Jun 23, 2019 at 04:47 PM
Thank you JP, Patrick, Robert - this was really helpful, and lots of fun!
The Kissena Early Season Day at the Velodrome (Track on road bikes)
Jun 24, 2019 at 12:42 AM
Good times at the velodrome today. JP makes this a worthwhile workout that helps practice and gauge the technique and effort needed for a successful workout. I highly recommend it next year for those of you (especially Cat 4s) who missed it this year
Sep 27, 2019 at 12:46 PM
Hello!! You guys have any plans this weekend? Looking for a Sunday ride.
Feb 20, 2020 at 09:38 PM
Bump!
This is where we work on pace lining, attacking, and lead outs.
I love doing it on a weekend day in March to set a tone for the season.
This is where we work on pace lining, attacking, and lead outs.
I love doing it on a weekend day in March to set a tone for the season.
Feb 22, 2020 at 08:57 PM
I'd love to come out but, March 8th is Women's/Juniors Clinic, Rain Date 22nd. 28, 29th are the Pink Rhino Clinics, then April starts 6 Days of Kissena. I'm also going to be away the weekend of the 14/15, and 21/22 to take the certification courses at Milton Canada so I can ride/race the indoor 250m.mugwump said:Bump!
This is where we work on pace lining, attacking, and lead outs.
I love doing it on a weekend day in March to set a tone for the season.
Jan 30, 2023 at 12:50 AM
Bump!
This was something of years gone by. Bring everyone out to the Velodrome, work on pacelining, attacking, and lead outs.
This was something of years gone by. Bring everyone out to the Velodrome, work on pacelining, attacking, and lead outs.
Could be a good way to work on essential racing skills.
Jan 30, 2023 at 12:31 PM
Jan 30, 2023 at 02:08 PM
@markMark Taylor said:
I see what you're getting at. However, I rode with Greg yesterday. And he brought these things up. Perhaps I misinterpreted our conversation, but I thought he asked me about bringing these things up. Perhaps he was not speaking clearly because of fatigue. Perhaps I wasn't listening well because of fatigue. Maybe both.
Jan 30, 2023 at 05:29 PM
@Mark Taylor Like JP mentioned, we chatted about it yesterday and concluded we wanted to bump the threads now as a friendly reminder/heads up that these rides will be happening in the coming months. When I get the details mailed down, I'll make an official post in the respective threads.
Feb 27, 2024 at 03:24 PM
BUMP!
As folks can see, we've been doing this for a long time.
I'll post on Slack as well, but the idea is simple.
Arrive by 10am. If early, just start riding. I suggest bringing a backpack with an extra layer or two for standing around. You might need sunscreen if it's warm enough out. There's no shade so keep that in mind.
1. we'll get used to riding on the track, so easy, at your own pace, learn to ride up and down the track, work the bankings.
2. Pacelining. Start with the basic. single file, 200m pulls, then work up to double-file and rotating.
3. Bridging. One person starts 200m ahead of the group. Both the person and the group maintain a steady pace. That's being a half-lap ahead. One at a time, someone will attack out of the group behind and bridge to the person, then group in front.
4. Leadouts. Three-person groups. Three laps. One person gets the group up to speed, riding two laps (800m) at the front, probably up to 25mph or so. Then the first pulls off and the second accelerates, smoothly and seated for 200m. The point is to blow up at the 200m line. Then the second person peels off and the last person gives everything for the final 200m. Each person in the three-rider group does each role.
Depending on the size of the group and how we're doing at the other things, we might be able to include a brief pursuit race.
NEXT UP, TRACK BIKES!
Size them up, pump up tires, put on pedals, adjust saddle height, and get out there.
What happens from here is dependent on the size of the group and how well we're getting used to fixed gear riding, but probably follow a similar format to what we did on road bikes. 1.Get used to the track. 2. get comfortable pace lining, 3. Learn attacking and bridging, 4. pursuit, 5. Leadout.
Ending between 12-1pm.
Love to hit a take-out dumpling or bun place in Flushing before heading home.
As folks can see, we've been doing this for a long time.
I'll post on Slack as well, but the idea is simple.
