[CR]My memories of Madison riding

(Example: Racing:Wayne Stetina)

From: <RDF1249@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 02:38:49 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]My memories of Madison riding

In a message dated 6/9/04 1:29:03 AM Pacific Daylight Time, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
> The retiring rider generally placed his left hand on the bars adjacent to
> >the stem (large movements would be the least noticed there), reach back
> with
> >his right to locate and throw his teammate into the fray by grabbing the
> >rider by the jamming tool. It took practice to produce a good straight
> >throw. When clear, retire above the "red" line. A typical Saturday night
> >series would end with a Madison. Very strategic to ride and fun to watch if
> >one knew the abilities of the participants, guessing when the exchanges
> >would take place was always entertaining.

The Marymoor Velodrome was my hangout in the years 1977-1981. The way we did it was, rather than reaching back, you came up behind your partner who was coming up to speed but still slower than you, and grabbed the jammer as you approached him, then kept on pedaling as you passed him, and as your arm came around behind you and straightened out, he would receive all your momentum, so he was propelled forward and you didn't have to exert any force to do it, just transfer your momentum to him. Still it was a hard race. Seems like that two-lap rest was over before you knew it. I give my wife a sling on the road now and again when she is least expecting it, and get yelled at pretty good every time.

Bob Freeman
Seattle