The boss dropped us off at the station after a short 10min drive from home in which I managed to make Owain even more nervous in the process of trying to help reassure him it would be fine by reading other people's blogs about their experiences of the taster session we were heading for, he also continued to wind me up as per usual. Leyla was pleased to drop us both off it was fair to say after just 10minutes of an over excited me and a nervous-excited him. With tea in hand we made our way into the city, both of us having commuted before we can survive in London but O was happy to let me get on with navigating. Well, until we got to Stratford. Last time I was at the QEOP it was still being built whereas O has been back and had a race here recently. "That's it, let's go this way" he said.... Umm okay..... But google maps says.... "It's wrong! This way..."
So it was the wrong way and it was the Athletics Stadium he had is eye on. Me back in the driving seat we made it to the velodrome with loads of time to spare. The sun was shining and oh wow. What an awesome structure; a beautiful work of architecture. Owain still seemed nervous, still not helped by me bouncing around like a toddler on Haribo. After registering and getting orange wrist bands we sat up in the stalls to watch the previous taster session group.
The building is equally impressive on the inside! We were offered the additional hire of cleats for the track bikes and that was a unanimous decision for us both to get those. We can do clipless. Trainers don't go well with Lycra!
We got changed and headed trackside. This place was more and more impressive from every which angle and we weren't on the track yet. We got helmets and shoes and waited for the last session to finish to get a bike.
The thing about these bikes is that they are fixies so they have one gear which is also the break. There are no breaks on the handlebars. This is a little unnerving as you can't just stop, you have to use a reverse force to gradually reduce your speed and stop alongside the bars.
So we are in the middle of the track and we are trying to configure the saddle height required (which basically means that you have to have it as high as is comfortable with almost a completely straight leg to the pedal when seated). Passing O my phone for capturing some photos I promptly pretty much fell off as elegantly as possible, thank fully Owain wasn't quick enough with the camera and there was no mud to kick in my face. Everyone now looking at me and slightly red faced I sorted myself out and tried to look like I had some idea what I was doing.
It is worth noting here that no watches or any devices at all are allowed on the track with us. Owain tried to get away with his watch (Garmin Vivoactive) so it could be strava'd but no. Nothing. It's not on Strava so technically we weren't here and it didn't happen.
So a group of about 10-15 of us lined up along the railings track side and we had a briefing and then we got to head off and started on the flat bit going round and then coming to a stop which we repeated several times to make sure everyone can stop and start and stop etc. We then went onto the lower blue part of the track. This is the bit that you go on to to transition to being on or off of it.
All the while we were all picking up speed, and working our way along and further up the lines on the track, red, black then blue (I think). Getting faster and faster getting higher and higher. It was so much fun! O was behind me so I couldn't really see what he was upto and if he was okay but I hadn't cycled past him yet in a pile on the floor so I figured he all was good. It wasn't long before we were let loose and could zoom around go up the banking and overtake and oh my it was fun. As soon as I got some speed I went as high as I could which was the top of the Lee Valley Park logo painted on the track. 42degrees of banking and maybe 10-15m high, speeds of 18-25mph maybe. O might have a better idea of the speeds we were going, but felt it fast.
It wasn't long before Owain over took me and I could see all was okay. The nerves had gone and he was smiling. We are both somewhat competitive so this was a great forum to play in and more overtaking was had. We span round for quite a bit longer going up the banking as high as we could. My legs stared to tire though after going round at the top and had to drop down to recover for a bit. It was nearly over and some people were calling it a day but there was still time for a bit more so made sure my legs were well and truly blasted before the last of us were called in.
That. Was. Awesome. We both had huge smiles on our faces - mine didn't really leave all day and I was still excitable for the rest of the day until we got home. We were sweatier than we thought we would get so if you are reading this wondering what to take I recommend shower stuff, the facilities are great. Some shower gel from a fellow rider and drying myself with my arm warmers ensued.
So it is probably worth a mention, ladies, the track bikes are not comfortable to sit on. The pressure caused quite some discomfort while riding, the excitement was a distraction and wouldn't stop me going again but the seat position is high and overall riding position very racy with hands low, neither are the saddles designed to relieve any pressure from anterior soft tissue areas. I am going to read into women track bikes and riding positions and see if there are any simple modifications or changes that I could make to improve comfort without getting my own track bike at this stage.
So yes.... We are going back. We have already spoken about it and it's happening. It was so much fun I would hugely recommend it!
After we changed we had a look round the cycle shop on site, and refrained from buying anything and headed for lunch as were both hungry.
I had told O that lunch was a surprise and he didn't know where we were going. We made our way across the city and eventually came to (as planned) Look Mum No Hands. One of the best cycling cafés in London. Lots to look at (and buy if you wanted) while having a beer and waiting for lunch (which was lovely even if I did finish Owain's salad). It was a good stop for our cycling themed day and O didn't disapprove.
We wandered on to the Specialized Concept store and a few bike shops en route, just to look. I don't think either of us bought anything. A quick café stop and we headed to Waterloo for the train home. Standing all the way was not so much fun as it was rush hour. But we made it back, stocked up on some wine and got a taxi home. Collapsed on the sofa and watched a movie until Jules swapped me for Leyla (they were all at a quiz). I slept well that night!
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