Arrive by 10am. If early, just start riding. I suggest bringing a backpack with an extra layer or two for standing around. You might need sunscreen if it's warm enough out. There's no shade so keep that in mind.
1. we'll get used to riding on the track, so easy, at your own pace, learn to ride up and down the track, work the bankings.
2. Pacelining. Start with the basic. single file, 200m pulls, then work up to double-file and rotating.
3. Bridging. One person starts 200m ahead of the group. Both the person and the group maintain a steady pace. That's being a half-lap ahead. One at a time, someone will attack out of the group behind and bridge to the person, then group in front.
4. Leadouts. Three-person groups. Three laps. One person gets the group up to speed, riding two laps (800m) at the front, probably up to 25mph or so. Then the first pulls off and the second accelerates, smoothly and seated for 200m. The point is to blow up at the 200m line. Then the second person peels off and the last person gives everything for the final 200m. Each person in the three-rider group does each role.
Depending on the size of the group and how we're doing at the other things, we might be able to include a brief pursuit race.
NEXT UP, TRACK BIKES!
Size them up, pump up tires, put on pedals, adjust saddle height, and get out there.
What happens from here is dependent on the size of the group and how well we're getting used to fixed gear riding, but probably follow a similar format to what we did on road bikes. 1.Get used to the track. 2. get comfortable pace lining, 3. Learn attacking and bridging, 4. pursuit, 5. Leadout.
Ending between 12-1pm.
Love to hit a take-out dumpling or bun place in Flushing before heading home.
Feb 27, 2024 at 06:34 PM
Awesome! Love these sessions to try things out
Feb 27, 2024 at 07:27 PM
I agree with the awesomeness.
I'm also hoping that all those thinking of racing this year will come out to not only hone their skills but also meet up and ride with teammates who can help one another at the races.
I'm also hoping that all those thinking of racing this year will come out to not only hone their skills but also meet up and ride with teammates who can help one another at the races.
Mar 02, 2024 at 09:39 PM
Bonus tip for tomorrow: bring a spare mount for your bike computer.
You can't race with a bike computer on the track, you can train with it. I'm thinking that being able to tie sensations of speed and effort with actual speed and heart rate could bring a little more insight to the experience. So long as you're not distracted from riding by it.
I'll be at Manhattan's GAP, 59th and 5th, southwest corner, at 9am for those wanting to ride from Manhattan over the Queensboro. If anyone is coming to this meetup point, let me know.
Greg Hoge will be at Brooklyn's GAP (Grand Army Plaza) at 9am.
It would be nice to have a head count. Who all is in?
You can't race with a bike computer on the track, you can train with it. I'm thinking that being able to tie sensations of speed and effort with actual speed and heart rate could bring a little more insight to the experience. So long as you're not distracted from riding by it.
I'll be at Manhattan's GAP, 59th and 5th, southwest corner, at 9am for those wanting to ride from Manhattan over the Queensboro. If anyone is coming to this meetup point, let me know.
Greg Hoge will be at Brooklyn's GAP (Grand Army Plaza) at 9am.
It would be nice to have a head count. Who all is in?
Mar 02, 2024 at 10:11 PM
I'm in. I'll at Brooklyn GAP at 9:00.
Mar 03, 2024 at 01:16 AM
I’m in, will be at Brooklyn GAP 9am!
Mar 04, 2024 at 05:15 PM
Bikes were ridden. Fast. Skills were gained. Fun was had.
And everyone tried out fixed-gear riding.
Strava file: https://www.strava.com/activities/10889255245
Strava file: https://www.strava.com/activities/10889255245
Mar 04, 2024 at 06:18 PM
Good times were had, thanks for organizing JP!
Things we practiced:
Steady pace line - My goal is always to be single digit inches or cms from my teammate's rear wheel and for my teammates to feel confident in doing the same with mine.
Rotating pace line - We were progressively getting smoother, and it was awesome toward the end when everyone was synched up and we were rotating like clockwork. Let's make a conscious effort to do these pace line drills on our weekend group rides.
200m bridge efforts - This helped me better understand the effort it takes for me to bridge a gap. Mentally I'm still assuming I have the fitness of 10 years ago so it was super helpful to understand my current "kick" is like 60% of what it used to be and I have to work on that.
