Junior-Specific Track Riding Sessions
Juniors (young
men and women under 18 years
of age) may ride the track
for free, and may have free
use of the fixed gear rental
bikes for training. (Note
that the park charges a $6
vehicle entrance fee). Parents/guardians
must sign an annual release
on behalf of minors who use
the track. (See General
Information below.) With
signed release, juniors may
ride the track in any session
that is matched to their
skill level. NCVA volunteer
coaches, riders and parents
run these junior sessions.
There
are two regular programs, with very different
goals and functions for young
cyclists:
* Tuesday
afternoons: Juniors
age 14-18 and Espoirs (seniors
19 - 22)
* 2nd & 4th Sundays: Juniors
age 10-12 and Juniors 13 -18
Tuesday Junior/Espoirs Development Program
Andrew
Lanier runs the original
Junior Development Track
Program session on Tuesday
afternoons, normally
from 2 pm until dusk,
reserved for ages 14-22.
Historically it has served
for training for juniors
and espoir seniors (18-22)
with emphasis on structured
training and skills development
for higher level competition.
Hellyer Velodrome
gives back to bicycling and
the community with a Junior/Espoirs
Development program. We give
volunteer guidance, training,
and mentorship at the Hellyer
Park Velodrome in San Jose,
California. The program gives
14-22 year old future champions
a safe environment to grow
socially, mentally, physically,
and competitively with the
emphasis on sportsmanship
and respect. Winning is not
the first priority, but how
to win and lose graciously
is.
Hellyer Velodrome
Junior/Espoirs Development
program welcomes all young
men and women REGARDLESS
OF CLUB AFFILIATION. In its
first year, 1998, we won
all the Gold Medals at the
Northern California Junior
State Velodrome Championships!
We have continued to make
champions on the bicycle
and in life.
Currently,
our development session is
every Tuesday at 2 pm until
closing at the Hellyer Park
Velodrome. Call FIRST to
get involved, also CALL TO
CONFIRM that you ARE or ARE
NOT coming!!!! Come on down
to the track and have some
fun!
Thank
You,
Andrew
Lanier
408-921-6971
Sunday Beginner/Intermediate for Ages 10 -12 and 13 -18
Beginner/Intermediate
Track Programs for young
men and women are run on
the 2nd
and 4th Sundays of
the month, March through
October. Riders from complete
beginners to competitive
racers are welcome. Sundays
provide an introduction to
track cycling, and typically
include discussion, pacelines,
group riding, skills work,
timed individual efforts,
and mock races. Riders who
are motivated to progress
will have the opportunity
to participate in more advanced
training sessions in preparation
for racing. For a live look,
search Google Video and view
clips for Jr. Track State
Championship, or Travis at
Hellyer Velodrome, or Mens
13-14 Points Race Final.
Sunday Beginners 1p.m. to 3 p.m.:
Nominally 10-12 year olds, but older beginner riders (up to 14) or riders who are more comfortable in a less competitive group are also welcome. 8-10 year olds who can ride safely, listen to, and respond to instructions may be allowed to ride at the discretion of coaches. This session introduces youth riders to the fixed gear track bike, velodrome and riding etiquette, and basic skills and drills in a low-key, fun environment. More experienced junior riders and racers are often on hand to mentor the young riders. Young riders need to be tall enough to fit bikes (inseam 21 inches, height 56 inches).
Sunday Intermediate/Advanced 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.:
Nominally 13-18
year olds, but older beginner
riders may start with the
1pm beginner session then
continue into the later Intermediate
session, and more experienced
and faster 10-12 year olds
may be promoted to this group
at coaches and parents discretion.
This session is run more
like a workout and with more
focus on race typical situations.
Most of the riders already
have an understanding of
bike handling, velodrome
etiquette, drafting, riding
drills, and perhaps, racing
experience.
Things to Know: General Information
Weather:
Sessions will be cancelled if it is raining. If
in doubt about the weather contact Andrew Lanier
for the Tuesday session, 408-921-6971, or Rob
Jensen for the Sunday session, 408-391-0169.
Always call at least an hour ahead of time.
Verify
Session: Always check the calendar for
each date, as sometimes junior sessions are superseded
by other weekend events.
A
parent or guardian must
sign an annual release.
Release forms are available
at the track, or can be
downloaded. Riders sign
onto a check-in roster
each session they ride
(parental consent is not
required on the roster).
Riders must wear a bike
helmet at all times while
on the bike. Straps fit
snug under the chin and
it is best to adjust them
before going to the track.
Helmets can be provided.
Only fixed-gear bikes with
no brakes, and drop handlebars
are used. Bicycles are
provided (free) or bring
your own track bike. Arrive
15-20 minutes early for
bikes. We typically provide
and use pedals with toeclips,
or bring your own clipless
cycling pedals and shoes.
Clothing can be cycling
gear, or regular clothing
and shoes for exercise.
Shorts or tights are preferred
and gloves are recommended.
These can be cycling gloves,
but skateboard gear, batting
gloves, or anything that
protects the palms is helpful.
Bring water, snack, sunscreen,
and a jacket (the velodrome
is often windy and a bit
chilly). Bring a cooperative
attitude and a willingness
to have fun riding a track
bike!
Contact
The Junior programs are run by Rob Jensen of Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club, Andrew Lanier, Sr. of San Jose Bicycle Club, and NCVA Volunteer Glenn Kubacki.