Cool track photo thread

[foo on patrol]

Is it just me, or are those old tracks narrower in between the two sides? Sure would increase the G-forces a lot more for sub 12sec sprints!

Foo

[brentono]

... from the "Delhi" track in Ontario, CA during a 9-day event in 1952. 50 degree banks in the corners!

Sure Foo
Older tracks tended to have longer straights and tighter bends (hence up and over 50degrees)
Made if fun in a bunch race, as you were in and out of bends so quick, that you quickly lose
which part in the track you are. Which means you must pay special attention to the laps.
Gforces are fun, too... you get pushed down, into the bend, and thrown out of it.

[mikesbytes]

Have you ridden a 50deg track?

[brentono]

Mike,
Have ridden a lot of tracks, training and racing... many in '70's (too many to recall)
In Aus (most states) England, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Italy and France.
On quick recollection (it was memorable) was racing in large groups at Sloten (Amsterdam).
At around 160m (maybe less?) it had 50deg. banks, outdoors & wood. Has now been replaced.
Another I raced was St. Denis (North Paris) and think that was also. Probably also gone?
Didn't have my protractor, but these were AFAIK
Once you haved raced on one, you will not forget it.
You had to position with at least 2/3 to go.
No coming off the back in those races (as you do).

[toppity]

Sounds awesome Brentono. What a great lifestyle that must have been. Were you a full time pro in those days? How did it work back then?

I always envy those who have the talent and dedication to do this sport full time. No matter how much I dream, I understand I was too limited to be success at that level, even if I did give it everything. Never stopped me dreaming though

[brentono]

Toppity
Worked for the Aus Govt... got a year off.
Went fulltime, independant was the catagory, as I was unsponsored.
There were 3xcats Pro/Independant/Amateur in EU and all rode for cash.
Prizemoney was just OK, to live.
Aussie Amateurs in Oz, was the only place, with strict rules
that riders were supposed to live on nothing$... no prizemonies
Did it all off my own bat. After the Worlds Oz govt said they would give a few $00's for my airfare.
(can't remember if they ever paid? back in those days, probably not.)
There was only a very few aussies in Europe at that time (and you got to meet most) and only a few Pro.
"Lifestyle" not sure about that, a lot of hard work, 3-4hrs road morning, 2-3hrs track afternoons, 7 days.
Unless racing... then no afternoon track.
One stint, spent nearly 2 months with Police Club in Paris
(clubrooms at Ile de la Cite next to NotreDame) ...
French Olympians were with the Club and were Gendames (salary, no uniform, no duties... just riding)
From being with the "Club" got an offer to go Pro with the Italian/Ignis Track Team
by a heavyweight in Cycling based in Varese, and was offered to live there with the team for 3 years.
Choice was go back to Aus Govt. job or quit and stay, made wrong decision. Quit job about a year later.
"Lifestyle" was actually very interesting, met great people, and had a good time,
even though it mostly all revolved around Cycling, and travel for Cycling.

[mikesbytes]

brentono, that's really great.

I missed the boat, as a teenager I ran the 1,500mtrs 4 seconds outside the world record in my age group, a time that would of put me on the final straight when the elite world record was set.

Sadily I discovered females and the only public activity I did in my 20's was walk to the corner to catch the taxi to the night club. As a master rider, I'm pleased to get a result, but I'm not dedicated to any particular strict training plan, just have some fun.

Back on topic, I think there's a short velodrome in NSW at Maitland or something. I need to turn up for its annual NSW race

[brentono]

Mike,
I can understand your position, and it's a pity that while you were young, you were
not picked up to continue on, and encouraged, when getting that close to record status.
No chance at AIS?
Similar for me, was nearing my pinnacle, many obstacles arose, and with constant disappointments,
my enthusiasm waned and back in Australia, pretty well just lost interest. There was no support, nil.
Opportunity was there for a fleeting moment, and to return to Europe, would be like starting over.
Still no regrets, a great memory to look back on.
Now back on Topic, a great shot of Forrest Velo (USA), a recent build which nearly fits the bill.

[mikesbytes]

Appears to be higher than the seating, is it a temporary or removable track?

[brentono]

Mike
Woops, got it mixed up with the old Forrest in US, and thought it was the replacement.
It's in London, Canada, and it is permanent. And a great concept to get a track going.

This exciting initiative brought together business, community and government partners to finance,
build and run a 138-metre indoor cycling track.
The Forest City Velodrome is one of only three indoor velodromes in North America.
Designed by Albert Coulier, the track is located in the former Ice House hockey arena
in the south end of London.
The track itself is owned by individuals holding shares in a public corporation.
A not-for-profit organization, the Forest City Velodrome Association, operates the races,
clinics and other activities at the track.
Businesses and members of the public can become involved by owning shares in the track itself;
donating to the not-for-profit corporation; becoming a partner;
or volunteering time to help run learn-to-race and other development programs.
Spectators are treated to a venue with over 3,000 seats, each one providing a close-up view
of a wide variety of races that can easily reach speeds in excess of 60 kilometres per hour.

The interest thing about these smaller tracks (apart from being great for spectators)
is that the experience you gain from using them, better reaction time, better riding control and skills
while racing, and these skills improve the rider, when they go back to standard UCI sized Tracks.

[mikesbytes]

138mtr...

[foo on patrol]

Just imagine how easy it would be to take a lap!

Foo

[mikesbytes]

Suppose I'd set my lap record there

[brentono]

Mike
Recent Junior Men – Flying Lap – Kristofer Ovsenek (London) 7.884 seconds
Should be able to crack 7.


Back on Track (OP)
Dangers of track photography

[bigfriendlyvegan]

The small track posts recently reminded me of the Red Bull Mini-Drome which is more of a hipster fun thing than a real race track. Here's a video of one with an excellent little bunny hop at the end.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O46Db4n21zE&feature=fvwrel[/youtube]

[brentono]

At the other end of the Track spectrum (not small), I have raced at Herne Hill,
where Reg Harris was King.
Here's a great old shot of him, at the Hill, for those interested.

[foo on patrol]

He had a good position on the bike Brenton!

Foo

[brentono]

He had a good position on the bike Brenton!

Foo

Sure Gary (some people just look like they fit the bike)
He was trained old-school, great cadence, very powerful and very smooth.
One of the most athletic sportspersons of his time (late 40's/early 50's)
Pathe archives has some great video of his World's Competitions,
where you can see and study it.

[bigfriendlyvegan]

Mr. Moser's hour record bike:



Here is him riding it:

[foo on patrol]

First time I've seen that!

Foo

[brentono]

Gary,
An interesting point (that I had already put up on this site)...
The veteran's record set by Moser in 1994 (UCI reg. bike) was faster than his more celebrated
record in 1984, when he used a bullhorn handlebar, steel airfoil tubing, disk wheels and skinsuit...
and in 1994-off the sauce (self admitted)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40365317@N06/5380132061/

Moser caught my eye (in earlier days), when after watching him second in the World Road Race,
he came out a couple of days later and won the World Pursuit Championship (I was at the track)
Admitted, the Pursuit was not a popular event, but it was a task for him, and it impressed me.

[foo on patrol]

Thanks for that link Brenton. Sure as hell looks uncomfortable to ride for an hour.

Foo

[brentono]

Thanks for that link Brenton. Sure as hell looks uncomfortable to ride for an hour.

Foo

especially at 42
(hard on the neck and back)

[brentono]

Lap of Honour

[brentono]

Great vintage 6-Day Footage.
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/six-day-bicycle-race-in-new-york