Trying out Track Cycling at Herne Hill

Took myself up to Herne Hill velodrome on Saturday for a track induction and basic track training session. I arrived there a little apprehensive as signs of recent rain (which caused the previous weeks sessions to be called off ) were obvious.When I got there the sun and breeze had dried the track and an intermediate session was in progress.The track was relaid last October and its superb, the surroundings are shabby but the track, wow.You sign on and get given a wrist-band, track bike and helmet.About 45 people were doing the induction (about a third ladies ) and the majority on a show of hands, hadnt ridden a fixie before.The idea is to do the induction then if you like it stay on for the basic training session.It was very well strucured , we started off with a slow lap then had to split ourselves into 3 groups.Slow group to ride on the bottom, medium(my choice) middle and "cocky",coaches words on the top of the track.we all then rode round doing half lap through and off for the rest of that session.The next session we all rode round in 2 lines at the bottom of the track,when this was going smoothly and you were riding in pairs the riding coach got you both to sprint off the front to the back of the train, good fun that.This went on with riders retiring as they tired and the group getting smaller and faster.Then we got into one line and a coach got on the front and towed us round at a brisk pace before pulling off and left us to ride and overtake constantly being told to look over yor shoulder and signal.My legs were burning a bit after fri.nights c-gang but I loved every minute of it,the time flew by and I hope to go back and all for £8 ! It was honestly one of my best times on a bike, hope to see you soon
Simon Grogan