Re: [CR] Backwards Velodrome Racing

Topics: History:Ted Ernst Racing
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From: "Ted Ernst" <ternst1@cox.net>
In-Reply-To: <1952441829.739643.1296090984069.JavaMail.root@sz0107a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:40:18 -0800
References: <1952441829.739643.1296090984069.JavaMail.root@sz0107a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
To: joeb-z@comcast.net
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Backwards Velodrome Racing


Yes counterclockwise is correct. Years ago the "story" was that we went counterclockwise direction because of our heart being more on the left side and it was more natural for our body rhythm and balance in that direction. In the '70's they had a 1km masters race at Encino Velodrome which was tricky for the old timers as they were all used to leaning left and then to lean right was so counter-intuitive that we held our breath because it was a little shaky for the 5 guys and the sprint was hands over eyes with enuf of a crack in fingers to look thru and pick places' Don Peterson ,SanJose, Ca was first, Scotty Macdonald, South Bay Wheelmen, Torrance, Ca, second, and Clem Wilson,South Bay Wheelmen, Manhattan Beach, Ca, third. That was the first and last time. Guys used to play around doing that every once in a while. Al Schelstraete of Delhi , Canada did that with another guy and they collided head on without helmets, back in the '40's I think. Al ended up with a silver plate in his head and no more cycling career. Careful boys. Ted Ernst Palos Verdes Estates CA USA

On Jan 26, 2011, at 5:16 PM, joeb-z@comcast.net wrote:
> I can assure everyone that counterclockwise it is. A good velodrome like a Schurrman designed velodrome rides quite weirdly backward. At least one night in Blaine, MN everyone decided to try it and it was sort of creepy feeling. The transitions are different in and out. CCW in Montreal also. I'm not sure that one was very directional though. It also had a sharp edge off the bank into the infield, which is a mistake as far as novices.
>
> Joe Bender-Zanoni
> Whitneyville, CT
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Betmanis" <johnb@oxford.net>
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 7:40:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [CR] Hi/Lo Proper Lacing for Velodrome Racing
>
> On 26/01/2011 2:35 PM, terence@shawscycles.com wrote:
>> Velodromes are ridden clockwise
>
> Yes, if you're laying on your back on the ground, looking up. :)
>
> All the ones I've seen were counterclockwise, just like running tracks,
> motorcycle speedway tracks and roundy-round car race tracks.
>
> John Betmanis
> Woodstock, Ontario
> Canada