Tales from the track

My last race of the season had to be the Dave Creasy Memorial Six at the Herne Hill Velodrome. Dave Creasy was my first cycling coach many moons ago and I thought that it would be fun to take part in a meeting dedicated to his memory. The event was very well organised by John Scripps and his team.

Entering the Velodrome is a step back in time for a multitude of reasons. I had two of my children with me and they pointed out that the track had been used for the 1948 Olympics. Well spotted! We set ourselves up in the shade away from the other competitors, me with my rollers and the two of them with their tent, mountain bikes, drinks and sandwiches. Every now and again mum would disappear to race. "Did you see me race at all?" I enquired later. " Oh yes, you did quite well in the devil," they replied knowledgeably.

The race programme was excellent. Loads of events for youth riders, senior riders, madison pairs and a womens' omnium. The standard of riding was high and in the womens' events I was able to keep up with the top riders but I could not get past them with my current fitness and speed. There were about twenty of us, so finishing in the top half was respectable.

I loved the racing and would really encourage my pink sisters to try track. It is beautiful in its simplicity! I'm secretly trying to encourage my children , too. They are happy to ride my track bike around the house but prefer the mountain bike trails over at Herne Hill.

Racing complete, I packed everyone back into the car. Two children, covered in dust. Two mountain bikes, a puncture apiece. One child with a nasty wound to her elbow, coming off worst against her brother. Track bike and rider, still in one piece!

Vikki