beginners as long as you pay for your intro to track certificate. Here's a link to the timetable:
www.newportlive.co.uk/application/files/7616/6782/4918/408_Track_Cycling_Timetable_2023_Amended_A4_Part1.pdf
It can be a bit confusing to get into but if you have any questions give me a shout and I will be happy to help. I will post some pictures later in the week, feel free to post any pictures or videos you have from Sunday.
So if you were thinking of going up again you could attend any of the sessions that are suitable for beginners as long as you pay for your intro to track certificate. Here's a link to the timetable:
www.newportlive.co.uk/application/files/7616/6782/4918/408_Track_Cycling_Timetable_2023_Amended_A4_Part1.pdf
It can be a bit confusing to get into but if you have any questions give me a shout and I will be happy to help. I will post some pictures later in the week, feel free to post any pictures or videos you have from Sunday.
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Track Cycling / Re: Trip to Geraint Thomas National Velodrome Sunday 22nd January 15:00 – 17:00
« on: January 18, 2023, 10:58:37 AM »
Thanks for replying Andy. Good idea to get there for 2:30 as it will take a bit of time to sort out the bikes. If you can make a note of your bike frame size that will speed up choosing the right size bike. List of what you will need, like Andy said summer cycling kit:
Helmet
Short Sleeve Jersey (must Cover Arms)
Bib Shorts
Cycling Gloves
Socks
Cycling Shoes with Look Keo cleats
Drink and a snack that you would take out with you on a club run in case you get a bit peckish
Towel
Cycling glasses if you wear them.
We will be sitting in the centre of the track in between sessions, I used to take a small rucksack or sports bag that would fit underneath my seat with all my bits and bobs in.
Big thank you to everyone for showing an interest and look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Great to hear from you Tim it would be fantastic to see you on Sunday, you are more than welcome to have a ride around on the Côte d'Azur.
Helmet
Short Sleeve Jersey (must Cover Arms)
Bib Shorts
Cycling Gloves
Socks
Cycling Shoes with Look Keo cleats
Drink and a snack that you would take out with you on a club run in case you get a bit peckish
Towel
Cycling glasses if you wear them.
We will be sitting in the centre of the track in between sessions, I used to take a small rucksack or sports bag that would fit underneath my seat with all my bits and bobs in.
Big thank you to everyone for showing an interest and look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Great to hear from you Tim it would be fantastic to see you on Sunday, you are more than welcome to have a ride around on the Côte d'Azur.
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Track Cycling / Trip to Geraint Thomas National Velodrome Sunday 22nd January 15:00 – 17:00
« on: December 05, 2022, 01:44:59 PM »
Sorry for the radio silence on this I have been trying to get a couple of dates confirmed that fell through.
Hi all! The Club has kindly offered to subsidise the cost of a trip to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome in Newport, covering the cost of the Track hire, Bikes and coach. I've got a confirmed date for Sunday 22nd January 15:00 – 17:00. You will have to organise your own travel and also bring Gloves, Shoes with Look Cleats (There is shoe hire available I am going to check if it's included in the bike hire), Helmet, and wear a jersey that covers your shoulders. You can bring a towel (it can get quite hot), and something to drink or eat in between each session. You can take your sunglasses too.
We have organised a couple of trips in the past which everyone has enjoyed, it is a great opportunity to ride the same boards as many of our top cyclists and Olympic champions. As we have not been for a long time we will book the session for beginners so you will not need any prior experience of track cycling making this a perfect opportunity to have a go at something new.
It will be suitable for all levels of cyclists in the club: Sunday Social, Chasers and Pacers, the coach on the day will be able to split us up based on ability so you will always be riding in a comfortable group. If you would like to attend please let me know by replying to this post.
Also feel free to ask any questions!
Hi all! The Club has kindly offered to subsidise the cost of a trip to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome in Newport, covering the cost of the Track hire, Bikes and coach. I've got a confirmed date for Sunday 22nd January 15:00 – 17:00. You will have to organise your own travel and also bring Gloves, Shoes with Look Cleats (There is shoe hire available I am going to check if it's included in the bike hire), Helmet, and wear a jersey that covers your shoulders. You can bring a towel (it can get quite hot), and something to drink or eat in between each session. You can take your sunglasses too.
We have organised a couple of trips in the past which everyone has enjoyed, it is a great opportunity to ride the same boards as many of our top cyclists and Olympic champions. As we have not been for a long time we will book the session for beginners so you will not need any prior experience of track cycling making this a perfect opportunity to have a go at something new.
It will be suitable for all levels of cyclists in the club: Sunday Social, Chasers and Pacers, the coach on the day will be able to split us up based on ability so you will always be riding in a comfortable group. If you would like to attend please let me know by replying to this post.
Also feel free to ask any questions!
9
Track Cycling / Re: Trip to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome
« on: July 05, 2022, 10:27:19 AM »
Thanks for the responses, unfortunately, I was unable to secure the July 31st date. Working on booking another date preferably a Sunday around the same time. I'll post when I have more info.
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Track Cycling / Trip to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome
« on: June 22, 2022, 06:45:53 PM »
Hi all! The Club has kindly offered to subsidise the cost of a trip to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome in Newport, covering the cost of the Track hire, Bikes and coach. I'm proposing we visit on Sunday the 31st of July between 11am and 1pm. You will have to organise your own travel and also bring Gloves, Shoes with Look Cleats (There is shoe hire available I am going to check if it's included in the bike hire), Helmet, and wear a jersey that covers your shoulders. You can bring a towel (it can get quite hot), and something to drink or eat in between each session, I take my sunglasses too 
We have organised a couple of trips in the past which everyone has enjoyed, it is a great opportunity to ride the same boards as many of our top cyclists and Olympic champions. As we have not been for a long time we will book the session for beginners so you will not need any prior experience of track cycling making this a perfect opportunity to have a go at something new.
It will be suitable for all levels of cyclists in the club: Sunday Social, Chasers and Pacers, the coach on the day will be able to split us up based on ability so you will always be riding in a comfortable group. If you would like to attend please let me know by replying to this post.
Also feel free to ask any questions!
We have organised a couple of trips in the past which everyone has enjoyed, it is a great opportunity to ride the same boards as many of our top cyclists and Olympic champions. As we have not been for a long time we will book the session for beginners so you will not need any prior experience of track cycling making this a perfect opportunity to have a go at something new.
It will be suitable for all levels of cyclists in the club: Sunday Social, Chasers and Pacers, the coach on the day will be able to split us up based on ability so you will always be riding in a comfortable group. If you would like to attend please let me know by replying to this post.
Also feel free to ask any questions!
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General Discussion / Re: Tim Raine
« on: December 24, 2021, 10:04:55 AM »
So sad to hear this happening to such a nice person. Thanks for sending a message of support on behalf of the club.
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Sportives / Dragon Ride Medio Fondo 160k Entry Available
« on: August 16, 2021, 09:28:46 AM »
Someone I know can't ride the Dragon Ride Medio Fondo Event 160k if anyone is interested in the ticket I can put you in touch to transfer the details.
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Club Runs / Re: Chasers Sunday 18th July
« on: July 18, 2021, 07:52:14 PM »
Good run today with good company, hopefully be able to make it next weekend
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Time Trials / Re: OVW 10, 27 July
« on: July 16, 2021, 09:51:37 AM »
If you are around tonight I’ll try and pop into the club
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Time Trials / Re: OVW 10, 27 July
« on: July 14, 2021, 11:12:03 PM »
Sorry haven’t been around lately as family been keeping me busy! I can be available to help out. Let me know.