For those unfamiliar with Grass Track a brief summary ~ It is very similar to velodrome track racing, fixed wheel bikes, no brakes, oval circuit, in our case about 220 metres, set out on a flat grass field. Bikes are fitted with treaded tyres and low gears to cope with the terrain and the racing is fast and furious, generally over short distances. It is a branch of the sport that goes back generations and has a big history particularly ‘oop north’ and in Scotland where it still features in Highland Games events. It still has a hard core following nationally and is favoured by many clubs for the development of youth riders.
Typically meetings feature a mixture of sprint events over 400 and 800 metres, as well as ‘Devils’ (elimination races), points races and handicaps as well as a distance race, normally 8k. The youngsters compete in age groups and often there are ‘freewheel’ races for those young riders new to the sport. Our meeting this year will comprise a round of the National Distance League and will be the National 800 metre Championship event, thus ensuring entries from the best grass track riders in the country, as well as regional riders. In past years our entries have included Victoria Pendleton, Laura and Emma Trott, Russell and Dean Downing and many other well-known names, not to mention a handful of our own club riders.
It is a great spectator sport, easy to follow and with many races following each other through the afternoon. It’s also great fun to compete in, although I wouldn’t recommend our event to anyone wanting to make their debut, other than youngsters in the freewheel section which is suitable for competitive youngsters from 8-16 years on suitable bikes. Please ask at Go Ride for advice on this if interested.
So, come and see what Grass Track is all about and bring the family for a great afternoon of sporting action.
