Re: [CR]Track racing and who's fastest

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To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 22:20:22 -0800
Subject: Re: [CR]Track racing and who's fastest
From: Mark A. Perkins <bicyclemark@juno.com>


John:

Well put! I tried criteriums, and I placed, won, and lost. I tried road racing, and mostly chased the pack. But when I found my way to the velodrome, I found my place. I will say it again, there is no purer form of bike racing.

Although I wasn't the greatest, not even a district championship contender. Over a two year period, from mid- '76 to mid- '78 approximately, I participated in every track event the San Jose Bicycle Club (S.J.B.C. - I was a member) would allow me to enter. I even won and placed in several mass start events. Even pulled of a 14 sec. flat, flying 200 meters, only one time, and one day, and couldn't match it again.

We didn't do much individual start events because they took too much time, and mass start events allow more riders to share the track. A "Miss-'n-out" is a darn tough race to ride, 25 laps, a sprint every other lap. That's only about 6-miles, but half of the time is spent sprinting, and when it was over all I wanted to do is lay down and try to get my breath back. If eliminated early it would be less, but to win you must get across the line before all but one rider, every time. Points races are more fun, especially if you keep track of who has won points, and try not to let anyone get more than you. In a 25 lap points race there would be a sprint every 5 laps, for 5, 3, 2, 1 points for 1st thru 4th respectively. Oh yea, double points for the third and final sprints keeps it interesting. Still a lot of work for only 6 miles. Near the end of my time in San Jose, I had the pleasure of lapping the field, with the help of another rider who won all of the 2nd place sprints. It only happened once, but it was one of the greatest feelings I have ever had.

I was good enough that Gary Klein gave me (to use) the first frame he had made, a track frame, to use my components on, and ride on the San Jose velodrome. All you had to do was think 'go faster' and it did. If I remember correctly it weighed 14 or 14 1/2 pounds (in '77 that was seriously light). I rode it for a while, but I knew I wouldn't be joining any teams, or going to "the Districts", and I was already making plans to make a move, so I gave it back and suggested that he offer the frame to the S.J.B.C. and let one of their Juniors ride it. He did that, and I have photos of Chris Springer winning sprints on it. He (Chris) would be behind everyone entering the final curve before the finish line, but would be at the front by the time they got to the line.

Oddly enough, my '73 (that's the year I bought it - it could actually be a '72 for all I really know) Bob Jackson, full chrome track bike, has been with me longer than any of the bicycles I own. Every bike I owned before that is long gone. Now I own 5 track bikes: Cinelli, Schwinn Paramount (Wastyn), BSA Gold Column, a cheap J.C. Higgins (24"-whl.), and my Bob Jackson. Now, in my early 50's, I can still ride with the locals, but I have neither the ambition nor the time for the kind of miles it takes to ride on the track and still be competitive.

Like I said, I wasn't a championship contender, but I had the most fun I could have on that track.

Incidentally, the first few times I rode on the S.J. (Hellyer Park) velodrome were on asphalt. At the end of that season, '76, they tore out the asphalt and put concrete down. Since I lived only 2-miles from the track, I would go by to see if it was open yet, almost every day. One day, Don Peterson and Ed Steffani were there to check it out too, but didn't bring a bike. I had mine in the pickup, and gladly volunteered it for use in trying the new surface. We all took turns, and now I can honestly claim that my chrome Bob Jackson track bike was the very first track bike to roll on that brand new concrete surface at the Hellyer Park Velodrome. I'm not sure if Mr. Steffani is with us anymore, I know Don P. passed away a few years back, so I am the only person who remembers that day. It's the truth though.

Cheers everyone!

"Bicycle Mark" Perkins Fresno Cycling Club - Historian Fresno, California, U.S.A.

On Sun, 16 Mar 2003 23:48:44 -0500 "John Pergolizzi" <jtperry@worldnet.att.net> writes:
> Steve Barner wrote (snip):
> "Most track racing isn't about who is the fastest, anyway. It's who uses the most
> effective tactics."
>
> "Sorry Steve, your wrong on that one. For sure tactics matter. And
> lots. But it is all about who's fastest(and who is the most fit for the
> distance of the event. That will get "hidden" in mass start track events,
> even match sprints to an extent, but any of the individual events(which also
> have tactics) are a clearer window as to who's fastest. Kilo, pursuit, hour
> record; still allot of tactics (especially in terms of a time table), but
> easier to see who's fastest.
> Certainly, the match sprint involves tremendous tactics. Yet the event
> is the quintessential test of "fastest". Even if we debate the definition
> of "fastest": top leg speed or highest rpm over 200 meters(timed portion of
> the match sprint) or amount of time for the distance (sub 11's a must for
> topworld class today) or all of the above in one, it still comes down to
> whoever and however that individual got over the line first. Generally,
> that is the one specific and final measurement of "fastest".
> That is the true beauty of track racing: you get to see all the tactics
> and who's fastest.
> Ain't noth'n like the sound of a one inch pitch 24x9 at a constant 90 to
> 110 rpm on a 6:30 a.m. spring morning in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York.
> I spent many a day enjoying that pleasure. Oh yea, no breaks on any of
> those 50 mile days either. Mostly on an old black Frejus. Great road
> training track bike; a little laid back on the angles. A little softer on
> the kidneys and the ass.
> Steve,it's all about who's fastest. That's all that matters. Just ask
> any trackie.
>
> enjoy and be well,
> John T.Pergolizzi
> LaJolla ,Ca.
>
> ________________________
>
>

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