If you feel the need, the NEED for SPEED, track racing may be for you! Velodrome racing is among the most exciting bicycle racing around, for both riders and spectators. Riders speed in excess of 30 mph in points races, stand still ("track stand") during one on one match sprints, and throw each other around in Madisons! Track racing can be very physical, with riders going shoulder to shoulder in full sprints to the finish! This makes for exciting and spectator-friendly racing, because everyone can see all of the action.

And, by the way, there are NO BRAKES!

In jrsOnTrack, the Blue Line is where I've included information for beginners and those interested in learning more about track racing. If you're ready for more details about Track Racing, check out the Sprinter's Lane.

Already a trackie? You may want to go to the Infield for additional links, including bike shops and race results.

Getting started in track racing

As it turns out, it's really not that hard! Most tracks offer beginning track programs (for juniors and adults), and it's common for tracks to provide rental bikes to beginners. In many cities, the Amateur Athletic Foundation (AAF) sponsors free programs for kids. These programs commonly teach track safety, bike handling skills, and offer training on racing and techniques. Just check with a velodrome nearest you:

Locations of velodromes:

Olympic Velodrome (the Official site) Carson, California (on the campus of CSU Dominquez Hills).
The Unofficial Olympic Velodrome Site that includes racing times & schedules (informative); The City of Carson also has a historical (1984 LA Olympics) site.
Encino Velodrome - Encino, California (at Mike Gladu's "the 'drome" site)
San Diego Velodrome - San Diego, California
Hellyer Velodrome - San Jose, California
U.S. Olympic Training Center Velodrome (7-Eleven) - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Brian Piccolo Velodrome - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Centennial Olympic Velodrome - Originally used in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, coming someday to Disneys' Wide World of Sports Park in Florida
Northbrook Velodrome - Northbrook, Illinois
Major Taylor Velodrome - Indianapolis, Indiana
Baton Rouge Velodrome - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
National Sports Center Velodrome - Blaine, Minnesota
Vandedrome - Glen Spey, New York (PORTABLE - will move this summer)
Kissena Velodrome - Queens, NYC, New York
Alpenrose Velodrome - Portland, Oregon
Lehigh Valley Velodrome - Trexlertown, Pennsylvania. T-Town!
EDS Superdrome - Frisco (near Dallas), Texas
Alkek Velodrome - Houston, Texas
Marymoor Velodrome - Redmond, Washington
Kenosha Velodrome - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Find out more about track racing at:

A.T.R.A. - The American Track Racing Association
EDS's FAQ's - Complete information on Velodromes
FAQ's from Durer Shomer
No Brakes!Sandy Sutherland's book on U.S. track racing
the 'drome Mike Gladu's extensive site - check often for results!

NEXT: The Sprinter's Lane - still interested? learn more about track racing!