Lead outs and sprints - Always fun trying all the different roles in a train and also something we can practice on group rides if safe to do so (e.g. state line)
Track bikes, how do they work???!!1?!!1 - Greg needs a track bike. I need Dave V's track bike.
The 200m bridge attempt was my favorite - Below is my bridge attempt including our pace line in the back group. You can see when I was following wheels (Blake and Dave V) my power and cadence was jumpy, once I got to the front it smooths out to a steady-ish output. As the last man in the group I slowed a bit to make sure the front group was 200m away before I went. You can see the initial kick, dropping anchor to a steady pace, a small kick again and finally reaching the back of the group and coasting for a hot second. That entire span was only about 1min, but I felt like dying at the end as evidenced by the 198bpm HR which I didn't think I could reach anymore.
Things we practiced:
Steady pace line - My goal is always to be single digit inches or cms from my teammate's rear wheel and for my teammates to feel confident in doing the same with mine.
Rotating pace line - We were progressively getting smoother, and it was awesome toward the end when everyone was synched up and we were rotating like clockwork. Let's make a conscious effort to do these pace line drills on our weekend group rides.
200m bridge efforts - This helped me better understand the effort it takes for me to bridge a gap. Mentally I'm still assuming I have the fitness of 10 years ago so it was super helpful to understand my current "kick" is like 60% of what it used to be and I have to work on that.
Lead outs and sprints - Always fun trying all the different roles in a train and also something we can practice on group rides if safe to do so (e.g. state line)
Track bikes, how do they work???!!1?!!1 - Greg needs a track bike. I need Dave V's track bike.
The 200m bridge attempt was my favorite - Below is my bridge attempt including our pace line in the back group. You can see when I was following wheels (Blake and Dave V) my power and cadence was jumpy, once I got to the front it smooths out to a steady-ish output. As the last man in the group I slowed a bit to make sure the front group was 200m away before I went. You can see the initial kick, dropping anchor to a steady pace, a small kick again and finally reaching the back of the group and coasting for a hot second. That entire span was only about 1min, but I felt like dying at the end as evidenced by the 198bpm HR which I didn't think I could reach anymore.
Mar 04, 2024 at 10:13 PM
@David Yang My track bike is the same as David's but it was not configured with the weaponry for racing.
Mar 04, 2024 at 11:09 PM
Probably for the best, if Dave's bike had a flux capacitor I would have traveled in time, it was that fast.
Mar 05, 2024 at 02:55 PM
Weren't there pics and videos taken? Been looking forward to seeing those.
Mar 06, 2024 at 01:43 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re_bl0OqFEg
Mar 06, 2024 at 02:25 AM
Lookin' sharp!
Mar 17, 2025 at 10:41 PM
BUMP!
Looking to officially reserve the track for team training. The track is a great place to practice measured efforts in a safe car/pedestrian free place.
Proposed dates when the track is open for reservation:
Sunday April 27th
Saturday May 3rd
Please let me know if you're interested and which day is preferred!
Looking to officially reserve the track for team training. The track is a great place to practice measured efforts in a safe car/pedestrian free place.
- Saturday or Sunday, 9a to noon
- Basics: Pace lines, breakaway efforts, bridging efforts
- Intermediate/Advanced: Counter attacks, blocking, attacking the break
- We can "cater" lunch at the track (will bring chairs, table, etc.) or ride to a nearby bike friendly spot with outdoor seating
Proposed dates when the track is open for reservation:
Sunday April 27th
Saturday May 3rd
Please let me know if you're interested and which day is preferred!
Mar 18, 2025 at 12:53 AM
I just looked at BikeReg. Lots of weekend days, particularly Sundays are already taken up wtih racing,
I think my preference is april 27, FWIW.
Mar 24, 2025 at 01:02 PM
Quick update: I have a pending permit for Sunday April 27th 9a - 1p though we can start and wrap a bit earlier depending on schedules - there is a race that is supposed to start at 1p (see below).
Come join if you're newer to racing or just want to sharpen up some tactics and skills with your racing teammates (and also just to visit the park we're named after)!
