A Guide to Thursday Evening at Sundorne Track
Throughout the year the club runs a weekly coached training session on a Thursday evening.
It's a good opportunity to do some good quality training whilst improving your bike handling skills and all in a traffic free environment.
If you are thinking about riding any road races then this training session is essential to introduce you to riding at speed in a close group.
What happens?
The session starts at 7.00pm and lasts for an hour.
There is plenty of car parking on site.
Often the side gate is open to allow you to get down to the track. If not walk you bike through reception to access the track. You must not ride your bike within the building.
You sign on and pay a fee of £2.00. £1.00 for juniors.
The session is run by one of the club's British Cycling qualified coaches.
There are often around 30 riders who are split into groups of different ability.
After a warm up training may take the form of for example riding in a group doing "through and off" (ie drafting or slipstreaming like in the peloton); sprint training; timed laps etc.
The session usually ends with a group race over a set number of laps before a warm down.
Club members often go to the Café at the Sports village afterwards.
Where does it happen?
At Shrewsbury Sports Village at Sundorne on the purpose built 1km closed cycling circuit ( website).
When do they take place?
Every Thursday night at 7.00pm - unless the track is being used for racing.
During the winter months the track is floodlit.
Who takes part?
We often have around 30 riders or more. Riders are of all ages (11-70 or more!), both sexes and all abilities.
What sort of bike is used?
You can ride on any roadworthy bike -but ideally you should use a road bike ie thin wheels and dropped handlebars.
Mountain bikes with big heavy tyres and a not aerodynamic "sit up and beg position" will sap your energy and slow you down.
Tri bars are not allowed for safety reasons - as you can't steer or brake quickly in a group.
How fit do I need to be?
Not especially. Just try it. You can always stop for a rest and join back in.
Rules and regulations
Unless you are trying a first session you must be a member of a cycling club. So if you try your first one and want to ride more please join the club.
The event is run under the rules of British Cycling and the session is insured under the British Cycling scheme.
Helmets are compulsory. No Helmet = No Ride.
Safety (very important)
Even though you are riding on a closed circuit you will be riding fast in close contact with other riders and so please be careful and considerate. This is training - not racing!
Wearing track mitts is highly recommended as it will protect your hands if you should come off.
The course has one fairly tight corner and you do need to slow down for this one. However after a number of laps you will get the hang of it.
Always watch out for faster riders or groups and keep to the left to let them pass.
