After our big championship race day last Saturday, this morning we were off to a smaller but as significant event this morning: the monthly Saturday Try-The-Track clinic. We had two new riders, one who rides fixed gear on the road and the other who had never ridden fix before. Neither had ridden a track or raced one. The first phase of a new rider clinic is to get everyone comfortable on a track bike.

On Saturday 02-Aug-2025 we held our first track championships under the auspices of New England Track Cycling. We finally ended up with three fields (THREE!): Men under 55, Women (!) and Men 55.and over. I imposed on one of our newer riders (though she's clearly and experienced and strong racer) to write up a race report for the day and she she ever deliver.

With the luck we’ve had this year with clinics I was glad to see a Saturday with no rain. The temps were predicted to run in the mid 70s and but the cloud cover would stay through the morning with little or no wind. The forecast was, for once, on spot and we got a nearly ideal morning for new riders.

The weather was (finally!) beautiful for racing this morning. Enough puffy clouds to keep us from too much sun, warm enough for shorts and jersey, very light wind. Maria swept the track and there wasn't much for the blower to clear even after the rain last night. Maria changes her chainring for today's racing Alan presided today and he had an unconventional program.

Spring held on right into Summer this year. With temps never rising into the 60s and winds that swirled on the track to provide what Mike called a "360 degree headwind", the conditions were challenging and would make solo efforts difficult. Altogether seven riders unpacked to race, most wearing jackets and tights, but determined to ride. Alan provided the program for the day, actually the plan for opening day a month ago, though that had been cancelled for weather.

Today we only had 5 riders. It's the Tuesday after a Monday holiday so a lot of people are starting the summer this week. The number of riders makes "mass start" a bit academic. To race, one has to man the lap counter and score, so only 4 on track, so we came up with another plan. All of us wanted to get in some laps, so we decided to do a couple drills and then see how we felt.