###
The NYC parks dept didn't show it on their calendar of events, but there is a race happening later that afternoon at the track if you want to make a day of it. Depending on how I feel I may race that day (B field).
https://www.bikereg.com/6-days-of-kissena-day-6
Come join if you're newer to racing or just want to sharpen up some tactics and skills with your racing teammates (and also just to visit the park we're named after)!
###
The NYC parks dept didn't show it on their calendar of events, but there is a race happening later that afternoon at the track if you want to make a day of it. Depending on how I feel I may race that day (B field).
https://www.bikereg.com/6-days-of-kissena-day-6
Mar 24, 2025 at 01:10 PM
Yeah seems like the parks have dropped the ball on keeping the spreadsheet up to date:
"3/29/2025 1:00 p.m.","3/29/2025 5:00 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01"," Track and Field","Matt Unterman - Adult","","Approved"
"3/30/2025 1:00 p.m.","3/30/2025 5:00 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01"," Track and Field","Matt Unterman - Adult","","Approved"
"4/26/2025 12:00 p.m.","4/26/2025 6:00 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","6 Days of Kissena","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"5/14/2025 6:00 p.m.","5/14/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"5/25/2025 9:00 a.m.","5/25/2025 4:00 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"5/28/2025 6:00 p.m.","5/28/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"6/4/2025 6:00 p.m.","6/4/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"6/11/2025 6:00 p.m.","6/11/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"6/18/2025 6:00 p.m.","6/18/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"6/25/2025 6:00 p.m.","6/25/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"7/9/2025 6:00 p.m.","7/9/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"7/23/2025 6:00 p.m.","7/23/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"8/6/2025 6:00 p.m.","8/6/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"8/13/2025 6:00 p.m.","8/13/2025 8:30 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"8/24/2025 9:00 a.m.","8/24/2025 4:00 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
"9/28/2025 8:30 a.m.","9/28/2025 3:00 p.m.","Velodrome-Track-01","Race ","Kissena Twilight Racing","Kissena Velodrome Track Family (aka Track Fam)","Approved"
Apr 11, 2025 at 05:40 PM
Look alive people, the track has been reserved!
Road Bikes at the Track
Sunday, April 27th, 2025
Kissena Track
Arrive by 830-9a
Finish by 1230-1p
Riding our road bikes on the track allows us to practice race tactics in a safe, controlled and metered environment. this will help supplement fitness training with "real world" efforts when riding in a pack during a competitive event.
What we'll be working on:
Please note: There is a track race after us and they'll most likely start setting up at noon.
Road Bikes at the Track
Sunday, April 27th, 2025
Kissena Track
Arrive by 830-9a
Finish by 1230-1p
Riding our road bikes on the track allows us to practice race tactics in a safe, controlled and metered environment. this will help supplement fitness training with "real world" efforts when riding in a pack during a competitive event.
What we'll be working on:
- Refresher on track safety
- Refresher on skills and drills
- Paceline Basics: Pulling, rotating, drafting
- Breakaway and bridge efforts: Understanding technique and effort
- Race tactics: Counter attacks, blocking, attacking the break
- Mock races
Please note: There is a track race after us and they'll most likely start setting up at noon.
Apr 20, 2025 at 05:41 PM
Save the date for next Sunday!
Apr 23, 2025 at 06:48 PM
The Kissena Velodrome is about 15 miles from my place in Harlem. I'll probably leave around 7:30am. I'm going to meet up with @KevinWomack en route.
I'm planning on taking Central Park to 59th street, then the queensboro, so if others want to meet up along the way, I'm happy to coordinate.
I'm sure brooklynites could coordinate from GAP.
I'm planning on taking Central Park to 59th street, then the queensboro, so if others want to meet up along the way, I'm happy to coordinate.
I'm sure brooklynites could coordinate from GAP.
Apr 24, 2025 at 06:23 PM
I am in for Sunday @Velodrome
@mugwump - if you’re planning on heading over with @KevinWomack, I’ll meet you guys at CP on 59th. I’ll be seeing him tomorrow AM to get specifics.
Looking forward to the track session!
@mugwump - if you’re planning on heading over with @KevinWomack, I’ll meet you guys at CP on 59th. I’ll be seeing him tomorrow AM to get specifics.
Looking forward to the track session!