Junior-Specific Track Riding Sessions
Juniors (ages under 18) can ride the track for free and get free use of the fixed gear rental bikes for training. (The Santa Clara County Parks Dept. charges a $6 vehicle entrance fee to get into the park). Parents/Guardians must sign a release annually on behalf of minors who use the track.
With signed parental release, juniors can ride the track in any session whose purpose is matched to their skill level. Additionally, there are two regularly scheduled programs, with very different goals and functions for young cyclists:
- Every Tuesday afternoon, a program for juniors 14-18 and espoirs (seniors 19-22),
- On alternating Sunday
afternoons, a Beginner
/ Intermediate program
for juniors 10-15.
Andrew
Lanier runs the original
Junior Development Track
Program session on Tuesday
afternoons, nominally 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. Here is the
current description of the
program:
Junior/Espoirs Development Program
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
Check the Calendar and call to confirm, prior to the session! Parents/Guardians must sign a release annually on behalf of minors who use the track.
SEMI-WEEKLY
PROGRAM FOR AGES 10-15:
This program is designed
to provide an introduction
to track cycling, as well
as training opportunities
for riders too young or inexperienced
for the Tuesday program.
Everyone from complete beginners
to competitive racers are
welcome.
The program's
priorities are for
each rider to:
1. Learn track etiquette
so they can ride safely with
others on the track.
2. Learn the physical skills
they need to ride safely.
3. Have fun.
4. Practice the sort of drills
used in more advanced racing
programs.
5. Learn the rules of the
various types of races they
will run into at Hellyer
and at state and national
championships.
6. Get fast.
This program
may attract a wide range of
riders with very different
goals. Priority will be given
to those who are enthusiastic
about track riding, but who
still need to work on the basics.
Of course we will try to be
flexible so that everyone has
fun and gets a good workout.
Each session will include some
verbal instruction, skills
work, group riding and individual
efforts. We'll have some mock
races if there are enough riders
of similar abilities. Every
rider who is motivated to progress
will leave this program ready
to join more advanced training
programs and start racing (subject
to the usual requirements).
Bicycles are provided. There
will probably be enough to
go around, but if there are
too many riders of the same
size they may have to share
bikes. Of course you can bring
your own track bike if you
have one. Only fixed-gear bikes
with no brakes are allowed.
When: from
2 to 5 p.m., 1st
and 3rd Sundays from
the beginning of
March to the end
of October. Rain
cancels.
Who:
If you can ride
a road bike and
are between 10
and 15, you are
welcome.
Where: Hellyer
Park Velodrome,
San Jose
Cost: Parking
at Hellyer County
park is $6, but
the program is
free, including
bike rental.
Weather: The
session will be
canceled if it
is raining.
Requirements:
- A waiver form must be signed by your parent or guardian before your first session.
- You must bring a bike helmet. Helmets must be worn any time you are on the bike - even if it’s not rolling.
- At the track we have standard pedals available, and they work fine with ordinary shoes. If you ride clipless pedals, bring them along.
- A cooperative attitude.
- Willingness to have fun
riding a track bike.
Weather: The session will be canceled if it is raining. If in doubt, contact Andrew Lanier, 408-921-6971, an hour or more ahead.
Contact: The program is run by Rob Jensen and Steven Woo of Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club and Andrew Lanier, Sr. of San Jose Bicycle club.