Monkeyfudger

Can anyone confirm what this is? I’m new to the Velodrome and keep forgetting to ask when I’m actually there! Details on the App/Website are really lacking/non existent, is it just a drop in for those who’ve done level 2 out of the 4 step accreditation process to gain more experience before moving to level 3 or is it something higher, ie for proper racers who’ve ridden for a while?

Cheers!

Poppit

You might struggle to get many answers here, most of the posters are from north america. If it's anything like Derby it's for those who have achieved level 2 and want some track time before going for 3 and 4.

Monkeyfudger

Thanks dude, yeah I thought that but figured it was worth a shot! I did ask on Bikeradar but didn’t feel like I got a definitive answer. That’s what it sounds like to me, I need to remember and ask.

SyntaxMonstr

My understanding, primarily because LVV has something similar, is that the level 2 drop-in is a session for you to practise the stuff you've learned in the first two accreditation stages, so you're riding with people of a similar calibre rather than the mixed bag you get at unaccredited drop-in's. Depending on the structure, it'll either be track time where you just do the basics, or if there's a coach on hand, they might have you go through some of the stuff you'll be expected to do in stages 3 and 4.

Monkeyfudger

Cheers. I reckon if that’s what it really is it’ll be worth me going along, I’ve done the accreditation and a couple of accredited rides but really looking at getting some track time in as I’d like to race eventually.

zizou

The level 2 drop in is for those have done at least the first 2 classes and want some practice before the 3rd or 4th. Riders with accreditation can still ride it though.

Because not many know what a level 2 drop in (no explanation on the website) it is often empty or only a handful of riders there so it's not going to be ideal for race practice, more for working on fitness and gaining confidence. The Tuesday night endurance DST is the best place to practice racing.

Even if your racing intentions are sprint orientated i'd still do the endurance one - there is not much opportunity for sprint racing and starting out you dont want to specialise too much. The ocassional saturday races will have some sprint events (something like a 500s, kilo or keirin) - but if it is match sprinting you want then thats only about twice a year.

Monkeyfudger

Thanks for the reply, at 61kg I don’t think I’ll ever make a sprinter

I should be able to get along to a DST in December, finished work for the year now so December is meant to be a heavy training block...

I’ve heard the Endurance DST get pretty fast, are there gear restrictions like at Manchester?

zizou

No gearing restrictions

If you can make daytime drop ins then the Friday at 8am is a good one. There is an informal group that does Russian steps - 1 lap hard, 1 lap easy, 2 hard, 2 easy...up to 8 hard then back down again. It's fast and if you can hang on for the hard laps you'll have no problems in terms of fitness when you start racing.

Monkeyfudger

Thanks again dude, currently restricted to 12:00 sessions through the week when I’m off work as I still need to drop/pick the kids up from school, kids and Mrs finish on 14th, will see what opportunities are available then...