2010 Herne Hill Velodrome Track League

BTW I think the league is ace, and pretty well organised considering. ANd I personally like the new format of different races every week.

I agree, it's been a great summer of racing so far, despite the crashes.

We've also not lost a single league meeting to you know what yet either.

Just before this thread sparks a reputation, there have been two proper crashes in 10 weeks of track league. Compare that to Crystal Palace where there has been (rough guess) on average one crash per week, and recently a few crashes per week. Its bike racing, it happens. Its rare, but occasionally you might get involved.

Does anyone actually remember what caused the crash this week? So far I've not heard anything to suggest it was anything to do with anyone's inexperience. I think it was probably a lot more to do with people going from hanging on towards then end of a fast 30 laps race, to starting to think about their positioning and energy reserves for the last sprint of the race.

One of the things I've seen most likley to cause a crash is when riders in 2nd, 3rd, 4th position swing up at the same time as the leader, causing the whole bunch to suddenly ease up. This is usually done by riders who know exactly what they're doing.

If anyone has got any comments about a less experienced rider, tell them. If you think it's more appropriate coming from a coach or racing official - tell them to tell them.

As for combined A+B races, there's nothing new about that. What else is wrong with the new format?

Yes you are right we don't want to give HH a bad rep as on the whole the racing is great and I am really enjoying the league this season. But anything that can be done to reduce these accidents would be a bonus.

Point taken, will speak again to the rider next week and maybe get you (JC) to have a quiet word.

Rubber track?

Ride in motorcycle kit.

Compare that to Crystal Palace where there has been (rough guess) on average one crash per week, and recently a few crashes per week. Its bike racing, it happens. Its rare, but occasionally you might get involved.

More crashes at palace this week then there has been in 5 years at Herne Hill, at least 9 in one night! +more carbon so more expensive! Which is why we all like track racing!

Like has been said before, mention poor riding to the judges, not holding your line is an infringement of the rules as well as dangerous. Trying to make the judges more approachable, because at the moment they tend to just ignore rider complaints.

Just before this thread sparks a reputation, there have been two proper crashes in 10 weeks of track league. Compare that to Crystal Palace where there has been (rough guess) on average one crash per week, and recently a few crashes per week. Its bike racing, it happens. Its rare, but occasionally you might get involved.

Does anyone actually remember what caused the crash this week? So far I've not heard anything to suggest it was anything to do with anyone's inexperience. I think it was probably a lot more to do with people going from hanging on towards then end of a fast 30 laps race, to starting to think about their positioning and energy reserves for the last sprint of the race.

Guessing from what I saw and remember, it's probably from overlapping/touching wheels, and loosing control. it happened towards front of the bunch, and there were no riders bunching up, fairly steady straight pace line out of turn 2. the guy in front of me fell off and I rode straight into him. mike and Euan followed.

More crashes at palace this week then there has been in 5 years at Herne Hill, at least 9 in one night! +more carbon so more expensive! Which is why we all like track racing!

It's suprisingly rare to see broken bikes at palace though.

Point taken, will speak again to the rider next week and maybe get you (JC) to have a quiet word.

If its the young Vcl rider mentioned above then definitely have a word, its his first season and he is trying to learn. But if he thinks he is doing things right he will keep doing them that way.

It's suprisingly rare to see broken bikes at palace though.

Nope Louise Mahe broke her frame on tuesday. wrote that off and a pair of 10 speed record leavers. ouch

Pssh, should've had 11 speed anyway...

Mike, saw the dent in the Kona. Ouch! Hope the dents in you are not as bad.

Thankfully not Clive. I seem to be pretty much ok. Aim to make it to training tomorrow :)

The bike should hold up. Take it easy. Peter Catermole was joking about the number of Rollas who have come off. Luckily none of us did this morning.

The bike should hold up. Take it easy..

If I took it easy Clive I wouldn't be racing :)

What's on the cards for tonight then so I can decide in advance whether I am coming. My leg is fine but my head is still very sore and bruised and my shoulder is far from 100%. I want to get back on track asap but another crash tonight might finish me off entirely :(

Just a thought, Mike, why not rest up until you are fully fit?! a bruised head doesn't sound like much fun.
I think I might pop along and take photos/help out as today is a heavy weights day and I may even stretch to riding derny tomorrow.

I may even stretch to riding derny tomorrow

Behind one or on top of one?

If I took it easy Clive I wouldn't be racing :)

What's on the cards for tonight then so I can decide in advance whether I am coming. My leg is fine but my head is still very sore and bruised and my shoulder is far from 100%. I want to get back on track asap but another crash tonight might finish me off entirely :(

Why dont you give derny training a go tomorrow night? Might be a good way to get some track time/training in without having to think/worry about tactics, etc.
Its only June, 2 full months of league left, and then the omniums.

Behind one or on top of one?

Behind! driving those things hurts my back and knees too much

Just a thought, Mike, why not rest up until you are fully fit?! a bruised head doesn't sound like much fun.
I think I might pop along and take photos/help out as today is a heavy weights day and I may even stretch to riding derny tomorrow.

Because the more I sit around not cycling and drinking etc. The more I can feel my fitness slipping away. I am doing pretty well in the league and I don't want to let it slip. I am so ill disciplined

Why dont you give derny training a go tomorrow night? Might be a good way to get some track time/training in without having to think/worry about tactics, etc.
Its only June, 2 full months of league left, and then the omniums.

See above. Tomorrow night is poker night :)

Fair 'nough. See you later then...

Peter Catermole was joking about the number of Rollas who have come off. Luckily none of us did this morning.

That's rich given the number of VCL riders who've come down too in recent weeks.

Rollapaluza cc riders have a reputation for falling off that far exceeds the confines of HHV, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Its down to jealousy of our power, speed and skill that the other clubs have joined together to deliberately try and bring us down.