BCC Beginners Class at the Veldrome

[Alex Mulholland]

Want to try riding a fixie but don't have the prerequisite hipster beard?

Tired of shifting gears as you grind up hills?

Want an excuse to get on a bike even when it's -20 degrees outside but don't have polar bear blood?

Well we'd like to put together an opportunity for any interested BCCer's to try their hand at a ride on the wood boards of the velodrome in Milton. No experience required.

Years ago our own Jon Spira introduced a group of BCCer's, including myself, to the velodrome in London. I went in a bit nervous, embarrassed by my complete lack of hipster fixie skills, and with no idea what I was getting into.

Thanks to that short time on the boards spent learning the basics of track cycling and how to ride around on a fixie, I'm now suffering from chronic velo-addiction (thanks Jon!).  I'd love the chance to pay it forward and help organize the same experience at the track for anyone who's been curious about what riding the track might be like.

This is an opportunity for anyone who'd like to try, regardless of your average group riding speeds or experience with fixed gear bikes. This means Group 4 riders all the way up to our Race Team veterans and cyclocross addicts  (I'm looking at you here James Eaton.. *clears throat loudly*) 

 

The Mattamy National Cycling Centre offers a really great 'try the track' program for people that have zero experience on the boards.  The session only costs $33 and includes your track bike rental, and instruction from one of the MNCC coaches. Just bring along your bike shoes (Shimano SPD SL Road Cleats, Look Keo cleats only), flat-soled gymnasium shoes or running shoes, your helmet and your kit, and the coaches will get you rolling.

Right now we're looking at either November 4th, or December 29th, roughly at midday, as possible times to go. Though we'll need to get booked up in advance as these programs are popular and can get booked up quickly!

If you're interested, or have any questions, please let me (Alex -> [e-mail]) or Dan know. Let us know if either time slot would be better for you. If we have enough interested newbie-hipsters we'll get things organized!

[Luke Celuch]

I'm booked for the 4th also.

[Andrew Lonsbrough]

I would be interested in the 4th

[Alex Mulholland]

Hey Andrew, Go ahead and book your spot for the 4th! I'd jump on that soon so that the session doesn't fill up on us!

[David Raponi-Monk]

I just saw this and am interested but hope that there is still space on the 4th. Fingers crossed

[Joanne Maxwell]

I tried to book for Nov 4 but it was already full so I booked for Nov 24/25. 

[Alex Mulholland]

Looking forward to the ride this weekend! If anyone didn't manage to book a spot in time, try again a little closer to the date (or waitlist if possible). Spaces often open up a day or two before a class!