Velodrome cycling

[m444ttb]

Had my first ever session at the velodrome (in Newport) with a group of guys from work. What a rush! Didn't actually go that far but I'm utterly knackered. I don't think my legs have hurt quite as badly as they did at the end of a 500m (2 lap) solo time trial. My arms are also killing me.

Does anyone go regularly? What are you riding? I was told that to run your own bike you need to have completed a 3 part beginners course and an intermediate course. Definitely something I'd like to have another go at this year.

[m444ttb]

I was warned not to go up to the spectator seating beforehand. So naturally I went straight up there. Mild terror then ensued! It was ok after we got going though. I initially struggled to get it round on the black line then something clicked and I was high up the banking dropping down etc. managed to stay on the bike too. Not for want of trying though. An attempt to freewheel at the end of our 500m TT had me riding the bucking bronco! My friend did have the group's only fall after we came up behind some others spread out up to the red. I was behind and went high. He went low and realised his mistake too late. Tried to run off track where there was no grip. Net result one more air vent in his sleeve.

[m444ttb]

pablo said:

Newport run private sessions with a coach for groups without accreditation which are very popular. Shame the velodrome is an admin vortex though...

That's exactly what we did. Thankfully someone else organised it! Looks like we're going back in April or May. I want to convince 3 others to get accredited so we can share the travel costs.