Yesterday afternoon I went to Packer Park to watch the racing on a warm afternoon. It was pretty good weather and a light breeze up until about the last race when the wind got stronger and it got quite warm. To be honest as a rider over 60 years I raced in warmer conditions on that track than yesterday. Graham Fryer and Mick Hollingworth set up and ran a very good program with about 30 young riders. Parents assisted as needed and the program kept moving.
Being old school rider to me track is a vital part of development of young cyclists whether they go on to be champions or good average riders. I saw one young rider make an indiscretion and Mick spoke quitely to that young rider after the race finished. Carnegie continues to develop riders to their potential and I assure everyone in the kids I saw race yesterday there are more young riders that will move up the ranks in times ahead.
From time to time people moan to me that track is not what it once was. To be honest I probably saw more track back then than they did and certainly see a lot more today than those who make ( old mens comments ) to me these days. The whole structure of the sport is global these days with track and road intergrated into the same seasons in most part. There were many good track riders when I was young and there are many now but obligations these days don’t lend itself to going to “the boards”every Saturday night in summer then just riding domestic road in our winters.
Graham and the Committee are right on the money in its focus on development of club members and that is why CCCC continues to produce State, Australian and World Class riders.
Enjoyed yesterday, lights look great and will be very useful in training etc. Track surface is in good condition with a little work to be done on the duck board near finish line, underway. Carnegie may not have a club room where we can all sit and drink tea but it’s track, lighting and bike storage etc put’s us up with the best facilities you would find anywhere. In fact I know friends in the USA who would give there right arm to have the CCCC set up.
Have a good week all, keep safe.
well said, there was a few more riders the previous week, but numbers will always be up and down. Agree that track is an important of racing, and learning tactics and race craft. The club has long waiting lists to get into the JDP program, so it is alive and well. Any support from parents to help adjudicate the riders as they cross the line will be appreciated.
Thanks again for your supportive comments Mike. The coaches and parents do a great job with the kids, – and this week’s presentation to the Club by one of our overseas stars – Simon Clarke – highlights your comments – Simon started out on the track and has gone on to be a wordclass roadie. Great that you took the time to come down and watch – it makes for a great afternoon’s free entertainment doesn’t it? More should join us as spectators (then maybe as competitors….)
Cheers
Graham