Southgate Tread the Boards!
Luke Holmes • February 16, 2020
Put through our paces in the Stratford Velodrome
Southgate tread the boards!
Wednesday night. Midweek. Hump day. An evening to recuperate and ready oneself for the last two days before the weekend.
However if you were one of 15 SCC riders this week you were to be found in funny shoes treading the boards in an iconic London location. No we didn’t make the long awaited club debut of Cats but were instead putting ourselves to the test at the Stratford velodrome.
The evening began calmly enough, with James L leaving most of his belongings trackside, and Luke leaving all of his dignity there. Split into two groups (beginners, and those who not so confidently called themselves experienced) we got used to the track, the lack of brakes and gears and the fact that you can’t stop pedaling.
Midway through the session was where things livened up with our instructor happily told us we would be doing Russian steps. A punishing interval session that definitely lasted about 4 hours (or more accurately about 8 minutes). Having “completed” this we were treated to some superb SCC blue train pacelines, with an added twist of being asked to break in groups off the front. Despite Luke’s fear of the wheel in front of him, and Steve B’s insistence on breaking off the front every single go, whether he was meant to or not, we all fared well at this.
All that followed was some “free riding” to warm down and a realisation that we were exhausted. Big thanks once again to Andy J for organising, look out for SCC track team (and musical) debuting soon!
Come along and find your next cycling bargain!
Training Runs: Saturday and Sunday at 9am from Cafe Nero in Enfield Town - usually go for a 40-60 mile circular ride at a fast-ish training pace, without stops. Sunday Touring Runs : Meet Cafe Nero, Enfield Town at 08:45 for 09:00 start unless an alternative venue/time is shown. Intermediate ride will be 12 to 14mph to morning stop, approx 20 to 30 miles. The relaxed ride is shorter and does what it says on the tin!
