It looks like spring is finally here and as the weather improves, we can start to think about the track cycling season. This Saturday (19th March) we will be getting out the track bikes at both Inner Ring and Outer Ring sessions.
If you’ve not ridden a track bike before, then this British Cycling resource is a useful starting point: Anatomy of a Track Bike. As well as having fun, acquiring new skills and learning to ride track bikes safely, we are aiming to help riders at both sessions achieve track accreditation if they wish to do so. Accreditation is required for any riders who wish to race at the Sussex Cycle Racing League’s Weds night track league which starts on 20th April. For more info on SCRL see https://scrl.co.uk/
Inner Ring riders – bring your usual bikes
At Inner Ring, due to the more limited numbers of smaller track bikes, we will aim to have one of the three groups (about 8-10 riders) spending an hour on the club’s track bikes before getting back on their regular bikes to join the rest of the session for the big race at the end. The other two groups will do activities on their normal bikes for the whole session.
It will take 3x 60 minute sessions over multiple weeks to get accredited and priority will be given to those riders who are registered for either the SCRL Weds night league or the Lee Valley PPYCC session (confirmed for 11th June and now almost full). For other riders, we will still ensure that everyone who wants to learn to ride a track bike will get time in the months ahead, as it’s a great skill to accomplish and really good fun!
All Inner Ring riders should just turn up every weekend as normal at 8.45am with their regular bike and the coaches will sort out the track group at the start of the session.
Outer Ring riders – track bikes only
At Outer Ring, all riders will be on track bikes so there is no need to bring road bikes at all. Please bring your own track bike if you have one. We will split into two groups so that novice riders have a safe space to learn and get accredited before being allowed into the main group, this should take 2x 90 minute sessions over multiple weeks. Experienced riders may be enlisted to help demonstrate skills and set the pace for the accreditation group.
The Outer Ring session will be accessible to all riders who enjoy riding their bike, whether interested in track racing or not. For riders who require a loan track bike, please arrive a little bit early to ensure you are able to have a correctly sized bike and are therefore able to start the session on time at 10.30am
Weather dependent
Track cycling is weather dependent, so if the conditions are very damp or wet, this will preclude track bikes and an update will be posted on the website prior to the session. Therefore please do check the website for the latest information before leaving for the session each week.
We look forward to seeing you at the track, and keep your fingers crossed for a dry and sunny day this Saturday!