Calshot Track Trip

On a wet and windy Sunday Garry Hall and I (Dave Rickets) set off from Redhill to Calshot Velodrome in Southampton. Situated on a spit of land, extending into the sea, just past Fawley power station and oil refinery, it wasn’t the most inviting of Britains countryside to be visiting on a cold February day.
The velodrome and indoor sports centre is inside a large hanger right next to a boat yard and slipway. Rock climbing and dry slope skiing are just two of the other activities on offer.
We were greeted by friendly staff who directed us under a tunnel into the cycling arena. It was here that we met the rest of the days riders including our own Redhill club friends Richard Sanders, Claude Lhomme, Tim Sales, John Hunter- Haschka, Nathan Chamberlain and Gavin Garrett.
Our hire bikes had already been arranged and sized for us. All we had to do was adjust saddle height and fix our own pedals. On closer inspection of my bike I found it had a fixed single gear on the rear wheel, which means you cant freewheel and there are no brakes ! I didn’t realise how steep the wooden surfaced banked circuit would be, it reminded me of a circus wall of death !
After a brief talk on how to ride the banked circuit we were split into two groups and instructed to ride round slowly. After a couple of laps most riders seemed to gain confidence, build up speed and climb the banked walls. We were taught riding tactics such as slipstreaming, overtaking and slowing down, (not so easy on a bike with no brakes) ! It takes at least 1 lap to come to a stop! All riders enjoyed riding the course immensely, riding in a train of some 10 riders is very exciting, especially as we were cycling very close together, with little or no margin for error.
We were timed for our fastest lap, a distance of one seventh of a kilometre. We were then split into groups of four to take part in a pursuit race over a distance of 1 kilometer, 7 laps. This was fantastic fun but the most tiring of short races I have ever participated in. The combination of adrenalin and flat out racing made my lungs hurt with the exertion. I couldn’t believe 1 minute 40 seconds could be that painful. I had the added incentive of being behind my mate Garry, nothing like a bit of rivalry to spice up a race! Unfortunately for him, he was following a slower rider, who he quickly caught up, but struggled to overtake on the tight track. After a heroic attempt to pass, ( he very nearly found out what a wooden track looked like close up) and decided to follow would be more sensible. A shame because he would have posted a fast time.
John Hunter- Haschka posted the fastest times on both 1 lap and 7 lap races.
Richard Sanders showed what experience he had, and overtook everyone in his race to take a well earned victory. Nathan Chamberlain took a tumble on the steepest part of the track, but although looking a bit shaken, recovered to ride the day out.
After the last race all riders were allowed back onto the track for one last ride and a warm down.
I must say it was a brilliant day out and all for a mere £15. What value. My advice to anybody who would like to take part in future events is to take the following; warm clothing, plenty to drink and eat, own pedals and saddle, (mine felt like a block of wood.)
This event would suit road and mountain bikers alike, go for it.