Team Midland 24hr trackathon 2011 |
How it works
Calshot Velodrome
We are - once more and yet again - planning to cycle round this track Non-Stop for 24 hrs.
To achieve this the riders will be assembled into teams (minimum 6, absolute maxiumum 16 ). Instead of trying to carry a mascot as far as possible we will measure the total distance covered by everyone (ie the cumulative mileage). Therefore everyone’s efforts count. The slowest rider's miles count just as much as the fastest rider's miles.
The nominated team leader will ride in a UK Youth jersey.
Each team will ride in Team Pursuit style on the blue line for the designated period of 1 hour. If your team breaks into two (or even three) groups then just keep going. The slower group should drop to the black/red line and the faster team stay up on the blue.
Approaching the end of the hour the timer board will read 10 mins, then 5 mins, then 2 mins, then 1 min. At two minutes the majority of the team should start to safely exit the track leaving just two riders. At one minute the first two riders of the next team should enter the track. When the whistle blows at the end of the hour the the rest of the new team should enter the track whilst the remaining two riders leave.
Every rider should have a computer on their bike and, on concluding their ride, report their personal mileage at the control desk. We have to trust everyone to be honest with their mileage claims. If you don't have a computer then buddy up with someone in your team and tell the control desk that your mileage is the same as xxxxxx's.
Skills required
Calshot Track is tight but fast and the corners can catch the unwary. Previous Track experience is imperative.
To ensure all riders are as safe as is possible. We have organised a Pre-Event track Instruction session on 5th November from 11:00 'til 12:30. During this session we will practice the changes and set up the bikes.
Approved Calshot coachs (Graham Hurst and Adam Wykes) will be on hand to 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. Don’t overlap Wheels!!!!
The Team leader will be an experienced track rider and he will control the team changes and set the pace.
Flying 10 laps competition
It would be inhuman to stick a pile of cyclists on a track and not expect them to race. So......we'll have a little competition going to see which team can cover 10 laps the fastest. To do this in safety we will use the 'gaining laps' exercise. At the 30 minute mark the Track Manager will set up the 5 Laps marker. Riders should use these five laps to get up onto the blue line and the team's spinters should move to the front. On reaching 0 laps the track manager will reset to 10 laps and start the watches. The front rider descends onto the black line and races to gain a lap. As the lap is gained, the coach will blow the whistle to inform the next rider on the front to race to gain their lap. The track manager will count down and time the ten laps. In terms of tactics it's probably best if the group hold a steady pace else the chaser will struggle to get back on.
Half hour speed tests
To start the event Poole Wheelers have been asked to put up a team to set a half hour benchmark Mileage.
To close the event we will ask riders who still have the strength to combine close the event will another fast half hour. If you wish to ride the final Half Hour please apply at the control desk.
Apart from these two demonstration periods the rest of the ride is about riding steady state to amass the greatest mileage possible by keeping everyone on track and moving smoothly. If weaker riders cannot match the stronger riders, then form a slower team on the red line while the faster guys continue on the blue line. Take care when making changes. Each rider's mileage will be recorded so fit a computer!
Responsibilities within the Team
This year everyone's mileage is important so it’s the responsibility of each team member to keep the pace even and look after any rider who is struggling. If everyone fits a bike computer we will record your personal distance covered. If you don’t fit a computer you need to find a ride buddy of similar ability who you can stick with. Therefore if a team splits we can still credit all the riders with their individual distance covered.
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, going well above the blue line 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. If you need to form into a slower group, then do so down on the black/red line.
When you are not riding accommodation is available and cooking facilities (£19.00 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 (Richard & his mottley crew) 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 computers will need to be set at zero trip distance. The rider will then enter the track with one minute to go, followed by the rest of the team when the Event Manager blows the whistle.
The Event Manager will ensure that all individual distances are recorded and credited.
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!
Entry Fee and Signing On
To cover costs of hiring the track etc, all riders must sign-on and pay their £30 entry fee (preferably cash) at the control desk. Riders will be given a laminated frame number and zippties and should affix the number to their bike. That way, the track manager and coach can ensure that only accepted riders are on the track.
Sponsorship
The objective is to raise money for UK Youth 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. Alternatively, point them towards the Vigin Giving site (see the [Donate] link in the navigation bar).
(Q) Who can ride ?
Anyone, but you need to be basically race fit. And they must sign-on and pay their entry fee.
(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. 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 have to 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?
Yeah I'm afraid so.
(Q) How can people best follow progress?
Get them to log onto this site. We should have the webcam up and running, and the online schedules will be updated regularly. Or they can catch the highlights on Twitter by following @calshot24hrs
(Q) Will the event be covered by the media?
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 should be open when its all over.
(Q) How do I register to join in with the TM 24hr UK Youth ride?
Contact Graham Hewson on 0121-744-6647 or 07917-133453 email graham@tmracing.org.uk
(Q) Can I pledge money?
Follow the link on Virgin Giving site where you can pledge online 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 .