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 run on
the 2nd
and 4th Sundays of
the month, February 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
clips for 2008 Hellyer Junior
Track Championships or Jr.
Track State Championship
or Travis at Hellyer Velodrome,
or Mens 13-14 Points Race
Final.
Sunday Intermediate/Advanced 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.:
13-18
year olds and more experienced
and faster 10-12 year olds
may ride in this goup
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.
Sunday Beginners 3 p.m. to
5:30 p.m.:
This session is designed for
10-12 year olds, but older
beginner riders (up to 14)
or riders who are more comfortable
in a less competitive group
are 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).
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 championships or other weekend events.
Things
to Know: 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
may be chilly). Bring a cooperative
attitude and a willingness
to have fun riding a track
bike!
Contact
The Junior programs are run by Rob Jensen and Glenn Kubacki of Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club, and Andrew Lanier, Sr. of San Jose Bicycle Club.