Redbull Minidrome in Manchester 22nd Oct

Anyone up for this....?

http://www.redbull.co.uk/cs/Satellite/en_UK/Event/Red-Bull-Mini-Drome-Manchester-021243070489997

On Saturday 22 October 2011 Red Bull will be bringing the world’s smallest velodrome to the Victoria Baths in Manchester to challenge fixed gear riders from across the country for the first time in the North West.
The purpose built track has been engineered in Germany by Velotrack, the team who built the velodrome’s for the Atlanta Olympics and the Delhi Commonwealth Games. The Red Bull Mini Drome maintains race worthy dimensions in the smallest possible size to enable a single pursuit. It challenges both body and mind as riders are required to navigate themselves around a unique and technically challenging course reaching speeds of up to 80 km/ph.
Victoria Baths will open its doors at 2pm where up to 500 spectators will be able to watch the qualifying round of this fixed gear event, free of charge on a first come first serve basis. At 6:30pm the quickest 32 riders over 10 laps will progress to the finals in a single pursuit, knockout round.
Earlier this year, this inaugural event was held in London where Yorkshire-man and all-round bike wizard, Chris Akrigg became Red Bull Mini Drome’s first British Champion. Following the event Chris said, “It was so much harder to ride than it actually looked and I didn’t think I was going to win. The key was to really hit it hard from the start and everything else just happened. What an awesome event!”
Fixed gear enthusiasts from across the North West and further afield are invited to apply for one of the 100 qualifier places at www.redbull.co.uk/minidrome to be in with a chance to compete on the world’s smallest velodrome.
British manufacturer Charge Bikes will be supporting the event with prizes and kit for the top riders, whilst also ensuring competitors have all they need for a comprehensive pre-race warm up.

For more information please email minidromemanchester@uk.redbull.com

RULES AND REGULATIONS**

** · Fixed Gear Bikes only
· No Brakes allowed
· No Gearing – Keep it small or you’ll ride off the wall
· No quick release. Bolts only
· Helmets must be worn
· All riders must sign a Red Bull competitor disclaimer
· Contestants will be disqualified if they don’t comply with the track rules

Just registered, applications close on 29th Sept, come on you tossers! should be a funny fucking day.....

oops just realised this is a pearoast, just saw DRB 's thread

I'm up for it, though i'd better train on my fixed gear first haha

Do you think 1.5ish:1 is a low enough gear? 32:21...

might pop along to watch not race.

Do you think 1.5ish:1 is a low enough gear? 32:21...

Good luck with that one:

...reaching speeds of up to 80 km/ph.

Good luck with that one:

I'm sure Emyr can spin at around 460rpm... so he'll be fine...

http://software.bareknucklebrigade.com/rabbit.applet.html

Keep it small or you’ll ride off the wall

Some people are just too vague.

What's the actual track length? Anyone ridden it before? That much different to riding a larger track?

Spot the difference

Point taken, gues i was trying to work out if experience on a real track is going to be applicable to this one. Reading the london thread i've learnt that it will have very little. Still fingers crossed i'll get a qualifying place.

Picked up a flyer in HHs for this today (whilst getting a fixed wheel for my Moulton - can't decide whether to do it or that or my track bike :) ). Just registerd - fingers crossed for a place next week!

Think I will come down to see this, looks fun!

Anyone had a place confirmed for this yet?

Nah... Nothing....

the contact email they've got on the page "minidromemanchester@uk.redbull.com" doesn't work either, just bounces back... fuck knows

Just had an email though - I'm in...

registration closed 08/10/11

there may be some slots available on the day if people drop out, i've been advised by redbull that if you havent registered and want to race, get on the shortlist at 1.30pm at the baths...

just got my confirmation of entry emailed...

Just to those going, I went to the Glasgow one and I must say it's a lot of fun and highly addictive, treat the course as if you were riding a skatepark bowl where you would pump around the apex, as for ratios I set an alright qualifying time with 48x16 gearing but I was say you should go for 46x18-20 ideally as the top dogs ran trick gearing. Just thought this info would be useful, I was gunna go to the Manchester one but I bought a new chainset instead aha
Cheers

I've got a place, think i'm gonna be doing it on the pub beater rather than the track bike as it has silly spinny gearing and also i wont give a shit about coming off it. So i'll be the guy on the rusty red holdsworth.

104 registered racers... redbull reckon 50% may show on the day...

choose your gearing carefully...

more info here

that should advise/level the playing field a little :)

That link ain't working for me can you paste the info In here.. Ta...

A few of you are probably wondering which kit and gearing you should run at the Red Bull Mini Drome, or even what it is like to ride something that small. Neil from Charge Bikes who qualified 5th and finished in the top 8 has kindly put together some useful hints and tips as a step in the right direction.

Do:

• Ride a gear ratio/size of around 71”. I used a 42T front and 16T rear. If you are not sure of your gear inches then use this site as a guide.
• Use a stiff fork, stem, wide handlebar and wheel combination. The tight turns put a lot of strain on the front of the bike.
• Look at your line on the track, do not even attempt to look at the crowd till you stop
• Set your saddle fairly low but still high enough for you to get some power down
• Run your tyres quite hard for extra speed
• Attach your feet firmly to the pedals with clips or straps
• Aim for the fastest start you can, this will make all the difference. “It’s easier to chase than be chased”.
• Take your time to slow down, you will be a little dizzy and wobbly
• Wear a helmet
• Drink a can of Red Bull a few minutes before you start

Don’t:

• Use silly narrow bars, you’re not dodging traffic here. These do not provide enough leverage to get round the bends. Wrists aren’t that strong.
• Use a spinny gear, you will get caught in no time.
• Use a big gear, you will not get up enough speed in the Mini Drome unless you’re Chris Akrigg.
• Have flat tyres
• Use gears, that’s cheating.
• Look at your mates when riding the track, you will end up flying off the side.
• Skid across the track to stop
• Forget to drink Red Bull before you start

Riding the Mini Drome is like a constant berm. You need to keep a rhythm and concentrate on your line. The red line is the one to follow so don’t get distracted. If you go near the edge, don’t look down! Keep looking at the line and you will get back on course. Accelerate only on the straights, you will have 1 - 2 pedals before another turn. Lift your bum slightly and pump into the turn with your body weight to sustain momentum. When catching someone keep looking at them, the dizziness will stop and give you the will to push harder.

Those are the tips I can recommend for now from my experience at the London event. It was a case of learning quickly and making a few mistakes along the way.

Be sure to let others know your tips too! Have a good race! (But not too good, eh? I’m racing too!)

Neil Cousins
www.chargebikes.com

Any issues on bottom bracket height/pedal strike? Bumph says the mindrome is constructed to keep the bike at 90-degrees to the track...

Well unless your pedals hit the ground when cycling normally you should be fine then.. Non..?

Any issues on bottom bracket height/pedal strike? Bumph says the mindrome is constructed to keep the bike at 90-degrees to the track...