Herne Hill Saturday Training

weather should be ok tomorrow according to my usual sources... a bit windy maybe.

Super

Question for RPM/other coaches:

I very inconsistently turn up for Basic at HH, have done here and there for a couple of years, family stuff means it's pretty sporadic. There's little chance of me feeling able to ride with Intermediates any time soon: though I do want to improve and develop better riding technique, I really just enjoy track for what it is for me: discipline, control, and a good uninterrupted stint of smooth riding. I don't imagine I want to actually race very much, though developing better stamina and altering speed is of interest.

Is it OK that I'm not progressing into Intermediates any time soon? Don't think three Basic stamps on a card would really mean I felt ready. I would like to ride with them eventually, perhaps if I can find more regular times to attend.

You show plenty enough self awareness about why youre going to the track, my advice would be that everyone progresses at their own speed so wouldnt worry about staying in basic training, if youre aspirations are as stated in youre post. You will only get to feel more comfortable with everything in that group, and therefore know when you want to put more effort in- if fitness does improve, and you find the time to put into more regular attendance. Some of the better riders in our league come to lots of training sessions, simply as more track time will allow you to develop what you need to develop.

J
Yep!

if fitness does improve

'If's can make a flea carry an elephant (quote from A Very Long Engagement, on late itv last night)

Ah, Audrey, have that on dvd yes. Nice.
wasnt being saucy about fitness btw, the effect of doing more than one is capable of can be a reason for people getting turned off something,
a worse outcome imo

Thanks Colin for your kind help. Appreciate the tips.

Question for RPM/other coaches:

I very inconsistently turn up for Basic at HH, have done here and there for a couple of years, family stuff means it's pretty sporadic. There's little chance of me feeling able to ride with Intermediates any time soon: though I do want to improve and develop better riding technique, I really just enjoy track for what it is for me: discipline, control, and a good uninterrupted stint of smooth riding. I don't imagine I want to actually race very much, though developing better stamina and altering speed is of interest.

Is it OK that I'm not progressing into Intermediates any time soon? Don't think three Basic stamps on a card would really mean I felt ready. I would like to ride with them eventually, perhaps if I can find more regular times to attend.

No problem at all mate. That's what the basic session is for really, there should always be a provision for those in your situation to enjoy track without the dedication to fitness or training that is often required for the other sessions.

Plus, as a devout user of mudguards, Skully should be able to use the track in all weathers.

Blimey, even the mountainbikers are on the thread now.

not long now

What a great morning. Coaches are awesome, big shout out to them really, couldn't have been nicer. Very well run and organised. Top stuff.
Wasn't too busy so they let us stay on to basic training, for no extra cost, which then got very busy but was fun.
Had a great time, so much fun and a brilliant introduction to track riding. Will be back for saturday morning intermediates when I'm back from holiday. Nice change from road riding, got the track bike on the track and got a bit of a rush.

Didn't bother with the card or stamp, spoke to a couple of the coaches about it and they said not to worry really, as they can see who should be where.

Nice to meet you tom. Hope you got back safe.

What a great morning. Coaches are awesome, big shout out to them really, couldn't have been nicer. Very well run and organised. Top stuff.
Wasn't too busy so they let us stay on to basic training, for no extra cost, which then got very busy but was fun.
Had a great time, so much fun and a brilliant introduction to track riding. Will be back for saturday morning intermediates when I'm back from holiday. Nice change from road riding, got the track bike on the track and got a bit of a rush.

Didn't bother with the card or stamp, spoke to a couple of the coaches about it and they said not to worry really, as they can see who should be where.

Nice to meet you tom. Hope you got back safe.

I was there after doing my induction last week. Was great fun, until the last ten laps or so when it all got a bit hectic and everyone was doing what they wanted. Had a couple of moments when people weren't looking before moving. Still, definitely back next week.

Didn't bother with the card or stamp, spoke to a couple of the coaches about it and they said not to worry really, as they can see who should be where.

Are you sure they were coaches?
You actually should get a card if you have any intention of progressing to racing, as if you rock up cold on a Monday or Wednesday you may well be asked. Can't see any reason not to get one...

I agree with RPM. I'm not sure which coaches you spoke to, but you should get a card and get it stamped to verify that you have passed the induction and have participated in basic training sessions before progressing to Intermediates.

Anyway 'skinny', really pleased that you had such a good time and thanks for the thanks - I will pass on to the other coaches.

Well done to all anyway, that wind looked brutal!

Are you sure they were coaches?
You actually should get a card if you have any intention of progressing to racing, as if you rock up cold on a Monday or Wednesday you may well be asked. Can't see any reason not to get one...

Hmmm. I did the induction last week and beginners this week. No sign of anyone stamping any cards...

Nice talking to you too skinny. Not sure whether going straight to an intermediate session from your induction and basic would be that wise (or safe) though unless you've got some track experience elsewhere. I think the size of the group today meant that the pace was a very easy one for most of the session, whereas from what I've seen of intermediate it can be much more brutal.

Also have no choice but to brown-nose the coaches again today. Huge group with a huge range of ability was managed really well. It must have been hard work and is greatly appreciated. I can also see from today why you prefer not to have the two sessions together.

Well apologies if I got things wrong. I spoke with a few of the coaches re stamps and sessions and they all seemed in unison.
Yes RPM, thanks for your mild sarcasm. They were the VCL coaches that ran the sessions I spoke too.

But again, I reiterate just how good a morning it was and how strongly I'd reccomend it. Great people and fun.

I got a stamp this morning, but only because I asked for one when I signed up at the desk.

I missed you all. Me and John were stuck at the olympics...oh the joy!

Yes RPM, thanks for your mild sarcasm. They were the VCL coaches that ran the sessions I spoke too.

I wasn't being sarcastic - there are a number of helpers who are not coaches.
The cards are optional, but like I say, no reason not to have one, you might want to progress out of Saturdays.

Ah then I did not realise that. Thanks. Out of interest, how can you tell?
I'll have another see about cards next time then, you point of might as well makes sense.

when it all got a bit hectic and everyone was doing what they wanted. Had a couple of moments when people weren't looking before moving.

This. Still very good afternoon, especially once the sun came out. Another thanks to the coaches.

I did the induction and basics straight after this Saturday just gone, and got to say it was a lot of fun and the coaches are doing an amazing job considering on what they have to do.
There were times when people didnt know what was going on, but that is to be expected with many people spread out riding at different speeds.

I heard a coach imply that the cards are not necessary but I dont see any harm in getting it stamped (I actually forgot to, didnt see anone stamping any cards) but I will in future. I think the card thing is a good bit of process, makes it easier for ppl running the sessions if they cant remember everyones faces.

I will need a good few more beginner lessons before moving up to intermediate even with doing a good amount of road riding, it is a very different set of skills and a different type of fitness needed. I have seen intermediates a couple of times now and it is hardcore - I was speaking to a coach about it and he was saying with intermediates being faster they want to know everyone on the track is safe and knows what they are doing which makes complete sense. I wont/cant move up until I feel safe

But thanks to the coaches again great job, and hopefully its not as windy this weekend I want to go faster!