watching the races at the velodrome
 

Duh, why didn't I think to invite you guys?

Aaron and I met at the Lehigh County (Pennsylvania) velodrome last night, with wives in tow. At the very last minute, I thought to invite Rob, since he lives so nearby, but he was attending a wedding.

If you haven't ever been to the races, you owe it to yourself. There aren't enough velodromes left, so if there's one near you, go! Aaron (in Philly) is an hour's drive away, and it's a 90 minute drive for us, in the NYC/NJ suburbs. Totally worth the gas, because admission tickets are a mere $8 per person. Eight dollars? That's just crazy.

Lots of short races, and you can see everything. Our wives aren't heavy into cycling, but they definitely had a lot of fun. It's impossible not to. The locals, who aren't necessarily bike nuts, enjoy it. We got to see the woman's world champion race. Her name is Elisa Frisoni. There was another terrific woman named Something Valenti. She was clearly experienced, as she chose her position in the pack very carefully, and it served her well.

There were some astonishingly good men, too, but I don't remember their names.

This velodrome has races every Tuesday and Friday night throughout the summer.

I also learned that the only thing I need to try to compete is a racing license. They rent bikes! Never mind that I'm not fast. It would be a hoot. Maybe I'll get points for hanging in there with the young folks at my age (50).

Heh - I did invite the usual suspects. It was a busy weekend.

I think her name was Jenn.

I have been talking about going there for years! I never seem to remember at the right time to make plans, I usually think about it on Monday and 'yes I'll go friday', then saturday its "OH rats I forgot" :(

maybe we should try and arrange something for Aug?

I don't think there's a Velodrome within hundreds of miles of me. I haven't looked lately, and I recall there being something about one in Charlotte, but I'm not sure.
Ah well. Sounds like tons of fun. I know my girlfriend, and probably my best friend would enjoy it.
-Gene-

I went to the Velodrome in Miami. They were not racing that day, but there were a few people practicing. And, yes, they did rent me a bike. $5 and 30 seconds instruction, and I was off. It was a blast! I did not have the legs to go for long. But, in short bursts, I got the full experience.

List of velodromes

Lehigh (Valley Preferred) is listed as a non-member.

And Kissena, in Queens, NY (New York City) isn't even listed!

So Gene, it's 270 miles from you. I'd say it's worth a weekend trip if you can spare the time and money!

We go most Thursday nights to our velodrome at the NSC in Blaine, Minnesota.

A couple of bucks or so gets you a seat on the bleachers.

Some of the best junior and amateur racing around.

I agree that it's well worth one's time.

Above someone mentioned Charlotte NC. It is not Charlotte it is Rock Hill SC 35 miles south of Charlotte. They are building one that is to open some time next year. Many will rent you a bike and you bring your own shoes and peddles. I am going to build a bike and try it out.
Ed

I don't see how the velodrome makes enough money to stay in business...they charge next to nothing, concessions are cheap, they don't hit you for parking and they're only operational for about 4 months.

It is an absolutely fantastic time btw.

I used to visit the Kissena Park Velodrome when I was in high school. It's a public outdoor track. Rode on it numerous times. But those days, it was neglected and was more like a banked typical Manhattan street, rutted and bumpy. ;)
The city invested some money into it years ago. They've really made it nice, and one should check it out if you're from NYC.

Just ride the Miss-N-Out at the back and get guys to finish behind you. At some point you will be caught by the devil but had fun doing so.

I live about five miles from that one, and I never paid it a visit until a couple of months ago while my wife and I were out riding our tandem. We watched a handful of cyclists on the main track and a large pack of inline skaters using the inner track. I might have to go and rent a bike on a quiet day, it does look like fun.

Ours is in a county park and has an adjacent skate park that's always busy!

St Louis has a velodrome...they call it Mr. Bumpy Face. Racing on Thursday nights. State championships Aug 20.

Wow, a velodrome 90 miles from me, I guessed it would be 1000.

I am about 10 miles from the 1984 Olympic velodrome at CSU Dominguez Hills. I've neither seen it nor been inside. :(

That's OK, Mike. You'll redeem yourself when you go.

I looked at the map, 32 miles from me. I will go for sure!!

You should probably be aware that the 1984 Olympic velodrome was torn down several years ago.

It was replaced, however, by a world-class 250 meter indoor board track, which holds frequent events and has programs to introduce newbies to track riding. It lacks the "home town" feel of the old track, but certainly is more polished and spectator-friendly.

Hmm, there is a 333m outdoor velodrome about 50 miles from me, not far from the Mall of New Hampshire: http://northeastvelo.com/

I try and ride at the Dick Lane Velodrome in East Point, Georgia whenever I have the chance. It is definitely a rush!

used to drive past the lehigh velo but never had a chance to go. Now I wish I had

I've ridden the velodrome at NYC's Flushing Meadow. I've also ridden at the track in Sepulveda Basin here in California. Both were in pretty bad shape (relative to what I was expecting) but both were quite smooth. I haven't been to an event as a spectator or competitor, though.

I honesty wish I coulda made it - if I had planned a bit better, I woulda. Next time for sure!

same here. glad youz guyz had fun.

I've been trying to get to the Northbrook, IL track all summer. Maybe this thursday I'll make it. I'm a short 7 miles from the track.

I raced there in my youth. Started on a Motobecane Grand Record that I put a borrowed set of track wheels on. Used a 1/8 inch chain on 3/32 chainring. It made a horrible racket and really ground up my chainring, but it got me into racing.