sworobec
01-12-2004, 10:45 PM
Ah, the ever-so-wonderful Glen Helen, possibly the greatest nationals track ever, at least, from the view of a track newbie.
Located north of the 10 near the 15 and 215 junction, it's approximately 45 minutes north of Temecula. And while I won't go into the specific layout of the track itself, I will explain some of the positive aspects of the overall experience of riding there.
First off...the practice day is held on Thursday. It's ok, you can miss work to attend. The parking layout is held on a dirt field, appropriately enough, and there's plenty of room to park, and a few trees for shade. A bathroom is located there, though I don't recall a snack bar...but you're only gonna drink water while you're there, anyway.
Glen Helen actually consists of two tracks, one being the official nationals track, and the other being used for other series. The one problem with using the secondary track on practice day is that it seems they don't disc/grade it on practice day, so it's pretty dust and hard packed. They do however disc the nationals track, which is a big plus, especially if you're of the first few out there when traction is as abundant as the nitrogen in the air.
The design of both tracks is well suited to both professionals and beginners, as there are rarely...and I mean rarely, any doubles (they'll sometimes cut out a tabletop to make a set). Usually, the only thing you'll find are tabletops (all the way up to 120'), really elongated whoops, a mud straight, and a sand turn or two. If you are good enough to take the large jumps, go ahead and try, as not clearing a table top doesn't often result in a massive crash. On the nationals track there's one rhythm section, which consists of a series of short tabletop/stepup jumps, and you can take these by themselves or string it all together in order to get through the quickest.
Of course, being that it's practice day, certain sections of the track aren't open, such as some of the super-steep ascents, but that's no real loss considering the track is already quite long.
The environment, which might in fact be the most important aspect, is very friendly. If you crash and fall over, as I did...several zillion times, people will often stop behind you in order to ward off other riders until you get going again. You're also welcome to pull off to the side of the track at practically any section if you need a break for a few seconds...another plus for beginners.
And of course, you also have the reassuring presence of the medical team in case you explode your collar bone.
Yes...Glen Helen is wonderful, awesome and fun. Now go...GO!
Located north of the 10 near the 15 and 215 junction, it's approximately 45 minutes north of Temecula. And while I won't go into the specific layout of the track itself, I will explain some of the positive aspects of the overall experience of riding there.
First off...the practice day is held on Thursday. It's ok, you can miss work to attend. The parking layout is held on a dirt field, appropriately enough, and there's plenty of room to park, and a few trees for shade. A bathroom is located there, though I don't recall a snack bar...but you're only gonna drink water while you're there, anyway.
Glen Helen actually consists of two tracks, one being the official nationals track, and the other being used for other series. The one problem with using the secondary track on practice day is that it seems they don't disc/grade it on practice day, so it's pretty dust and hard packed. They do however disc the nationals track, which is a big plus, especially if you're of the first few out there when traction is as abundant as the nitrogen in the air.
The design of both tracks is well suited to both professionals and beginners, as there are rarely...and I mean rarely, any doubles (they'll sometimes cut out a tabletop to make a set). Usually, the only thing you'll find are tabletops (all the way up to 120'), really elongated whoops, a mud straight, and a sand turn or two. If you are good enough to take the large jumps, go ahead and try, as not clearing a table top doesn't often result in a massive crash. On the nationals track there's one rhythm section, which consists of a series of short tabletop/stepup jumps, and you can take these by themselves or string it all together in order to get through the quickest.
Of course, being that it's practice day, certain sections of the track aren't open, such as some of the super-steep ascents, but that's no real loss considering the track is already quite long.
The environment, which might in fact be the most important aspect, is very friendly. If you crash and fall over, as I did...several zillion times, people will often stop behind you in order to ward off other riders until you get going again. You're also welcome to pull off to the side of the track at practically any section if you need a break for a few seconds...another plus for beginners.
And of course, you also have the reassuring presence of the medical team in case you explode your collar bone.
Yes...Glen Helen is wonderful, awesome and fun. Now go...GO!