Search results for:

Well I got an earlier train, shot into Ghent from Calais at warp speed, checked into B&B (very close to the Citadel Park well done Mrs Eagle Glenn ), walked to the bar to watch the footie, disappointed at Spurs losing but drowned my sorrows with a good red, walked round Ghent for a bit, paid my homage at Plum Vainquer (and by chance bumped into my club mates), went to Cafe de Karper for a lot of beer (& a bowl of cheese & salami), tottered over to the track to watch the racing, had a hotdog (so bad they're good), more beer, bumped into more cycling friends, more beer and then staggered home.

I've been going to Ghent since 1976 when it was my first ever trip abroad. Seen Merckx & Sercu ride together, albeit at the ends of their careers. Always a spectacle and brilliant entertainment. In those days you couldn't see the other side of the track at the end of the evening - too much cigarette smoke. Apart from that the smells, noise & excitement were all the same.

Excellent time :)

My bottom bracket died at a track session. It's only a GXP but Cycle Surgery had none in stock. Went round the corner to Pave Velo and had a choice of several :)

Really helpful and nice vibe there.

Think I'll be here for kick off (wearing a Spurs shirt);

http://foleys.be

The stadium hot dogs are a once-a-year treat...an acquired taste. I usually fill up beforehand on the little bowls of salami & cheese cubes at the House of a Hundred Beers :)

Don't forget to eat one of their famous hot dogs at the Stadium ;)

Nice one. My plan is;

Drive over using Eurostar car thingy in the morning
Drive to Ghent
Find bar to watch Arsenal v Spurs
Afternoon in Ghent with wife & 2 club mates
Evening at Track Block H Row 11 seats 283-286
Drive back after breakfast & wander around Ghent

See you there

Tao is the consummate professional. Several years ago as a Sky neo-pro he spoke at our club dinner. I know he would have had media training but was astounded at his confidence and manner for someone so young.

I felt for him this year towing round the Tour of Britain riders but he's doing a great job. I'm sure I'll see him in the lanes up my way (N Essex) on one of his winter rides (which for some reason seem to be centred on the Blue Egg) and always give & receive a wave.

The best of luck to him - I'll be cheering him on :)

Yep 4 Eagles going over for Saturday night :)

https://www.lfgss.com/events/2239/#comment13902038

Nice to see you still have it :)

Start a little earlier, ride through High Beech and watch our hill climb up Lippitts Hill at 11am ;)

Yes 11am

That's a shame as I remember you were quite fast up the hill. Have a good ride in Oxford!

22nd October this year - all riders welcome :)

Grass Track racing at Mildenhall Rally 26-28 August. Lots of other stuff to keep you occupied as well;
http://www.mildenhallfestival.bike

Anyone got something they want to get rid of? I need a back up for my race wheel.

Must be true and threads in good nick. I'm not bothered if it has a tub or not.

Thanks

It'll be interesting to see what utilisation the Velodrome has for riders (bearing in mind above comments/restrictions).
Certainly when I visited the Aquatics Centre (which is another beautiful building) I had to go through a gate so I was counted. There's no such mechanism at the Velodrome - you can just walk in as a visitor and not be counted...which I have on several occasions.

No reply to my PM so I'm assuming these have gone?

pm sent

I'd be interested in the rear wheel if you are splitting

WSW Suffolk Punch is always a good event - well organised. Good route as well. Have a safe ride

I absolutely agree. There doesn't appear to be any flexibility in the pricing. It's a great venue and we're lucky having it close to home (well closer than Derby or Newport). I was born in Hackney and grew up in Leyton so it's a joy to see this part of London so well developed from what it was.

£20 a session is reasonable but every week does become expensive (even for someone who can spend £30 on lunch & coffees). It could be improved;
** Discounts for regular booking i.e. a buy 10 get 1 free type thing
** Discounted rates for Juniors
** Senior citizens do get a reduction - in 5 years time I will only have to pay £16 per session

I am sure youth group sessions are discounted/subsidised. As a schoolboy we rode at Eastway (which was under Lea Valley Park) as our PE lesson and I'm sure it was all free for the school.

I don't know what the financial drivers for the Velodrome/Lea Valley Park are but there are some good suggestions here - especially for Corporate events to subsidise those with limited incomes.

It also needs someone at LVVP to read all this and be able to make changes where they are possible.

BTW with the job I do I don't have the luxury of choosing what, when and where I can eat/drink when I go into London. I have to get everything on the fly during the day whenever I have time which is why I end up paying full London rates for it all.

I doubt the London track will ever make money as it probably costs too much to run compared to what it can generate in revenue. I'd like to see the figures though.
I ride there on average once a week - Vets session costing £20. For that I get free parking (I live N of Saffron Walden so have no choice but to drive), 2hrs on the track, generally with a good group of riders and a good session, a shower and wireless so I can fit in a few calls/mails. All in a pleasant and rain-free environment. I'm in construction so always admire the building as well - it's a joy to be inside it.
Considering a beer in that part of the world is c£4-5 (probably more for an artisan or craft beer) and every time I go into C London for the day I easily burn £20-30 on coffees, a simple lunch & a few bottles of water then it's not that expensive.
When I go I am guaranteed a ride indoors in excellent conditions (well apart from the other Monday night with the water leak).
For the quality of what you're riding in and where it is, it doesn't seem that expensive. Other tracks aren't as expensive (I used to ride at Newport when working near Bristol) but then they aren't as close.
Yes the organisation and operation - especially the website - could improve but I doubt that's factored into the costs.

PM sent

Did the saddles get sold in the end - I'm after the Toupe