(Syd) Anyone able to lend me a track bike for RAW tomorrow?

[RomanTheCube]

I've been keen to try out the track for some time now, and the start of the RAW series is as good as any for me to try it out, but I have no track bike and apparently they don't hire them out at RAW nights

I'm 5'9 and have been told a 53 or 54ish size would suit.

I'm in the lower north shore area, and would be keen to pick up tonight and can drop it back off on the weekend some time?

Probably a long shot but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask!

Cheers

[r2160]

if you have never ridden track, you are probably better organising a loan bike with Cycling NSW and going on a Wednesday night training night to get used to it. Plenty of people there to help as well.

the last thing you want to do is jump straight into a race never having ridden one.

cheers
Glenn

[RomanTheCube]

Point taken - I was told over and over that RAW would be fine and newbies are treated well in the 'novice' grade however, so here I am :]

[bigfriendlyvegan]

There's a big difference between novices, who are treated well, and "Holy Crap, that's a freaking vertical wall!" never ridden a track bike before types. If you've never ridden Dunc Gray with other people on it, or you've never raced before, novice is for you. If you don't know how to stop, why you need to keep pedalling, or you keep looking for the shifters, then get a half hour's experience first.

This is not for your benefit. This is for the benefit of the other people you'll take out when you crash.

[RomanTheCube]

Don't disagree but from the look of it, it won't matter as I have no bike to ride anyway :] thanks for the replies though

[george-bob]

The guys at dunc gray can arrange for a private training session for you and a few mates, if I remember correctly it was about $40 all up for 6 hours. We learnt how to actually ride on a velodrome and how to handle fixed gear bikes properly. If this is an option I really, really recommend it. It is a great way to get a taste.

[scotto]

yep. race day aint the time to try the boards for the first time, novice grade or not....
no brakes, fixed gears, 47 deg banking corners. its a different world for the first time...

come along though, theres often bikes sitting against the bench with for sale signs on them, and you'll learn a lot by watching. Also, its one of the only times that cycling is a spectator sport...

[RomanTheCube]

Right then - disregard the post folks

[vander]

I will say the opposite, first time I was ever on the boards was during RAW last year, I believe it was straight into Div 3 also. I dont think its as scary as many the others are pointing out. However I had raced at 2 outdoor velodromes by then so was used to the fixed gear (though not the banking).

If I were in Sydney I would let you borrow my bike for a couple of weeks but currently in Wollongong so a long trip to get a bike.

[scotto]

come along one wednesday night. you can borrow one of my bikes. costs $10 to ride. 6.30 - 8.30
scott

[RomanTheCube]

Thanks scotto, ill try to get out there next Wednesday if that is the case. I might message you next week if that's ok?