Forest City Velodrome - Track 1

Hey Team,

Just wanted to give you a quick update on the awesome day we had at the Forest City Velodrome right here in Ontario-2 hrs west of Toronto, 2 hrs east of Windsor. Les Feher, Randall Walker and I headed west on the 19th of December to try our hand at Fixed Gear cycling on a track bike at the velodrome. Lorne and the team got us used to the concept during the first part of our Track 1 session that was designed to get us used to riding a fixed gear bike; getting on and off the track and learning the ins and outs of riding on a velodrome. A little unnerving getting used to having no brakes and having the pedals in constant motion, so long as the wheels were turning. Once we had that down, we got onto the track surface, riding the apron first, then onto to the blue band or the Cote d'Azur. Once we could comfortably navigate the Cote d'Azur, we graduated to riding the black line.

Now the black line being at the very of the bottom of the track is no easier to ride than the top. The corners have the same slope at the top and bottom - at, I believe, 55 degrees and the straights are at 40. As long as you hold the speed, there are no issues.

After the initial session, we went directly into a series of skill development exercises-we practice moving up and down the track, riding with different hand positions and riding out of the saddle. In total, we rode the majority of 3 hrs for a fee of $20 plus $10 dollars for the bike rental. What a deal!!!

After the ride, we got a card that recognizes that we have completed Track 1. We were invited to come back for the next 2 months free of charge (including rental) to develop our skills. There is a small fee for insurance that we do have to pay for for the full calendar year. The team at FCV really is keen up safely and economically developing riders of all abilities. Sometimes when you step into an new arena, so to speak, you do not feel welcome. We felt welcome from the moment we entered-they have a great product. I encourage anyone to visit and try your hand at track cycling. I know we will be back, definitely beats riding a trainer for 3 hrs!

Look for a further update from Rob at Forest City Velodrome.

Darcy