Well, it's been a busy month, but I got through the beginning track class at Trexlertown, PA. It's sponsored by Air Products, a gas and chemical company who's headquarters are near the Velodrome. The program took place over three weeks, meeting Monday, Thursday, and Saturday for 1.5 hours; my class was in the evening, but there's also a morning class. The cost was free, along with the use of a track bike (can't beat that!).
The instructors were Mike Beers and Jamie Pettinato. Mike is
a former National Champ on the tandem
http://spectrum-cycles.com/
Classes started after the 9-12 year olds (riding cute little Havnoonians) finished. We started with a dozen laps in a pace line, then alternating practicing 200 meter sprints (alone) or jumps (same thing with another rider). Then we would have a points race with half the class, then the other half or we would have matched sprints. When our time was nearly up we would then pace line again while the USCF riders came in for their practice. I then would shower in the locker room, change, and have a sports drink while watching USCF practice.
The track bike I used was a lugged Serotta with Mafic components and Tufo tires. They were available in 53, 56, 58, and 61 cm sizes. There were also a few Fuji's in smaller sizes and GT's in larger sizes. The adult bikes were geared 48 x 16 and all had toe clips and straps. My 20 year old Marresi's still fit, so I was the only one wearing cleats.
I fully intend to get a real track bike and start racing. I wasn't the only in the class to get the urge, one of the women went to Cycle Sport, bought a Havnoonian and entered the Saturday noon races on the last day of class! There is cubic mojo at the track; just watching is great, but to go to the infield and strap on a bike, then get out there... Who-hoo!
Classic Rendezvous content: I was watching the Saturday races and Pete Geurds rolls up on his Schwinn LeTourIV. We talked for awhile as the races went on and his club rode away. A bit later a gent riding a Super Record Ciocc stops to watch. I say "Nice Ciocc" and he says, "You pronounced that correctly!" Of course I mention the list, and it turns out that he's seen the website, and sent Ciocc photos to Dale, but hasn't subscribed to the mailings yet. Also, many track bikes used are still classic; steel, lugged, toe straps, tubulars, and Campy...
Roy H. Drinkwater
Lititz, PA