All,

I dropped the ball on applying for a permit for the track workshop that I was planning for June 30. Now NYC Parks won't let me apply for the permit as I'm now within 21 days of the date.* We could just hold it on June 30 without the permit, but one should play by the rules I guess...

So, sorry to be a pain, but I'm proposing moving it to July instead. How does July 14 sound? July 7 is a women's clinic at the track but there didn't seem to be anything in a calendar on July 14 (KCC or the track's).

Let me know asap if people can make July 14. If I can get a posse of 6 or so, then we're definitely on (and I will actually do the permit in time, I promise ;-) )!

A description of what I was planning from my previous post on holding it in June:

"As discussed on the thread about yesterday's Beginners track session, I want to run another one in June for the majority of you who couldn't make yesterday. As outlined in my original plan for this year's track mentor events, I also want to run a sprinters workshop - despite the name, this won't be just for people who specialize / want to specialize in track sprinting (cos this might just be, er, me), but rather for any for one who rides track and wants to learn how to get more out of sprint events, as well as for anyone who thinks some track sprint drills will benefit their road sprint. So the plan is to run both on the same day. The plan will be for the first hour or so to run through the basics of track riding for the new guys, before moving to specific sprint drills and talks about sprinting."

*Yes, because apparently it really does take someone 21 days or more to assess whether someone is planning on holding a harmless minor sporting event in a park and to work out it's not actually Lollapalooza, or perhaps a mass meeting of a lycra-clad satanic cult.

L&C is same day, but I would like to try to swing both.  What time would the session start?

Edit: It's R&A, so I can definitely do the track day.

Cool, cheers David!

Yes, I made sure I checked what races were on that day...

Count me in! I'm guessing I'll get my pick of the 49cm loaner bikes-- you know, the ones they use for the kids clinics?

I"m still into it as well, and it looks like 7/14 works as of now.  Thanks!

If I can get a 54 or a 56, I'm in.

@Aaron, I saw a fixed gear bike once or twice on my commutes.  They're the type of bicycles that make you feel all zen, right?

For serious, I've never attempted to ride a track bike ever.  I'm kind of afraid for my life.

Don't worry David. It's as easy as riding a bike ;-) But seriously, we'll take care of you!

Thanks for the responses above. Jeffrey, there's a 54 and a 56 among the loaners, so take your pick.

Kayt - Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gangee called to ask if they could come, so the 49s are all taken, sorry...but I checked with Jules and they never paid their dues this year so he's not allowed to come! Sorry, only joking ;-) You have your pick of the bikes!

Anyone else who needs a loaner bike, let me know so I know what's taken - first come, first served.

Doing the permit application now...

hey kieran please reserve a 54 for me. if they're taken, i can make due with a 52.

@David-- you'll get used to the track bike in no time! It's so much fun.

hey @kayt -- was thinking i'd either ride from GAP or take the train to Jamaica and then ride up-- down for either.

Impressive forward planning guys!

I finally got the permit application submitted last night. It's "under review", no doubt by a high powered review panel consisting of the Parks Commissioner, Ray Kelly and Michael Bloomberg.

Good to see you've cottoned on to the sprinters diet, Aaron ;-)

Assuming we get the permit, we'll have the track from 10 till 2.

Thanks for everyone's responses - so far I have down:

David Yang
Dave Sharma
Jeffrey White (56cm loaner)
Kayt Mathers (49cm loaner)
Edwin Ortiz (54 cm loaner)
Aaron Blum (with donuts)

Anyone else, let me know. Will let you know details of the program nearer the time.

No clue if I can swing it but I'll try to be thur

Planning on building up a track bike next week...a vintage 80s Schwinn of course.

Finally got home after putting together a nearly completely stock 1985 Schwinn Madison.  For now it has crank bros eggbeaters and I used commuter shoes to practice.  It was a pain free first ride!  Can't wait for July...

madisons are awesome bikes-- were they still blue in 85?  enjoy man.

This one is white.  Styling and logos are almost exactly like ones on my 86 Peloton.  For the longest time I thought the Madison was Panasonic built, but it was US built either in Chicago or Greenville.

Nice work David! Sounds cool! Look forward to seeing it.

If you can, try and use the same pedals on it as you use on your road bike. Not that I do (long story) but it generally helps.

Will be at the track this weekend if you can't wait till July 14 to try it out! Will post deets on the track training thread.

I'm going to try and make this - I need to scare up a 58cm track bike and if I can't I'll just run next to you all shirtless in a diaper...

Umm. Someone say 58cm bike?

Good stuff Jules! Would be great if you can make it. Ragot, give that man a bike....If not, I'll see what loaners there are.

Someone shirtless in a diaper running alongside riders wouldn't look too out of place at the track tbh. Much like PP, it's a home for everyone. Except an inherently more dangerous home.

So far this year there on the track I've seen / had to avoid hitting:

1. A teen holding a white sheet going "wooooo" running round the track
2. A rollerblader going the wrong way
3. At least half a dozen small kids on scooters
4. A group of 7 of vintage hipsters (think: plaid, suspenders, shorts, vintage summer dresses) on 80s road bikes who were so excited to have made the long journey from Bushwick / Park Slope / WBurg (Andy made friends with them. He's probably all over instagram now).

Sounds like the old days when I was growing up, except replace the hipsters with surly neighborhood guys brown bagging malt liquor, kite flyers, and people testing out their R/C cars.

I'm in too! I think i will just steal my brother's 53cm aluminum Continuum for this.

Ragot has offered me the use of his steed, motorcycle chain and all.  I'm going to pull all the strings I can reach to make it.

10am for the beginners session, 11.30am for the rest of it. Finish around 2pm.

Question for T-Town knowledgeable folks:

So, if I can get my bike together in time, I'm going to be heading off to some T-Town Saturdays soon.

I vaguely recollect someone saying that they split up the masters racers into two groups, but on the website, and in the results, it there is no indication that the 1/2s race separately from the 3/4s. Also, they only list like 5 guys in the results. I'm assuming more show up for these races, right? And they just list the top finishers aka "AVD park-racing style?"

I don't recall the exact category splits, but yeah, lots more than 5 guys show up. 

Tarck biek is ready!

Ah, sorry to hear that Aaron, that's a shame you can't make it. We'll sprint a lap out / in / out / in / then finally out of the saddle in your honor ;-) (I think only you and Andy DS will get this joke).