So pleased the rain stayed away and by the number of junior riders turning out to train on Wedesday at Tempe, it would appear everyone was keen to make the most of it.
Welcome to new riders Zeke (another generation of the Llewellyn family), Keanu and Denali (watch out they're speed skaters too), Oscar (keen athlete) and Guiellmo (he's Italian so cycling's in his blood!). Do make them feel at home and help them out with tips and safety advice if you can.
Congratulations to Chris who took out two firsts and Tallis who won his race. Good time trial results too from Thomas Cornish (nice to see you back), Tom Bolton, Alex Kapruziak and Francis Teow.
Thanks to Phil Kelly for coaching, Peter Teow for record keeping and timing and Lizanne for helping with equipment and advice for the new riders.
Safety
It's really important that everone pays attention to detail so we can make riding safe as well as fun. Can you all help by making sure your Australian standard 2063 helmet is fitted properly:
* Place the helmet forward on your head
* Adjust the straps so the "Ys" sit just below your ears
* Tighten the strap after you fasten the clip until it's firm under your chin
* Tighten the rear adjustment on the back if it has one
* If fitted properly the helmet will not shift back from your forehead or sideways
* Padding can be used to increase comfort and make minor adjustments to fit
To ride on the track you must have:
* a licence ("ride for all" or racing always keep your # handy in case you are asked for it)
* helmet, (standard 2063)
* gloves, (fingerless or full)
* suitable shoes (runners are OK)
* a shirt that covers your shoulders
* properly inflated tyres (around 120-125 psi for high pressure valves)
* checked handlebars, pedals, seat & seat post and axle nuts are tight
* plugs in the ends of your handlebars (to stop the bars digging into your leg if you fall)
Bicycle Set-up
The correct seat height is essential to avoid injuries and maximise power and comfort. The standard way to set it correctly is to place your heel on the pedal so that the centre of the ankle bone sits directly above the pedal axle, then adjust the seat height up or down until the leg is completely straight (the "5 O'clock" position). This will allow for a slight flex in the knee at the bottom of the stroke and keep hips level. The seat can also be moved forward and backwards. The best position allows the axle of the pedal to align just behind the knee cap when at the bottom of the stroke. The seat can also tilt up or down. A simple way to set the seat level with out a spirit level is to balace something straight on it and align it with the horizontal lines on the brick wall. We'll be doing a safety audit over the next few weeks to help everyone comply. We're always happy to help you learn to do it for yourselves, so don't hesitate to ask how.
Housekeeping
The track training fee is $5 per session per rider - please pop it in the jar at Arthur's table near the canteen or see me if you are short. The fee helps the club pay for the facility and maintenance on equipment among other activities. Arthur can help with change and is an experienced commissaire if you have questions about racing rules and regulations. It's most appreciated when you return you equipment and bike to the lock-up behind the canteen when you are finished. Don't forget to replace any components you have removed, such as pedals.
Parents
Are encouraged to get involved in session set-up, mechanics, record keeping, timing and handling. If you have time to help out let me know. We also encourage parents to have a go at track cycling, so if you're curious to see what it's like, don't be shy. Parents can also use the stationary trainers during the session for fitness.
Racing
There are plenty of opportunities for juniors to race on track and road. Let me know if you need information and support to enter. Southern Cross runs road races on a car free enclosed track each Sunday. DHBC runs omniums regularly (see the website for details), Cycling NSW has a comprehensive calendar of events and facilities to enter on-line. Why not check it out! Monday nights, Brian Sprouster runs track training sessions for juniors at the Dunc Gray Velodrome (where most of the top track races are held), and The Lidcome-Auburn Club runs junior open racing events throughout the year.
Road Riding
DHBC runs road training sessions on Saturday and Sunday - again see the DHBC webstie for details and let me know if you need accompaniment because your parents can't come.
Extracytacular News
Hugo Venville, invisible track cyclist Hugo Thompson and former trackie Seamus O'Sullivan are on a school skiing camp - life wasn't meant to be easy you know!
That's all for now.
Till next Time keep rolling and...
GO CADEL!
Michelle Brown
DHBC Juniors
0412 442 550