Just rev - there ain't no brakes!

Tuesday 16 August 2011: First ever track race!! Been wanting to try out track racing for a while now, and finally built up the courage to give it a shot. 

Photo of an indoor cycling track

Brunswick club did a great job organising those races and the social atmosphere in the centre as you waited for your turn was really good too. Did 3 races - first and third were scratch races, where we did a set number of laps on the indoor cycling track and everyone would sprint for the finish. Race 2 was a points race, where there was 1 intermediate sprint (for points) and 1 final sprint. 

Brings me back to how it all started - SKCC's been organising "Try the Track" sessions since May - and I've been going out to DISC in Thornbury once a month. From having to hold onto the handrails just to clip into the bike, to gaining the courage to get onto the top of the track, to remembering to continue pedalling, to learning how to slow down and stop when there're no brakes - there was heaps of learning to be done - and it sure was exciting once you start learning them one by one. Once I started training with a squad,  I was then really keen to start racing.


The racing experience was entirely different compared to the road. For one, holding your line's extremely important (well, same goes for the road though you do have more room to manouvere), and it really was a true test of bike handling skills. The nature of the track with sloping angles (the steepest sections are 43 degrees - same as ski fields!)  meant that everyone wanted to be in the sprinter's lane as it was the shortest route to take. If you're up the top, you end up riding a longer route - that said, strategies do come into play as to why riders are up the top.


And - no brakes!! Track bikes have a  fixed rear wheel - "fixies"-  and you can't back pedal either. That effectively meant controlling your speed to hold onto someone else's wheel - and remembering to continue pedalling when you cross the finish line, or else, you'll see a rocket flying off the top of the handlebars! So there's the no brakes, no back pedalling, tight lanes, steep slopes - well, add in a couple more other riders around you jostling for a spot - that's track scratch racing. Two words - adrenaline and fun!! 

So I managed 5th in all 3 races - which isn't too bad for a first time. I was on a hired bike where the gears were way too small - and I was revving like a mad person when everyone else with bigger gears stood up and sprinted on the last lap. Well, just like the little kids on restricted gearing. High cadence is definitely a great skill to pick up though, and when you're forced onto a smaller gear - you just gotta spin! 


Definitely looking forward to heaps more track races ahead - there's so many disciplines - sprints, scratch, pursuit, points score, keirin - well, the time will come to try them all. Right now - have just ordered a new track bike to keep my roadie company - can't wait! This whole new dimension of racing bicycles is sure to keep me loving it and to continue chasing the next challenge ahead!