Hi guys, I'm accredited, I also work at the velodrome part-time and would be interested in joining this (and future sessions). Just wanted to answer any questions, give my 2 cents on the procedures, rules and what I have seen with other clubs that have booked 3 hour sessions..
There are usually on average 25 - 30 riders per club session all taking turns on the track. For future reference you can't split the session - if you tell reception that you are part of the session after 2 hours have passed they won't let you through the doors - everyone taking part should be on the track centre and ready 30 mins before session starts. Coach will give a health and safety/ fire alarm briefing just before the session starts - and if you miss this you wont be allowed to ride the track.
Lets say there are only 2 accredited riders and 30 unaccredited, it should still be split into groups of beginners (taster), intermediate (stage 2-3), advanced (endurance/sprint drills) all taking turns. I'm assuming there are quite a few hoping to do "tasters" and not many sprinters. As a sprinter myself we only do 3 laps - 2 warmup laps then a flying 200, followed by a 10 minute break so essentially 2 minutes on the track at a time, but at maximum effort no longer is needed.
3 hours is more than enough time for 32 or even 48 riders. The longer the resting period between each effort, the better form everyone will be in and less chance of an accident.
Also the velodrome is very spectator friendly. There is a car park, cafe which overlooks the bmx track and I'm estimating that there is open seating for around 1000. Kids are allowed on the track centre if there is no other parent/guardian.
To summarise, clubs mix riders of all abilities, ages and genders which is good to see and makes a club a "club". Separating tickets for accredited and unaccredited looks to have confused a few people and I would recommend £27 for 3 hours with bike hire and £16 for those with own bike, whether accredited or unaccredited. If bikes will be checked (they won't) it would be done in the 30 minute period before the session starts. Just to mention I did my taster, stages 2 and 3 on a 94' gear and used a hire bike for my stage 4....
P.S Those travelling by train who haven't visited the velodrome I advise to get to stratford AT 8am LATEST!!!! because most of you will spend 5 minutes walking in the wrong direction, 20 minutes walking to the velodrome, 5 minutes at reception and 5-10 minutes getting changed. Those extra minutes before the session is very important in getting the right size bike, and getting to know one another.
Any more questions, give me a shout.
Jason
Hi guys, I'm accredited, I also work at the velodrome part-time and would be interested in joining this (and future sessions). Just wanted to answer any questions, give my 2 cents on the procedures, rules and what I have seen with other clubs that have booked 3 hour sessions..
There are usually on average 25 - 30 riders per club session all taking turns on the track. For future reference you can't split the session - if you tell reception that you are part of the session after 2 hours have passed they won't let you through the doors - everyone taking part should be on the track centre and ready 30 mins before session starts. Coach will give a health and safety/ fire alarm briefing just before the session starts - and if you miss this you wont be allowed to ride the track.
Lets say there are only 2 accredited riders and 30 unaccredited, it should still be split into groups of beginners (taster), intermediate (stage 2-3), advanced (endurance/sprint drills) all taking turns. I'm assuming there are quite a few hoping to do "tasters" and not many sprinters. As a sprinter myself we only do 3 laps - 2 warmup laps then a flying 200, followed by a 10 minute break so essentially 2 minutes on the track at a time, but at maximum effort no longer is needed.
3 hours is more than enough time for 32 or even 48 riders. The longer the resting period between each effort, the better form everyone will be in and less chance of an accident.
Also the velodrome is very spectator friendly. There is a car park, cafe which overlooks the bmx track and I'm estimating that there is open seating for around 1000. Kids are allowed on the track centre if there is no other parent/guardian.
To summarise, clubs mix riders of all abilities, ages and genders which is good to see and makes a club a "club". Separating tickets for accredited and unaccredited looks to have confused a few people and I would recommend £27 for 3 hours with bike hire and £16 for those with own bike, whether accredited or unaccredited. If bikes will be checked (they won't) it would be done in the 30 minute period before the session starts. Just to mention I did my taster, stages 2 and 3 on a 94' gear and used a hire bike for my stage 4....
P.S Those travelling by train who haven't visited the velodrome I advise to get to stratford AT 8am LATEST!!!! because most of you will spend 5 minutes walking in the wrong direction, 20 minutes walking to the velodrome, 5 minutes at reception and 5-10 minutes getting changed. Those extra minutes before the session is very important in getting the right size bike, and getting to know one another.
Any more questions, give me a shout.
Jason