Track at last

I finally got myself down to the Hellyer track today, my first time on any track other than the NSC Velodrome in Blaine. Hmmmmm, let's just say that my favorite track is still Blaine. Hellyer is a 335 meter concrete track with about 25 degrees of banking, according to the website. I have to say, I much prefer the steeper banking (46 degrees?) and wood surface at Blaine, even if it does give gnarly splinters.

But it was fun to get back on a track again! I headed down with Alicia and Nicole for the timed events day. Timed events are probably one of the more boring things to do on a track, but obviously they are key for benchmarking and gauging fitness. I'd never done them before, so it was a learning experience. I did a flying 200 in 14.52 seconds, in a 46-15. I would have been better off with a bigger gear, but it was still OK. Then I did a standing 500 in 44-something, and discovered that I'm pretty bad at standing starts. That would be one thing to work on. All the people at the track were super friendly and helpful, encouraging and giving pointers - always a huge bonus.

Anyway, I hope to head down again soon for some real races. Hopefully by then, the infield grass will start to come up and the manure smell will fade.



Final words on the subject: If you are a cyclist in Minnesota, and you haven't ridden on the track in Blaine, you should. It's just plain awesome. And I wish we could figure out a way to get a 250 meter track constructed in Oakland soon!