Lee Valley VeloPark - taster sessions!

Don't the coaches running the session check peoples bikes?!

No. They might start doing it but it was the first stage 3 session so acclimitisation in all respects. See my post up-thread in that they are feeling their way a little.

^^ Just out of curiosity arvy how many people at level 3 are riding their own bikes vs hire bikes? (I did first level on friday and used hire bikes, as I think everyone in the group did).

2/16. There were 2/14 in stage 2.

Don't be intimidated because someone has their own bike; it will give you a chance to start a conversation. There will be people, just like me, who haven't ridden a track before a few weeks ago, even though I should have gone to HH.

Thanks. I plan to use my own bike in future but now in process of sorting out wheels/ tyres before then. Going to get a set of wheels/tubs just for use at HH and Pringle. Bit of a luxury but whatevs

I have my taster on Monday. Not sure I can be bothered to schlep my bike over from HH, especially if I'm going to go back for race training in the evening.

How long are the taster sessions?

An hour, and some of that is spent introducing people to what a fixed wheel bike is and how it works. You will get about 10 minutes at the end to do as you please on the track. Probably not worth the hassle for that.

I looked pro by taking my own bike to the taster session and was allowed to ride the track for 55 minutes of the hour long session with a couple of other people with track experience.

The other people in my taster group were allowed to ride for about 25 to 30 minutes after watching and taking notes from watching us go around.

#jussayin

The second session is definietly much better as there is a structure and some instruction to follow. Can't wait for my third session next week.

Hmmm....
Mine is in the middle of the day so it probably won't be too much of a pain to get my bike on the overground etc. Can always do wheelbags and frame over the shoulder I guess.

I don't use Look Keo's and don't really fancy having to mess about setting a bike up and renting shoes etc. I've paid £30 for the pleasure of riding in a circle - would rather take my own bike if it means I will get to ride for more than half of that!

You know it makes sense...

You don't have to take your own bike to satisfy them you're safe to be let out by yourself. At my taster session they asked if anyone had indoor track experience, and when I was able to persuade them that I had, they let me loose on the track without further ado.

Mind you, if my track bike hadn't been in Switzerland at the time, I definitely would have taken it, if only to avoid the cleat-changing faff.

wow - you actually changed cleats on your shoes for an hours riding?!

Yeah. Didn't fancy wearing rental shoes. And Cycliste can use the cleats when they come off as she uses Look Keo pedals on her track bikes.

If I call them up, can I book all the sessions in one go?

Nope because you have to pass each session before you can book the next one.

Mighty annoying. Thanks Scoot.

When I've done Stage 2 the coach was John from VCL, who also rides Wednesday Track League @ HHV.

It's stage 3 for me tomorrow.

Stage 3 completed.
Thanks to RPM for the session!

another pass ?
damn dimi, you good

Thanks dicki, but tbh it's not hard to pass if you're listening and taking all advice from previous sessions.

.

Got my taster today at 12.45 - do I need to show up early to sort out shoes/bike rental? Or should I just show up on the dot?

They'll have your hire bike all labelled up and ready to go. You'll need to adjust seatpost but that's it. The 30 mins before they specify is plenty of time to sort out shoes.

how do they know what size I am? I don't seem to remember entering any of that info.

They have their ways...

Turn up about 15-30 minutes earlier to accommodate time for faff.

how do they know what size I am? I don't seem to remember entering any of that info.

It confused me too - then I remembered I entered my height on the website.