Schedules
BVC Scheduling Policy
The Burnaby Velodrome Club provides a diverse user base with programs, and access to the track. Because of this diversity of skill, fitness, experience and speed we expect all track users to excercise good judgement when using the track. The track is only available to the club for a relatively small number of hours each week. Our scheduling policy is built around all of these limitations and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.
We provide a mixture of programs throughout the day as well as open track time. Some of our programs are exclusive - where only a single user group can make use of the track during that time, and some of our programs are priority - where one group has a higher priority but other riders can use the track by coordinating with the instructor running the program. Please make an effort to read the monthly schedules, and speak with coaches, staff and other riders to understand the programs and how you can best make use of your time at the track along with your fellow athletes.
Schedules Overview
Open Track
When there are no organized workouts, instruction or other scheduled events track users are allowed to do their own workouts and drills within reason and subject to safety of other track users.
Normal track etiquette rules apply, ride tempo on the blue, leave the sprinters lane open for fast efforts and pass slow riders on the blue by going over them. When in doubt let the other users know what you are doing and if necessary ask them to stay on the blue while doing high speed efforts (e.g. flying 200’s). Safety is the number one priority.
N.B. Generally if there is a scheduled workout or coached session taking place you must either join that group or with the permission of the coach or instructor ride in a paceline.
Open Individual Fast Structured Training – Monday 9:15 PM, Saturday 7 PM
This session is for advanced skill, fast individualized training. There will be no coached workout at this time. Riders are advised to coordinate before commencing as to what each other is doing. Normal track etiquette rules apply, ride fast tempo (40+kph) on the blue, leave the sprinters lane open for fast efforts (50+kph) and pass slow riders on the blue by going over them. When in doubt let the other users know what you are doing and if necessary ask them to stay on the blue while doing high speed efforts (e.g. flying 200’s.) Safety is the number one priority.
Novice Coached Workout – Wednesday 8:00, Friday 9:00
This is a slower workout intended for new riders and those riders still in the later parts of the Intro to Track process to work on skills, gain endurance at tempo and introduce some short anaerobic drills. These typically last about 45 to 60 minutes with two or three rest intervals off the track.
N.B. At the discretion of the coach there may be a paceline on the track at the same time. The coach may limit the speed of the paceline depending on the number and abilities of the new riders also on the track.
Intermediate Coached Workout – Monday 8:00
This is a moderately fast workout intended for all riders with reasonable track skills. The pace varies from 33-45kph. The rest periods are done at an easy tempo pace with drills focussed on skills and moderate anaerobic intervals. These last between 45 and minutes and usually will have one or two off track rest periods.
N.B. At the discretion of the coach there may be a paceline on the track at the same time.
Advanced Coached Workout – Wednesday 6:30-7:45
This is a fast paced workout intended for intermediate and strong riders with good track skills. The pace varies from 35-48+kph and workout starts at 6:30 PM. The rest periods are done at an easy to moderate tempo pace on track with drills focussed on hard anaerobic intervals. These last between 45 and 60 minutes and may have one off track rest period. Generally there are between 25-35 riders participating in these workouts. Cool down runs between 7:30-7:45.
If number of riders permit there will be one paceline that will be allowed to ride a fast tempo on the blue line or imaginary line half way between the blue line and the rail.
Racing – Friday 6:30 PM
Track racing with four skill categories, A, B, C and Novice. The use of the track is restricted to racing only from 6:30 until approximately 8:45 PM. The Novice and C riders are limited to an 84” (47x15 or 50x16 most common combinations) gearing, the B riders to 86” (48x15 most common).
New track riders must take the Learn to Race clinic before riding in the Novice race. After a number of races (6 races in three nights) in the Novice category and at the discretion of the Race Director riders may then start racing in the C category.
Generally to progress from the C category to the B category (and from the B category to the A category) a rider should get about 50 points (roughly 5-10 top five finishes).
The Race Director has the final say on what categories any rider will ride in.
Intro to Track – Saturday 8:00 and various return times
The Intro to Track program is comprised on 4 individual track sessions. The first is booked at a set time and date on a Saturday night. This session lasts approximately 2 hrs. This initial session introduces the riders to the track, basic track riding skills and track etiquette.
The final three sessions focus on more advanced skills and drills and getting time on the track under the instructor supervision. These final three sessions are not booked and participants can show up as they please. The times for these remaining three sessions are Monday nights at 8 PM, Wednesday nights at 8 PM, Friday nights at 9 PM and Saturday nights at 8 PM. If in doubt please ask your instructor when would be best for you to come for return visits based on your skill level.
Intro to Race – Friday 9:00 (when scheduled)
This is an introduction to track racing. The instructor will outline the principals of track racing, the types of races, and allow the participants to try two or three short races.
Generally this is required before a rider can participate in the Friday racing program.