Team Midland 24hr trackathon 2008 |
How it works
Calshot Velodrome
We are planning to transport Pudsey Bear round this track Non-Stop for 24 hrs.
To do this riders will be assembled into teams (ideally 4 riders or more ). Within each team there will be an appointed Team Leader (dressed in a yellow jersey and carrying Pudsey on the handlebar stem).
Each team will ride in Team Pursuit style for the designated period. (1 hour with a bike computer measuring distance travelled).
At 2 minutes to go the lap counter board will register 10 laps to go and the Team leader from the next Team will enter the Track and ride on the Blue line.
When the lap board reads 0 the team Leader from the active team is to be at the back of the string ready to hand over the Pudsey Bear responsibility to the next team leader. This is to be done by riding up along side and tapping the next rider on the shoulder!. (Madison Slings are for experts only). The team leader (2) will now descend onto the Red line as the rest of team (1) will exit the track and team (2) will enter the track to start their hour’s effort. The Team leader (1) will circulate on the blue line until it is safe to exit the track.
Skills required
Calshot Track is tight but fast the corners can catch the unwary previous Track experience is imperative.
To ensure all riders are as safe as is possible. We have to organised a Pre-Event track Instruction session on Thursday 13th November from 4pm-6pm and then from 9pm to 10pm.. During this session we will practice the changes and set up the bikes.
An approved Calshot coach (Andy Cook) will be on hand to a give novice riders tuition aimed at keeping everyone safe on Calshot track and to satisfy the Track management that we all know what we are doing. Your chance to get comfortable before you ride in anger. Note: If you have not ridden on track Calshot before and you miss the instruction session we can’t let you on the track.
The key things to remember are ride smoothly and straight. The lead rider will swing up at the end of every lap and join the back of the string. YOU! Don’t overlap Wheels!!!!
The Team leader will be an Experienced Track Rider and he will have to execute the Team Changes.
Responsibilities within the Team
The Pudsey carrier (team leader) will be riding with a computer on his /her bike and will set the pace (the objective is to maintain and average of 20mph ). To do this we will be riding at approx 22-23mph . (The lap counters in the centre of the track will also help advise on pace)
It’s the team leader’s job to judge the effort and keep the team together to cover the maximum distance without exhausting the Team.
As a member of the team your job is to ride smoothly and maintain the work rate set by the leader. If you are struggling take a few laps out by dropping back and missing a few turns until you recover. If you need to come off the track do so by dropping to the back of the group. Never exit from the front or middle of the group.
The Team change over will be the most difficult manoeuvre within the event. So with 10 laps to go be prepared to slow down as the team leader takes up position at the back of the string. When the lap board reads Zero slow down and exit the track onto the flat section in the track centre. Ride carefully and watch for the next team who will be preparing to enter the track. It sounds more complicated than it will be to execute.
When you are not riding accommodation is available and cooking facilities (B+B £20 per night). Basic but adequate. Get some sleep or prepare some food.
You may also be needed to help the event managers in the track centre (Stephanie and Richard) at some time during the 24 hours.
Event Mangers and Assistant manager’s (Jobs to be done)
When each Team Leader is ready to take to the track the bike computer will need to be set at zero trip distance and this will be registered on the distance sheets. The rider will then enter the track as the lap board is on 10 laps to go. The track manager will need an assistant at this point to help monitor this by watching the no 2 team leader and counting the warm up laps. As he will probably only complete 8 laps in warm up to the active teams 10 and this will need to be registered on the distance sheets.
As a Team Leader exits the track the cooling down laps need to be counted and registered on the distance sheets. The Event Manger will need to deduct these distances from the Bike computer readings to get an accurate distance travelled.
As you can see every hour more help will be needed in the track centre!
We might have to bully riders out of Bed and Back on the track!!!!
We will need four people in attendance every hour as the teams change!
Sponsorship
The objective is to raise money for Children In Need so we are looking to riders to bully and badger friends, family and work mates for Sponsorship. The form is on the back of the Info sheet. The minimum is £25 per person but if we can field 6 teams of 4 we would all ride 4 sessions and we each can raise £100 that will bring in £2,400 but we will do better than that .
(Q) Who can ride ?
Anyone, but you need to be basically race fit
(Q) Do you need to be at the track for the full 24 hours?
No you tell us when you can ride and we will fit you into a team
(Q) I don’t have a Track Bike
Track bikes are available for hire at the track
(Q) I have never ridden the track before
Training can be given before the event starts. (Thursday 4pm-6pm and then 9pm-10pm) Be aware if the coach judges you unsafe you may not be allowed to ride. We can’t go against the coach’s Judgement We all need to be aware that Track riding can be hazardous .We will take rider safety very seriously!!!
(Q) Can my family and friends follow our progress through the day?
Yes we plan to have a section of the web site where the mileage covered will updated every hour. Each team will have a Team Name so your efforts can be monitored.
(Q)How do I get to Calshot?
Have we ever let you down before? We plan to organise lifts where possible from Birmingham.
(Q) Will I have to cover my own accommodation cost 2 nights at £20.
Yeah I'm afraid so.
(Q) Will the event be covered by the BBC?
We will try - but we can’t guarantee coverage.
(Q) Will it be Fun?
Every TM track day so far has been fantastic fun. This should be mind blowing and the Bar will be open when its all over. The chief organiser plans to Party untill dawn (if he can stay awake that is)
(Q) How do I register to join in with the TM 24hr Pudsey ride?
Contact Graham Hewson on 0121-744-6647 or 07917-133453 email graham@tmracing.org.uk
(Q) Can I pledge money?
Call, email or follow the link on www.tmracing.org.uk to www.justgiving.com/tmpudsey24hr where you can pledge on line by credit card
(Q) Can I help if I'm not riding?
Yes - the more helpers we have the better and there is always something to do around Calshot if you want to get away from the track. There are the Dry Ski Slope and Rock Climbing walls. There are boats and planes to look at or you can even go for a stroll on the beach.
We are hoping for spectators who will contribute to the atmosphere and the fund.
So even if you can’t ride come along and get involved .