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!

[Mike McInnis]

Regarding pedals - You aren’t allowed to use your own pedals on the rental bikes.  

However, they have clipless pedals available on the bikes.  And rat traps if desired.

[Alex Mulholland]

Looks like you're right! They've finally got a selection of typical pedals in stock so they're no longer allowing personal pedals on the bikes.

So as long as you bring along Shimano SPD SL Road Cleats, Look Keo cleats, flat-soled gymnasium shoes or running shoes they can accommodate you.

[James Eaton]

I would love to try this out.  Let me try to clear up my calendar for it.  I may be risking life and limb by suggesting taking up yet another cycling discipline to my wife though, so if you don't hear back from me in some time then you know that she cashed in my life insurance policy :)

[Luke Celuch]

I'm interested in getting out to track with BCC, already have all my certifications.

[Daragh Mansworth]

I'd be interested in Nov 4th.

[Alex Mulholland]

James, you can help convince the wife by pointing out that the velo is very kid friendly. You can babysit AND ride the bike at the same time (and actually there's alot of really great youth programs as well).

So you ride bicycles and she gets sometime to herself.  ;)

[James Eaton]

This forum needs a "like" button.  I'm definitely going to try that argument out Alex!

[Alex Mulholland]

Ok folks, looks like we've got a small group to get started with. 

We'll be heading over on Nov 4th. Go ahead and signup now as spots can fill quickly!

http://ncirevolution.com/programs/schedule-registration-adult-try-t...

[Alex Mulholland]

Also, as a heads up there's a 1.5 drop-in cycling slot right after this 'try the track' event. So anyone who has previously done the track certification programs (like myself or Luke) can stick around after this and spend sometime riding on the boards.

[James Eaton]

booked for Nov. 4th.