We left Toronto early on Saturday morning, Dave (who organized the trip) barely able to contain his excitement. Unfortunately the nearest velodrome is in London, Ontario, 2 hours drive from here. Though maybe we're lucky as the Forest City Velodrome is one of only 3 covered velodromes in North America.
It's built inside a former hockey arena, and looks rather like a large wooden boat from the bleachers. It's the smallest track in the world at 136m but that only means that the banked curves are that much more steep. Fifty degrees in fact... you need to have your speed to stick to the track or risk slipping down to the bottom.
We took the entry-level
After a couple hours, the track opens up for a recreational ride and the people who really know what they're doing join. The instructors hopped on their bikes and put everyone who took the class to shame. It's quite something to be shown up by people close to twice your age... bicycling must be the fountain of youth.
It's fun! Leaving, I was ready to go straight out to buy skin tight clothing and a track bike of my own.
Also see velodrome the movie
marked: | bicycles |
posted: January 24 2009 02:34:01.