Lee Valley VeloPark - taster sessions!

First session done and dusted, lovely to ride the new track, banking was steep but nothing scary as there was plenty of grip on the new condor bikes so had a lot of confident taking some sharpe dives!

Scoot I'll be joining that session (hopefully work won't ruin my chances/place) rob as arvy said call them up ASAP, we were told that we can book the next session at the desk so there is that option if anyone is going to do their accredition.

Ho did they not let your Canyon on, or did you not take it/try to get it onto the track because of the dirt/rain?

They would have let the canyon on, but it was a personal choice as I was completely shattered from yesterday London Classic and therefore too tired to change all the parts over for one day, also I asked the guy at the desk as long as your tyres are clean (and not duel compound) with a clean chain they'll gladly let you on just remember to gear down as it's mainly for getting used to the track.

The hire bikes are really good for a session but I didn't like the saddle as it didn't suit my fat ars and it is very stange from going to clipless to strap again, but with this weather I'm happy I didn't bring my bike as I would have just spent another evening cleaning my bike! :/

I just got through on the phone. The lady on the other end was helpful. I think it's better to confirm at reception on the way out that you want to book your next session as the automatic system doesn't update straightaway.

I was told it's probably best to confirm you want to book the next session as you pass each stage.

Anyway, I'll also be there at 7pm on Thursday 17th. :)

Doing a taster session at 9am tomorrow. Can I take my own pedals and shoes or is it clips and straps only on hire bikes?

If you use Keo cleats then you can use them for their clipless pedals. They won't let you tinker with their bikes apart from adjusting saddle height.

does anyone know what bikes they have for the general public. Condor i know, but the model of the frame ?

Pretty sure it is a re-badged Lavaro

https://sslcache.se/3b6b2fea23ee3bb9157ddbf8d34273ce1aab3b0d/687474703a2f2f7777772e636f6e646f726379636c65732e636f6d2f636f6d706f6e656e74732f636f6d5f7669727475656d6172742f73686f775f696d6167655f696e5f696d677461672e7068703f66696c656e616d653d436f6e646f725f4c61766f726f5f54725f353332313865373965323131642e6a7067266e65777873697a653d353835266e65777973697a653d3538352666696c656f75743d

http://www.condorcycles.com/Single-Speed-Track/22677-Condor-Lavoro-Track-Package/flypage.tpl.html

Separately, I'm ready to do 'stage 3', but the first available session isn't until early May. Lots of people are doing taster/intermediate sessions between now and then

ok

all the hire bikes are condor. At 81 gear inches.
.

83-84

What's the min/max gearing you can have for accreditation sessions? My hire bike for the womens taster session felt a bit spinny by the time we were doing faster sections so would be wanting to gear up a wee bit but don't want to break the rules.

84-88 is a good place to be for stages 2-4

Perfect, cheers

What actually happens in these taster sessions?

I've no desire to get accredited, but seeing as I live 5 minutes away, I guess I should make the effort to ride on the track.

it's really is quite basic
about 40 laps
starting cote d'azure 5 or so laps so they can asses your riding
then up to red sprinters line taking in a bit more of the banking 10 or so laps
gradually increasing speed and getting used to the banking then towards the end there are a few drills overtaking getting a feel for accelerating and overtaking a group
60mins in total about 40 of those on the bike riding

no instructors on tracs just the inductees ... one guys keeps an eye on things, instructs drills and gives advise, a good calming influence on those wannabe gold medalists who just want to raz round the track as fast as possible

Booked in for stage 2 at 5:45pm on Easter Monday! I had similar issues with ability to select session on the website, so had to ring them up to update my records. It also worked when I clicked the "Search by activity" link on the "add an activity" screen, rather than from the drop down menu of venues, which was still giving me Taster sessions, but not stage 2.

^^ Cheers.

as boring as i managed to make it sound above
i just couldn't stop grinning, loved every second
i was well worth it just to try the boards and ride where team gb smashed it in 2012

They would have let the canyon on, but it was a personal choice as I was completely shattered from yesterday London Classic and therefore too tired to change all the parts over for one day, also I asked the guy at the desk as long as your tyres are clean (and not duel compound) with a clean chain they'll gladly let you on just remember to gear down as it's mainly for getting used to the track.

This is really helpful cheers!

How warm is it in there guys? What sort of gear were you wearing? I've heard conflicting stories.

It is around room temperature in the velodrome, I would recommend riding in bibshorts and jersey and you'll be fine for maximum comfort and cooling (if not normal flexible clothes is perfectly fine too as they do have changing rooms if you don't want take pubic transport in lycra), just remember it will get a little hot under the collar, but nothing unbearable to ride in.

Thanks dude.

I know it's heresy to even ask, but is there any parking at/near the VeloPark? I have to drive down to London tomorrow anyway, and given that my route in passes the Pringle it seems daft to drive into work only to go back there by public transport.

If you have free parking at work then probably your best bet, if not then there is always the shopping centre car park and then walk to the velodrome. But in short there is no parking bays around the park.

There is parking right next to the velodrome.

There are around 100 parking places in the velopark carpark, looked less than 10% full when I was there on a weekday evening., doesn't cost anything to park.

yup
you shouldn't have any problems parking right next to the velodrome

Cheers, that's good to know. Look cleats fitted, full-nobber Waffa gear ready to rock. Time for bed.