Nice one for signing up to Cyclone24 and aiming to ride the boards of the Velodrome for 24 hours.
This is an easy going and light introduction with an aim to allowing you to enjoy your challenge as much as you possibly can. … it really can be this simple!
1. Wear usual riding kit
This must include a helmet & gloves. A long sleeve jersey is recommended and GOOD shorts – you will appreciate a good pair of shorts as a fixed wheel means no free-wheeling and less chance to adjust your position. Buy the best you can afford. In future updates we will discuss saddle area maintenance and how best to enjoy riding for the durations you plan.
2. Check your bike
All good coaches will check that your saddle height is correct and you are on an appropriate sized bike to suit you (please remember that road bikes are for the road, track bikes are for the track). If you’re hiring a bike from the Velodrome, remember Newport Velodrome use Look Keo cleats. You can also undertake the challenge in trainers should you wish.
For those bringing their own bike to the challenge, it’s worth remembering there is a gearing restriction of 88 maximum for the Cyclone24 challenge.
3. Nutrition and hydration is vital.
Start to practice using products that you enjoy. I always advocate eating as normal food as possible (we will go into this in depth at a later date). Cycling will burn approximately 600kcal p/h and with rotating shifts of riding there should be no reason for anyone to “bonk”. Plan a strategy and try it regularly.
4. We only ever overtake on the track.
A bit like a motorway, we NEVER undertake. Good etiquette would mean shouting “OVER” as you approach the rider you are overtaking. This will allow the rider to prepare to hold their line and not be spooked by you zooming past them. We do not undertake as gravity is a rascal. Anybody not riding fast enough on the blue as an example will slide down the track. If you are under them you will be injured. If you are above them you won’t. It’s that simple. NEVER undertake.
5. Don’t be worried, Relax and enjoy it…
If you can stay upright on the black line (bottom line at around 20 mph) you will stay upright at the very top. In the banking it’s only the height that changes not the angle (conveniently 42 degrees). So with this knowledge you can enjoy riding round and round and round and round. If you feel yourself becoming worried or tense then wiggle your fingers whilst holding the bars (drops are for riding on, tops are for resting on…hoods are not for riding on the track). It’s really hard to stay tense and grrr when you are wiggling your fingers.
6. Expect your inner Olympian to come out!
Trust me, I’ve seen the most relaxed riders embrace their inner competitive side as if there was a medal on the line. This is a good thing. Its why we all love the track.. Embrace it and go for it.
7. Pedal hard and turn left. That’s all there is to it!
OK maybe there is a lot more to it but enjoyment and reward is vital. In future posts I will aim to provide you with all the information you require to get the most out of your track time.
As I always say to every rider that 42 Degrees coaches, if you need anything please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards
Kyleigh
For more information on 42 Degrees Coaching or if you would like to arrange any training with Kyleigh ahead of our challenge please contact him at [email protected]