Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome – Why all the fuss?

There are a lot of bike riders out there that are wondering what all the fuss about the velodrome is and I’m guessing that the vast majority of them are wondering why? So I’ll try and explain the reasons why I think this facility is going to be the biggest thing that will happen in Scottish Cycling ever. Yes EVER because I’ve absolutely no doubt in my mind that it will revolutionise (pardon the pun) the development of all the cyclists that ride it on a regular basis.

I never really considered the track much as a kid, growing up as I did in deepest darkest Norfolk about two hours from the nearest facility. I did however make the occasional trip to the now defunct Harlow track, I also rode the boards at Leicester and Calshot on a BCF training weekend (more about that some other time). So basically I stuck to what was available to me, the pretty standard fair of youth and junior road races, time trials and the criterium circuits which seemed to be far more plentiful than are available to kids these days. So it was back then in the days of black and white.

It seems ridiculous to me now that I only really got to know the fun that could be had on the banking until the day about three years ago when Mr Bark organised our former club’s track day at Meadowbank, suddenly it all came flooding back I’d forgotten loads but with some expert guidance I was soon up and down the boards as if I’d never been away from them. Don’t get me wrong I’m no six day rider but the experience totally re-invigorated me and planted a seed that has grown over the past couple of years through regular attendances at the Meadowbank track league.

I had never really considered the track as a possibility partly for the reasons outlined before but coming back to the sport after far too long away, the opportunity to ride on a proper velodrome was too good to be missed and after a few trips through to the capital I found it more and more satisfying and once into the groove found myself becoming more competitive. The benefit of riding the track also helped enormously with my road racing. To me there is no co-incidence that I had one of my best seasons on the road having spent time on the boards.

You only have to look at the line up of the guys on the British team in Copenhagen who took Mark Cavendish to the Rainbow jersey the majority of them came through British Cycling's track programme at Manchester and are endurance track riders. The facility in Glasgow is going to be better than Manchester, it has been designed with riders in mind by riders who have spent the vast majority of their cycling lives in velodromes. I haven't even mentioned that the British Track Squad will no doubt use this facility on a regular basis which will no doubt rub off on the youngsters coming through for the future. It is a fact that you will become a better all around bike rider from getting onto a track. I know I have and it can be done in a relatively short time with the right guidance. I urge you to get yourself and/or your kids onto the Sir Chris Hoy at the earliest opportunity and discover the purest form of bike racing there is.

Because, if a 40+ bloke in less than two years can go from virtual novice to medalling in a British Masters Championship there is hope for us all!

Review: Tacx Antares Rollers

It is an unwritten rule that track racing requires you to be able to use rollers. Therefore I had to avail myself of a set, not only to prepare properly for the rigours of the oval, but to improve my pedalling technique through the winter months. So with this in mind and noting that Colin had recently purchased this same model I spoke with Mark at Solid Rock Cycles who swiftly placed an order for me.

On collection the box was unpacked and the various parts laid out on the carpet for assembly, three parabolic rollers, two adjustable side frames, one very large rubber band and six allen key bolts (plus allen key). Using the very easy to follow set of instructions (unlike a certain swedish furniture store) and five minutes later they were assembled.

The next task was to adjust the extended length of the rollers to suit the wheelbase of my track bike, again a very simple task using the allen key bolts on the underside of the framework and that was it, out of the box and ready to roll (so to speak) in about fifteen minutes. I was pleasantly surprised at the weight and build of the finished article they felt rock solid and the feet have substantial contact with the ground, there is a great weight in the cylinders without making them to heavy to carry around and once placed onto my training mat they just weren't moving anywhere.

Onto the real test, how did they feel under the bike? Tacx claim that is almost impossible to fall off the rollers due to the parabolic shape of the roller itself. Fortunately as yet I haven't yet tested that theory, I can say however that the design gives you confidence to ride unassisted and that the feeling once up to speed is smooth. I also like the feel of the surface of the rollers it has a slight grip to it which all adds to the secure feeling as you spin at higher revs. I have found the noise from the bearings far less than that of my turbo and as I use them on a tiled concrete floor in the kitchen it is far less intrusive for the better half whilst the T.V. is on next door.

So the ride is good, smooth and comfortable and I quickly felt at home on them. After my session it took a matter of seconds to stow them into compact mode. The quick release levers on the inside of the frame allow the two parts to slide into each other and reduce the overall length to just over 800mm then closing the levers to lock the frame into position you simply pull the rubber band around the neatly designed groove on one of the levers, twist it and pull the band over the other lever to keep it all neat and tidy. This means they can fit neatly into the boot of your car ready for the track meet or as in my current situation under the stairs ready for my next winter spinning session.

I really like these rollers they give you that little bit more of a real ride than a turbo trainer with the added benefit of working your upper body, improving your pedalling action and balance. They will also prove a valuable assest at the summer track meets allowing you to properly warm up (especially at Meadowbank's Tuesday night track league!) prior to taking to the boards, which after all is what it's all about.