I skated on a parabolic track for the first time today. A couple of days ago, we visited the Slagelse track. What I did not mention was the parabolic track that is nestled inside the flat track. It is paved in concrete and not the most grippy surface. The wheels of choice is MPC Road War which I found out a few months ago from coach Sooty. Of course I placed my order with Asphalt Beach long ago and had my wheels ready for this trip. On a good day, I’m already uncomfortable skating on track. I don’t need the added stress of skating on slippery wheel on top of everything else.
While half of the camp participants worked on technique on the flat track, the other half skated on the parabolic track. We began with 10 minutes of paceline warm up and I had trouble learning when and how to go up the banking to make use of the track without losing balance. It felt awkward crossing over on a curved surface.
I have little expectations skating on a parabolic track. I mostly did the drills at my own pace far from the pack to stay out of people’s way. It was useful when coach Sooty walked us through the track explaining the lines. When to step up, when to crossover, where the apex ought to be, and how to drift back up the banking to make the most efficient use of the track. Skating only the corners was a useful drill to put this into practice.
We also went over the lines for skating at top speed, hugging the top of the banking. The pack gradually built up to top speed over three laps of skating. Crossing over with light feet is even more important than on a flat track.
We concluded practice with a couple sets of fighting for second place. It was mainly designed for comfort passing within the pack. I tagged along at the back just learning to relax, stay low, and don’t fight the track. By the end, despite the extra stress track skating put on the muscle, I did enjoy a few moments when I skated the right line and things seemed to fall into place. I doubt a parabolic track would make me fall in love with track skating but it was a good learning experience nonetheless.
Unfortunately, there were a number of crashes involving multiple skaters. It was difficult to have a mix of skaters with various experience skating on parabolic track. Some injuries are more serious than others. I hope it would be a speed recovery for all who took a fall.
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