new at track racing

scottehrm

Theres this track near my house. and since i just bought a road bike i want to start racing there on there weekly series for points. Is there any tips you guys could give me cuz i never did it before.
please and thanks!

daveryanwyoming

Well for starters you'll need a track bike. You won't be allowed to ride your road bike in track races. Many tracks have a beginners program including rental track bikes. Call someone over at the track and basically ask the same question you just posted. They'll steer you in the right direction.

BTW, track racing is a great way to learn racing tactics and a great place to develop speed and snap in your riding.

Have fun,
Dave

Eden

He's not talking about an actual velodrome - there is one in PA, but its on the other side of the state - in Pittsburgh there's an old drivers test course (they used to run drivers tests on a closed course back when I lived there) that I've heard has been recently used for bicycle racing.

Still - do yourself and everyone else a favor - see if the orgainization who runs the race series has any classes for first time racers. Most people don't realize that its more than just getting on your bike and riding it fast. There's actually a lot of bike handling skills that you should learn before you race so that you aren't a danger to yourself or others. If you've never ridden in a big group you'll want to get some experience doing that before you jump right in and start racing in one. Of course the best way to get this kind of experience and some built in mentoring too is to join a cycling (racing) club. Many have plenty of space for new riders and offer workshops or classes for people who have never raced. Of course it is a bit late in the year to be looking to join a club, (the recruiting season around here is September/October) so it may be hard to find one at this time of the year.
A few really basic things you need to know how to do before you really should jump into your first race - if you don't know how to do or you don't know what I'm talking about then it would be a good idea to get more riding experience first!

ride in a paceline and draft without half wheeling
corner properly, holding your line without cutting off anyone else
corner in a group
stand for a hill without pushing your bike backwards
drink from your water bottle or look over your shoulder without swerving

daveryanwyoming

Ahhhh, good call. Makes more sense.

Scottehrm,
Eden's advice as usual is really good, contact them to find out about beginner's training or call some local bike shops and ask about racing clubs or teams that accept beginners. There's a lot to learn and good bike handling and safety skills are a must.

I understand your confusion, but track racing is a particular form of bike racing on dedicated bike tracks (ovals with banked corners). Track bikes have only one gear and it's fixed(no coasting at all, if your wheel is moving your legs are moving) and no brakes (you control speed entirely with your legs). Anyway, even if you've got a closed course nearby it's still considered road racing so you might get more answers on the road racing forum.

Good luck,
-Dave