pathdoc

I was wondering how many of you are able to get to a velodrome that is near you city.

I just realized there is a very nice velodrome minutes from my home.

Any of you doing any track riding?

nme

So are you a velodrome shill now!?!?! Just kidding

I have a velodrome 5 mins from my house.I am a little unsure of going. I have a jamie roy which doesnt have the trackiest geometry and dont want to be snickerd at by all the guys with there carbon track frames and teams of mechannics. Whats the attitude like usually at said velodromes towards people such as myself?

spud

no velodromes near DC

pathdoc

That kind of worries me too.
I'm going today for the first time just to take a look around.

schloe mo

yes and yes.
https://www.northbrookvelodrome.org/

drbianchi

Across the lake in Redmond. Probably 10 miles away.

schloe mo

don't worry about it. just ride and have fun. most tracks have beginners days, clinics and such.
most velodromes are happy to have people interested in the sport, so you will most likely be welcomed.

if you get some 'tude, **** 'em.

pathdoc

I'm really excited by the thought of getting on a track but I'm so worried I'd do something dumb.

djbowen1

I have kissena within 15 min

nme

Yeah thats the thing. Everyone i see go into the velodrome is in full spandex track gear with a bike worth a few grand etc etc. But its also pretty dead alot of the time. I also like doc wanna make sure i know atleast kind of what im doing

schloe mo

again, don't overthink it. really, it's just riding a bike.. you will pick up etiquette
and technique if you just look around a bit.

start with this excellent article Track Racing 101, go to the track, wear your jeans or whatever, and have fun. Most likely the guy in full spandex will be cool. Plus, you will learn a lot just by watching and asking questions.

No_Minkah

It seems like it depends on the track- ours is chill most of the time, really just a public park with a velodrome in it (which is soooo cool by the way, FEEL THE ILLINOISE!), but others are more snooty. Seems regional, too- places where serious tracksters tend to live- Florida, California- might have tougher rules.

hellbent

the velodrome is more welcoming than the dudes on these forums, most of the time. i just started at the alpenrose velodrome here in portland. 43degree banks on the corners !!

nme

yeah Here the velodrome is in a public park and probably not snooty. Ill probably check it out pretty soon.

schloe mo

I visited the Brian Piccolo 'drome in Southern FLA. (thanks Matthew Brown for the tip!) and talked to a trainer who was working with a serious trackie. This trainer was so nice and offering suggestions, asking what the racing scene was like in Chicago, etc. He also expressed worry over the lack of interest in Velo racing as a whole in the U.S.

In short, the more the merrier!

ImOnCrank

Hell yeah, Herne Hill a 20-30min ride away and Kissena back in nyc. Both not too banked and damned near ******less. Just go man, people on a track are great and just tend to be happy that there are other people to ride with. It's a damned good time as well.

fordfasterr

5 minutes away ! !! DAMN YOU ARE LUCKY ! (Mine is 15 minutes away... LOL).

Don't be unsure, just GO !! TRY IT ! HAVE FUN !

The bike itself is not as important as just going and trying it out. I have seen tons of people with road geometry bikes on the track (like mine lol.. damn ebay bike!)... but you will learn quickly that it is not the bike that makes the biggest difference... its mostly the rider and the will to have fun.

You have to wear a helmet at most tracks, you should bring some basic gear with you like an air pump and some allen wrenches to make adjustments..

Just go and do it.

nme

Thats the drome the brian picollo park one.

fixedpip

Most (though not all) velodromes will have beginner sessions and rental bikes. The sessions are generally very open and a lot of fun. The rental bikes can be anything from conversions to Don Walkers.

The instructors are there to ensure you're safe as well as pass on track skills. Sure, you're nervous at first but so are 90% of the other beginners and we've all got to start somewhere.

When I finally made it down to Hellyer in San Jose, I was reet mad at myself for not getting down there sooner. Love velodrome riding and I think its made me a better rider.

pathdoc

I am very fortunate. Don Walker is building a track bike for me and I'm meeting him today to get the frame sizing squared away. Thanks for you encouragement.

evanyc

i was planning on riding kissena for the first time tonight, but it looks like it's gonna rain all day

pathdoc

I've dreamed about riding in a velodrome for over 20 years. I guess I thought I was just too damned old. LOL.

fordfasterr

I was there last night for practice.

Next thursday are state championship persuit races and open races.

I will be participating in the open races. Why don't you come out and see what its like. I don't suggest that you bring your bike on the track for the first time to a championship event... but you can go any other day of the week to practice all you want. A track pass is $ 3 for the ENTIRE DAY. !!!

The race starts at 7:30 pm next thursday. I suggest you show up around 7 pm to meet up and talk a bit. (PS. it is free to enter the track to observe anytime and any day. there is also a food shop there where they sell hot dogs and pizza and other assorted junk food and slurpies... )

nme

So i can just bring my helmet and my bike and ride?


Edit: Its a iro jamie roy and doesnt have brakes.

nme

Also if youre at all into road riding. Do you know any nice places around here to cycle? Im pretty new to cycling and looking for some nice places to ride.