Track Rules, Categories, Race Types Etc.

[pinkmaggit]

Hi,
I'm building a new bike that I'd like to get into a bit of track with. I don't really know much about track (actually I practically know nothing) but it looks like a challenge that I'd like to focus on.

- Are there any specifics I need to know gear wise? I heard something about the bars having to be above the front rim, stuff like that. What's allowed and what isn't? Obviously no brakes... What about chainring sizes? Are there limits or minimum sizes? I know about gear ratios but suggestions on a good ratio would be handy.
Can i just use my ultegra pedals and road shoes or are there restrictions on these?

- Race types. I have no idea what handicap scratch races are, danish points, madison - is that a 2-3 person endurance race? Does elimination work by one person getting dropped every lap or specified number of laps?

I'm in Wellington and I've found that PNP have a track racing program, mostly on tuesday nights. Do i need to be part of PNP club to regularly attend?

How do the categories work? Do you start in Cat 3 and progress upwards?

Lastly, are there any good resources for track information and setup guides
Thanks for the info.

[jo]

IMHO just go along to a track training session. Theres bound to be a gear freak (it seems theres at least one in every sport) that will give you every detail to the nth degree.
No restrictions on gear for adults I dont think - if your a sprinter you'll want a bigger one than if you're more a IP kinda guy. Here I've found the track crowd very welcoming to newcomers and feel sure that PNP track would be the same. http://www.pnp.org.nz/track/?-session=p ... tpt35EA560

[pinkmaggit]

Thanks for the info

[cauld]

THe PNP site has a good run down of various race types.
http://www.pnp.org.nz/track/track_calendar/race_descriptions/?-session=pnpv4:CA3E7FE71d65920A17mtk1B83BF8
Scratch races can be anything from a sprint (2km) to a slog (16+ laps)

Bike wise you'll just want a fixed gear bike and drop style bars and that'll pretty much get you on the track. You will need to be sure you ahve bolt up wheels- QRs not likely to be allowed on any track I know of.

In welly we have racing on Tue nights (I took up track this year...) 3 Cats but likely (if you're a bloke) that you'll start in Cat 2- I spent about 3 weeks in Cat 2 before the scoundrels made me move to Cat 1... but I got 3rd in my first Cat 1 race which was nice

Gear sizes... Depending on how much of a monster you are you'll probably want somewhere between about 80 and 90 gear inches. a 48-16 combination would make a good start.

[fatwombat]

Tomorrow (Sat 5 December) is the Laykold Cup track racing carnival at the Hataitai velodrome. If you want to get an idea of what track racing is like, get along there some time after 9:30am and have a look. They are a really friendly crowd, if you ask really basic questions about "what's this race?" or "why do they do that?", nobody's going to treat you like you're stupid, they'll be delighted to share the "gospel of track" with you!

Or, every Sunday from 4-6pm PNP has a practice and coaching session for adults. Turn up to that and you can probably borrow a club bike to do a few laps. And as Cauld says, we have great racing on Tuesday nights. As a grown man you would definitely want to start in Cat 2 - if you race Cat 3 you'll have some really talented U17 girls leaving you for dead!

[cauld]

Woe is me... I am in FIji so can't race Laykold this year...

In India next week so not back on the track until next Sunday....

[pinkmaggit]

yup, I'm going to head up there on my funny bike and take a look, providing the weather is all good.
Thanks for info

[fatwombat]

Hey Pink: did you get along to the Laykold Cup? Learn anything useful?

[cauld]

Who won the various races?

[pinkmaggit]

yeah, I went along and got a bit sunburnt. I took some pics, though not many: http://www.dametruth.com/blog/2009/12/a ... -velodome/

[fatwombat]

Some excellent pix there, I find i hard to take photos at the track that capture the energy and dynamism of track racing. I like your other projects as well (I snuk a perv at your Bosomworth thread, I had one myself in the late 80s, it was magic). cheers

[pinkmaggit]

Thanks for the comments. The Bosomworth is actually one of the guys I ride with, who also contributes to the blog.

This is my favourite one from the day, though I didn't take it...
I'm actually building up a Cinelli Vigorelli, so wanting to get into a bit of track to ride the bike where it really belongs.

[Fergie]

And it's Santa Claus pushing through on the inside...

[Oli]

The Missile lol!

[cauld]

Some excellent pix there, I find i hard to take photos at the track that capture the energy and dynamism of track racing. I like your other projects as well (I snuk a perv at your Bosomworth thread, I had one myself in the late 80s, it was magic). cheers

I'm gonna drag my camera and flash guns in fo a Tuesday night I think... Should get sme good photos.
In India this week... maybe next week.