US Velodromes: A Dizzy Dozen
Though the number fluctuates—and what constitutes being open is open to discussion—the United States has 30 to 50 velodromes. Here's a baker's dozen of the most colorful and unusual.—Daniel Fineman and Eric Lyons
The Valley Preferred Cycling Center
Trexlertown, PA
The Valley Preferred Cycling Center, or "T-Town,” opened in 1975. Over the past 38 years, Valley Preferred has hosted multiple Olympic trials, World Cups, and National Championships along with countless other major races. Founded by the late cycling aficionado Bob Rodale (a former CEO of Bicycling's parent company), this one-time cornfield was turned into a home for cycling champions.
Alpenrose Velodrome
Gresham, OR
Built in 1962, this 268.43-meter, concrete oval hosted the 1967 national championships. Its banks are steeper than normal (around 43 degrees).
Info: obra.org/track
Asheville Mellowdrome
Asheville, NC
This 500-meter asphalt track is gently banked (about four to five degrees), and asymmetrical (each corner has a different radius and slope).
Info: ncsccyclingassoc.com
Baton Rouge Velodrome
Baton Rouge, LA
Built for a 1983 Olympic sports festival, this concrete oval also has a flat-track circuit.
Info: facebook.com/batonrougevelodrome
Brian Piccolo Park Velodrome
Cooper City, FL
This 333-meter concrete oval with 30-degree turns hosted the Russian national team’s training camp in January.
Info: broward.org/parks
Circulus
Portland, OR
This 132-foot wooden velodrome is all bank, and is owned by cycling company Portland Design Works. A lap can take less than five seconds.
Info: ridepdw.com
Dick Lane Velodrome
East Point, GA
Built in 1974 after some of the town’s residents visited the Munich Olympics, this 321.8-meter concrete track has an oak tree and a creek in the infield. There's a climb on the front straight, so turns one and two are three feet higher than turns three and four.
Info: dicklanevelodrome.com
Dorais Velodrome
Detroit
In 2010, a group of mowers cleared brush from this 250-meter concrete track, built in 1969. It’s now used for the Thunderdrome series of motor- and pedal-powered racing.
Info: thunderdrome.com
Ed Rudolph Velodrome
Northbrook, IL
This 382-meter track was originally made with oiled and compacted earth, then resurfaced with asphalt and concrete.
Info: northbrookvelodrome.org
Garden State Velodrome
Wall Township, NJ
This 400-meter asphalt track was built in 1950 and hosted the Olympic trials in the ’50s.
Info: gsvelodrome.com
Giordana Velodrome
Rock Hill, SC
This 250-meter concrete velodrome opened in 2012 as part of a complex that will also include BMX, cyclocross, mountain bike, and road courses.
Info: giordanavelodrome.com
Kissena Park Velodrome
Queens, NY
Near a wetland in Flushing, this 400-meter concrete track with 14-degree banks, built in 1963, has been called Big Bumpy thanks to its uneven surface.
Info: kissenavelodrome.info
Washington Park Velodrome
Kenosha, WI
In use since 1927, this 333-meter, asphalt track set in a natural bowl is the oldest operating velodrome in the United States.
Info: 333m.com
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