Track Sessions
Herne Hill runs a variety of weekly sessions throughout the season. For 2010, for the first time, sessions have been rated and colour co-ordinated into 4 categories:
Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Youth Only.
Booking is not required for any of the public sessions though it had been known for sessions to fill up, so if possible arrive early.
You don’t need to be a member of any club or association to ride the majority of the weekly sessions. The exceptions are the Wednesday Night Track League (and other racing) and Thursday Night Derny Training, for which you need to hold British Cycling silver membership.
Being an outdoor velodrome, Herne Hill track sessions can only run in dry weather. The track becomes too slippery to ride when wet. During the summer it can dry very quickly so don’t be put off by a light shower on a hot day. The track closes from the beginning of November and end of Feburary every year, however the offroad circuit remains usable all year round.
See the Whats on page for a full calendar, list and description of all the racing and training sessions, for 2010. Below is a brief guide to the Weekly Sessions at Herne Hill.
The first time you come to Herne Hill Velodrome you should take part in an induction session. These will teach you all the basics of track riding. An induction is required even if you are a competent cyclist, as track riding involves etiquette and skills not found in other areas of cycling.
All sessions (excluding the Tuesday Night Road Bike session) take place on fixed wheel track bikes. See the Bikes page for more details of what to ride and the Clothing page for what to wear.
Also, for all sessions (excluding the Tuesday Night Road Bike session), please sign on at the tables by the track gate by the home straight of the track.
The cafe, serving refreshments and hot & cold food is open on Saturday mornings and for race meetings.
New, and less regular sessions will be announced soon, and throughout the year, so keep checking our front page, or subscribe to our RSS feed.
Weekly Sessions
All sessions
Novice / Basic
This is the place to start if you are a novice or a rider looking for an easier workout. These sessions will work on all the basics of track riding, both on your own and in a group. The pace is not too strenuous so these sessions are also ideal if you just want to do some non-competitive riding.
If you are unsure of your level its always best to start in this session and see how you get on.
Riders wishing to move up to intermediate should ask the lead coach prior to riding in a basic training session so they can be assessed for approval.
Novice Inductions
Novice level inductions cover all the basics of track riding and only assume a basic competent level of cycling skill. Please note: Saturday induction sessions are for adult riders only, children under 16 should arrive at 0900 for an induction during the youth only session.
Intermediate
These sessions are the place to hone your skills and speed. Intermediate sessions will be faster than novice sessions and will work on a more varied range of skills. These sessions are designed to prepare riders to be able to compete in local level track races such as the Wednesday Night Track League.
Intermediate Inductions
Between May and August an intermediate level induction is offered just before the Monday Night Race Training session. These inductions are intended for riders who already have a fair level of fitness and bike skill, but who are unfamiliar with track riding, for example; riders coming from other disciplines of cycling (road, MTB etc)
Advanced
These are the sessions to do if you want to be competing at regional and even national level events. Advanced sessions are physically hard work and will also introduce the more complex skills and techniques of track racing. If you are unsure weather you are skilled or fit enough for the advanced sessions, please try an intermediate session first and ask a coach’s opinion.
Youth Only
Self explanatory, these sessions are only for riders aged under 16. We have bikes that will fit an average 7 year old. They must be capable of riding on their own, unassisted in a safe manner (ie without weaving) and able to follow simple instructions.
Older youth riders may also be allowed to ride in other sessions, but this is down to the coach’s discretion, so please inquire first.
Youth Inductions
Casual inductions are available during all youth sessions
Monthly Women’s sessions
Womens only training and induction sessions are now held on the 2nd Sunday of each month, 4pm till 6pm but please check our calendar to confirm.
Prices
Please scroll down.
| Day | Session | Time | Price | Age Category | |
| Saturday | Youth Induction & Training | 0900-1000 | £2.00 | 8—16 | |
| Intermediate Training | 1000-1200 | £6.00 | Adult (over 16) | ||
| £2.00 | Youth (14– 16) | ||||
| Induction | 1200-1245 | £6.00 | Adult (over 16) | ||
| Basic Training | 1245-1400 | £5.00 | Adult (over 16) | (free with induction) |
| Sunday | Advanced Training | 0900-1200 | £6.00 | Adult (over 18) | |
| £2.00 | Youth (16-18) | ||||
| Women Only Training (monthly) | 1600-1800 | £6.00 | Adult (over 18) | 2nd Sunday of every month | |
| £2.00 | Youth (14-18) |
| Monday | Intermediate Induction | 1830-1900 | £6.00 | Adult (over 16) | (Experienced riders) |
| Race training | 1900-2100 | £6.00 | Adult (over 16) | ||
| £2.00 | Youth (8-16) |
| Tuesday | Road Bike training | 1800-2100 | £6.00 | Adult (over 18) |
| £2.00 | Youth (8-16) |
| Thursday | Derny training | 1900-2100 | £8.00 | Adult (over 18) | Price includes £1 fuel levy. British Cycling membership required. |
| £4.00 | Youth (14 – 18) |
| Friday | Youth Only | ||||
| Own bikes | 1630-1700 | Free | 8—12 | ||
| Induction & Training | 1700-1800 | £3.00 | 8—12 | Non VCL Club Members | |
| £2.00 | 8—12 | VCL Members | |||
| Race training | 1800-2000 | £3.00 | 10—18 | Non VCL Club Members | |
| £2.00 | 10—18 | VCL Members |
Booking Private Sessions
If none of the public weekly sessions meet your needs you can book a private session. We also recommend booking a private session if you are intending on attending one of our public sessions in a group of of around 5 of over. Private sessions are run specifically to the groups needs and desires and gives each rider a chance for more individual feedback than a public session may.
Sessions for up to 15 people at any level can be booked from £50 (weekdays) or £65 (evenings and weekends) per hour. This includes a British Cycling qualified coach to run the session, and use of our hire bikes an helmets. Larger group sizes, school/work groups and other functions are happily accepted.
Please contact bookings@hernehillvelodrome.com for enquirers.
