Today I (v2):
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welp, today I agreed to go to an upcoming open beginner's night at the local track. I'm nervous as **** but I think it should be fun. Tips? Things to avoid/keep in mind?
Last edited by Owlex; 06-11-16 at 11:40 AM.
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Don't crash.
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If someone yells stay, you stay. Always pass on the right and if you're gonna take the sprinters lane, stay in the lane.
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I would say pay attention to your surroundings, but you're probably going to do that anyway given your nervousness, and maybe to a fault if it makes you squirrely or stiff.
Also, have fun!
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
Brown Jersey Winner
agreed to do the longest day ride in jersey next weekend with a friend whos going for the record time
80 miles to start
camp
210 miles TLD
camp
140 miles home
die
oh and im gonna be on my road bike. weird.
80 miles to start
camp
210 miles TLD
camp
140 miles home
die
oh and im gonna be on my road bike. weird.
Senior Member
Today I was at up 4am to do a century, but a broken spoke at mile 56 left me stranded. After my gf got me, I threw on my stock wheel and managed another 34 mi before I had to do some work. Today was a good day.
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THE STUFFED
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I'm pretty excited, I think it's gonna be fun for sure.
One of the organizers recommended that I gear down a bit from what I normally run on the bike, is that common?? I'm running 48/18 right now, about 71 GI and he recommended I be close to 65 GI.
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That sounds insanely low to me, but the organizer probably has some context and experience, plus you'll be racing in an entry level racing cat. I'm running 50/15t and considering upping to 51/15, and San Diego is a slow outdoor concrete track, but I race with the big dogs .
Honestly, for simplicity and peace of mind, it probably wouldn't be the worst idea to just show up with what you have for the first couple sessions. You'll know if you're over or under geared based upon how it feels to accelerate mid race and whether or not you're spun out going into sprints.
Honestly, for simplicity and peace of mind, it probably wouldn't be the worst idea to just show up with what you have for the first couple sessions. You'll know if you're over or under geared based upon how it feels to accelerate mid race and whether or not you're spun out going into sprints.
__________________
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Lawrence, KS
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That sounds insanely low to me, but the organizer probably has some context and experience, plus you'll be racing in an entry level racing cat. I'm running 50/15t and considering upping to 51/15, and San Diego is a slow outdoor concrete track, but I race with the big dogs .
Honestly, for simplicity and peace of mind, it probably wouldn't be the worst idea to just show up with what you have for the first couple sessions. You'll know if you're over or under geared based upon how it feels to accelerate mid race and whether or not you're spun out going into sprints.
Honestly, for simplicity and peace of mind, it probably wouldn't be the worst idea to just show up with what you have for the first couple sessions. You'll know if you're over or under geared based upon how it feels to accelerate mid race and whether or not you're spun out going into sprints.
ya he seems nice and knowledgeable, idunno. Maybe he just wants to get newer riders used to spinning higher cadences?? No clue.
From what I understand, what I've been invited to is a series of Thursday night events where newbies just get shown the ropes, there are track cert classes, and training races. should be fun, I hope.
I'll just be showing up with my Parallax, only track bike in the stable at the moment.
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:)
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ya he seems nice and knowledgeable, idunno. Maybe he just wants to get newer riders used to spinning higher cadences?? No clue.
From what I understand, what I've been invited to is a series of Thursday night events where newbies just get shown the ropes, there are track cert classes, and training races. should be fun, I hope.
I'll just be showing up with my Parallax, only track bike in the stable at the moment.
From what I understand, what I've been invited to is a series of Thursday night events where newbies just get shown the ropes, there are track cert classes, and training races. should be fun, I hope.
I'll just be showing up with my Parallax, only track bike in the stable at the moment.
Clark W. Griswold
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I'm racing with 48x15 right now and I felt a little undergeared in the 5's at hellyer, which is also a slower concrete track. I tried 48x14 for a while, but I wasn't a fan. I have a 49t chainring I want to put on so I can try out 49x15, but I can't find my chainring bolt tool...
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pretty sure the road bike is gettin converted to singlespeed for no particular reason other than to switch something up after next weekends randoventure. i miss my simple machines.
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I rode my bike on dirt all weekend and it was pretty darn awesome.
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I watched The Revenant last night. The bear attack was visceral, insane, edge of the seat stuff.
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Today I:
1. Ordered a Wabi Classic 42 CM 650C (actually a few days ago).
2. Put Velo Orange Porteur Bars on my Leader 721.
3. Started using my Roadrunner "Burrito Supreme" Handlebar Bag.
1. Ordered a Wabi Classic 42 CM 650C (actually a few days ago).
2. Put Velo Orange Porteur Bars on my Leader 721.
3. Started using my Roadrunner "Burrito Supreme" Handlebar Bag.
Fresh Garbage
I have all my road bikes with friction shifters for this reason. While I still have gears the bike miraculously feels simpler and makes me happy.