Some of you may have heard about the Red Bull Minidrome, it's basically a smaller version of a velodrome. It's 25m in length (a tenth of what I'm used to) and has very sharp bends.
I signed up for it on the recommendation/encouragement of an broken collarbones girlfriend the day after her op to fix it many weeks ago and heard nothing back until last Monday when I got the email to say I was in! Which came as a surprise cause I'd forgotten all about it.
The event was held in the Victoria Baths in Manchester, the track it's self was in the pool (it was empty) with two levels above for spectators. It really gave it a great atmosphere.
I turned up with various amounts of cycling kit ready to race but eventually decided to ride in jeans and t-shirt with the customary yellow mavic shoes. I would be lying to say I wasn't nervous and a little scared after seeing a lot of riders crash out trying to go too fast but a Red Bull helped to settle the nerves.
Before too long it was my turn and I was stood track side waiting for the rider in front to finish. Then it was me, I took to the track and did my 6 laps "warm up" I was surprised at how steep the bankings were and how difficult it was to stay low.
I signed up for it on the recommendation/encouragement of an broken collarbones girlfriend the day after her op to fix it many weeks ago and heard nothing back until last Monday when I got the email to say I was in! Which came as a surprise cause I'd forgotten all about it.
The event was held in the Victoria Baths in Manchester, the track it's self was in the pool (it was empty) with two levels above for spectators. It really gave it a great atmosphere.
I turned up with various amounts of cycling kit ready to race but eventually decided to ride in jeans and t-shirt with the customary yellow mavic shoes. I would be lying to say I wasn't nervous and a little scared after seeing a lot of riders crash out trying to go too fast but a Red Bull helped to settle the nerves.
Before too long it was my turn and I was stood track side waiting for the rider in front to finish. Then it was me, I took to the track and did my 6 laps "warm up" I was surprised at how steep the bankings were and how difficult it was to stay low.
So I got the count down and this is what happened (including the warm up)....
I went too hard and went over the side, a beginners mistake. I not really hurt just a bit bruised on the forehead and shin, I'll survive (I think) but the ego may take a bit of time to repair.
I'll be signing up for the next time it comes to Manchester maybe I'll complete 2 laps of qualification next time.
