Casual cycle round a velodrome

[Salgar]

This may well have been brought up by a certain sporting event we're currently hosting.

But is it possible for a regular person to ride round a velodrome? I know very little about it, but it seems like quite fun. I'm also possibly one of the least fit people there is, but I'd quite like to try riding round a velodrome for a bit, maybe get in to it for fun? Is that a thing?

Does anyone do this kind of thing?

[andy ted]

Salgar said:

This may well have been brought up by a certain sporting event we're currently hosting.

But is it possible for a regular person to ride round a velodrome? I know very little about it, but it seems like quite fun. I'm also possibly one of the least fit people there is, but I'd quite like to try riding round a velodrome for a bit, maybe get in to it for fun? Is that a thing?

Does anyone do this kind of thing?

Where are you based? you can use Herne Hill http://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/ in South East London. Its outdoors and you will need a track bike but I think they rent them. I also think they may do beginners groups but not too sure.

[Melchett]

Yes you can, I have been to Manchester a couple of times and all I needed to bring with me was pedals and shoes. There may be some useful info on here:

http://www.nationalcyclingcentre.com/p/ride-the-ve...

Manchester is an amazing experience, the banking is steep, the track is fast and you will need a little time to get used to fixed wheel if you have never been on one. Riding slowly at the top is the best part!

[jodypress]

Or if in London, pop into Herne Hill.

[zetec]

Is it likened to driving a F1 car? You either have to go very fast or very slow, inbetween and you'll just fall off?

[Melchett]

zetec said:

Is it likened to driving a F1 car? You either have to go very fast or very slow, inbetween and you'll just fall off?

No, not at all. Just dont try and freewheel!

[Salgar]

andy ted said:

Salgar said:

This may well have been brought up by a certain sporting event we're currently hosting.

But is it possible for a regular person to ride round a velodrome? I know very little about it, but it seems like quite fun. I'm also possibly one of the least fit people there is, but I'd quite like to try riding round a velodrome for a bit, maybe get in to it for fun? Is that a thing?

Does anyone do this kind of thing?

Where are you based? you can use Herne Hill http://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/ in South East London. Its outdoors and you will need a track bike but I think they rent them. I also think they may do beginners groups but not too sure.

I am based in (east) London, This has been my view on the way to work every day for 2 years:


Anyway, I had a look at the herne hill website, it seems new people are welcome for induction every saturday at 12:00. I will go the next time I have a saturday free, probably in a couple of weeks. I've never ridden a fixed gear bike before, should be fun.

[Miguel Alvarez]

I've used the one in Reading a few times. I wasn't anywhere near fast enough as some of the kids there so I stuck to the outside. Good to get the legs moving in a constant turn.

[Jamie VTS]

Look up Calshot activity centre they have one! (nr Southampton)

[TheTurbonator]

I was hoping there'd be one in or near Leeds but it seems the closest is Manchester. We have a banked grass track at Roundhay park but that's a bit pants compared to a genuine Olympic spec Velodrome if I'm honest.

[AlexS]

TheTurbonator said:

I was hoping there'd be one in or near Leeds but it seems the closest is Manchester. We have a banked grass track at Roundhay park but that's a bit pants compared to a genuine Olympic spec Velodrome if I'm honest.

There are only 3 covered velodromes in the country. Newport, Manchester and the most recent one in London, so the choice is a bit limited.

I'm not sure if the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow has been opened yet and there appear to be plans in place for one on Pride Park in Derby.

[smack]

I found this, list of Velodromes in the UK:

http://www.fixedgearfever.com/modules.php?name=Vel...

There was on in the town I grew up in, which we used to turn up and just lift our road bikes over the fence to the track as kids as there no fences to keep you out. I remember crashing when I had a run in with a mate, and sliding down the concrete banking which was not fun and hurt a lot!

[anonymous-user]

AlexS said:

TheTurbonator said:

I was hoping there'd be one in or near Leeds but it seems the closest is Manchester. We have a banked grass track at Roundhay park but that's a bit pants compared to a genuine Olympic spec Velodrome if I'm honest.

There are only 3 covered velodromes in the country. Newport, Manchester and the most recent one in London, so the choice is a bit limited.

I'm not sure if the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow has been opened yet and there appear to be plans in place for one on Pride Park in Derby.

Calshot Velodrome near Southampton is indoor too. its 145m long and terrifying.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBCLMwmACsU

[chris7676]

I did the taster session at York (open velodrome) yesterday.
Pretty amazing and it didn't feel as scary at the banking as I feared.
Looks like I will be getting into it more now.....

[syko89]

Been to the York a few times. Outdoors so the banking isn't quite as steep and you can just use normal pedals with trainers (or take your own pedals/shoes).

[J886ATV]

Derby has a covered velodrome too

https://www.derbyarena.co.uk/cycling/