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

Stars and Cars and Trains - Chaingang 8th Dec

About 14 riders, nice to see Tim Miles and his immaculately tuned road bike. Simon's ribs are still hurting a bit from last week. Bunch broke into 2 groups over Galley Hill, Ivan did the most work on the way out into the wind with Simon N, John, Shaun, Malc and I taking a spell too.
Bit of a sticky moment meeting a car on the narrow bridge at the Star Inn. Please try and remember to shout "Car up!" if your at the front and try not to brake hard until following riders have been warned to avoid a pile up, not always easy to do when gut reaction is to instantly brake but this time it was OK. Malc locked up his back wheel and did well to control a skid.
In the chute up to the roundabout I followed Shaun's wheel, had a dig, then John & Swavek came round with explosive efforts, strong lads!

The western contingent all headed back towards Eastbourne, so it was just like old times with a smaller bunch heading back to Hastings. Sky was clear as a bell with stars out and we could feel the promise of future ice lurking as we roll on into the depths of winter. Dave picked up the pace over Spooky Hill and led the bunch going strong in his bones top & nifty Ti bike. We stopped at the level crossing to let a fast rattler pass and later on Ivan, Malc, Simon N and I got our own little fixed gear train rolling sweetly.

New Blood - Chaingang 23rd Nov

19 riders & good to see Chris Parker back out on the bike recovering from his running injury. This week we were proud to be honoured with some new blood in the shape of Todd and Josh, one rides for a team in Flanders and the other is a top triathlete. Welcome and hope to see you again next week lads. In fact Matt warned me we were going to get **** ****d and as we rolled out to Galley Hill the excuses began to drop thick and fast - "Actually -I've got a really bad cold", "I missed last week", "I've got a broken leg", "me too" and the rest.

We got a little chain going at the front, then Matt broke away at Bexhill with Todd in his wheel. I was unwilling to drag a strong bunch up to another Hastings jersey, so I marked Josh ready to follow a move. Malc had a go at closing the gap, then I tried to bridge alone but couldn't shake the others, sorry Matt! By the Star Inn we'd regrouped. Todd made a big dig up Spooky Hill, others countered but no-one was strong enough to stay clear for long. Matt kindly offered to lead me out to the roundabout where out of the pack came Eastbourne John with a strong late finish.

Wayback was swift again with Ivan and Malc doing lots of work on the front, Simon Grogan and Simon Newell going well too, I had a stealthy wee dig for the checkerboard outside chairman Stuart's house. Matt came through to open a good gap for a while, but I was too tired to help him so it came down to a bunch finish at the 30 sign. Matt opened a large gap again on way home, big thanks to Malc and Ivan for sharing work to bring him and his immaculately clean bike back.

Any more ideas or votes for the club social/ prizegiving in February? Stephen from Eat@the Stade has offered us same sort of deal as last year in his new venue, also Nick at St. Clements next to Horse & Groom, St. Leonard's has offered us the whole room and a 2 or 3 course menu.

Friday chaingang as usual, Fairlight Lodge 7.30
Text Chris Parker for the Saturday morning bacon butty ride.
Sunday run Harrow, 9.30