The laziness is curtailed by this evening’s Track Session at
the velodrome on my new bike. First I have to ‘treat’ the tyres. Whatever that
means. The internet recommends wiping them with wine vinegar or using sandpaper.
Apparently this removes the oils associated with the manufacturing of the tyres
which would normally be removed by cycling on the road. The wooden boards of the
velodrome wouldn’t have chance to do this before you ended up in a heap at the bottom of the banking. I try both methods to be on the safe side.
The good news is my ‘treating’ works and I stick to the
wood. The only downside is that the bike smells strongly of vinegar. The upside is that the higher gearing of the bike gives me the extra oomph I require
and I even come second in the Elimination Race. I’m a bit gutted with second
actually as I thought I got my tactics spot on for once.
The new bike does also creak
a bit. Either that’s ‘cheap’ bikes for you or perhaps it just needs breaking in
like a new pony and will improve with age.
L runs the 13k to the velodrome and afterwards we go for a couple of
drinks in the Harrington with my Dad before the now traditional Sunday night Indian
takeaway from the Park Tandoori.
(Sunday 21st February)
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