A couple of weeks ago, I loaded up my trusty track bike and headed south to the country's (world's?) most active outdoor Velodrome--The Valley Preferred Cycling Center, aka Trexlertown, T-Town, formerly known as the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. Kurt and I made the 5 hour journey to the track primarily for the "Try the Track" Clinic that was going to be coached by some of the country's leading trackies: notably Marty Nothstein, Bruce Doneghy, Paul Pearson, and our own, Kurt Begemann. Having only ridden the 14 degree banking here locally at the New England Velodrome in Londonderry, NH, I didn't really have any idea of what riding 28 degree banking would be like--but I found out soon enough. I know I should've taken some pictures of standing on the infield in the pit area of the panoramic view of the white concrete track rising and surrounding us, but of course that would have been too easy--next time I reckon because it was truly a pretty awesome sight to behold. Not to mention that fact that once riding around the track, it really boggled my mind trying to understand just exactly how it was that I was riding upright at such an angle, ah, no matter, the point is that I was and wasn't sliding down the banking. Anyway, here's a pic of myself, Kurt, and Jackie Simes IV, and up and coming under 23 track riding, who just so happens to be a 4th generation track rider.
The Opening Night of T-Town's World Bicycling Series was just held this past Saturday night, as Friday night was cancelled because of rain. Both Jackie and Kurt did well securing several cash Preemes, with Jackie taking the win in the 5 Lap Scratch Race FINAL. He did so in stunning fashion on his new Parlee Z1 Track Bike aplomb with custom Stars & Stripes paintjob.
You can check out some pics of both riders here, taken by Anthony Skorochod of www.cyclingcaptured.com:
More to come soon enough. We're planning a couple of Field Trips to T-Town. If you have any interest in coming along to ride what is just a spectacular venue, then drop us a line here at the shop ride@cycleloft.com and we'll help sort you out. Til then, keep riding, we'll be at the track in NH this Wednesday night, weather willing. JP
