I know that a number of list members reside in the Washington, DC area, in or near Arlington County. Currently, there is a group trying to convince the Arlington Parks Department to build a velodrome on one of the last undeveloped, publicly owned parcels of property owned by the County. There will be an hearing and an "open house" at the County court house this coming Saturday to discuss the proposal. (Please see below.)
The idea is to build a track in a public park, with dimensions akin to the Kissena velodrome in New York or Herne Hill in London. Therefore the track would not be that steeply banked, so it would be a great place for riding your classic track bikes and fixed-gear machines.
Such a track would be available for non-competative riding as well as racing. But believe me, there are few sensations as romantic as taking your classic track bike out onto a true velodrome. (Those that are more romantic can't be described in this forum.) Anyway, the velodrome is one of the few places where classic machines are often ridden to victory in races against modern bikes.
Now I realize Ken Sanford has arranged for a nice fixed-gear/vintage ride on the same day. If this prevents you from going to the Open House during the morning, please be aware that there are activities going on until 4 in the afternoon. For example: > 12:30 pm - 4:00pm Interactive Stations - > Opportunity to provide individual input/feedback > on ideas and options. This is ideal for those > that can't make it in the morning. As I said, please see below for the complete schedule and additional details. Thanks, Fred major dromo Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA) ----------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Velodrome in Arlington Effort Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:06:06 -0400 From: "Robert Gray" <Rgray@arlingtonva.us>
Hello Squadra Coppi, below is information regarding an effort to place a Velodrome in Arlington, Virginia in the north tract area across the Potomac River from Haines Point. I'm letting the local bike clubs and teams know what they can do to support this effort. This would be huge for cycling in our area. Thanks
I first want to thank all of you for your interests and pledges to support our efforts to build a velodrome in our region. This show of a strong, critical mass of support will be key to our success, whether here in Arlington, or any other possible location.
To update everyone, on October 20, we met with County Board Chairman Jay Fisette and Erik Beach of Arlington County Parks and Recreation to discuss the process regarding development of the North Tract. We also provided them with our thoughts on options for a velodrome in the facility in either Phase I or Phase II.
The next step is at the upcoming Open House, as we have previously indicated. It is our goal that we can achieve one of the following:
1. Keep space available in Phase I layout to incorporate a velodrome during Phase II build
2. Include a velodrome in Phase II space
Here is how you can help at the Open House, Saturday 29:
8:30am Velodrome Rally - assemble prior to the Open House at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard near the steps of the AMC Theater to meet other supporters, refine strategy for the day's meetings. We will split up into Groups (Ride, Site and Building) to cover all the bases. - ALL
9:00am Open House Introduction Overview presentation by County - ALL
9:30am Focus Groups - Provide feedback and interaction with key groups - Site Group/Building Group
12:30 pm - 4:00pm Interactive Stations Opportunity to provide individual input/feedback on ideas and options. This is ideal for those that can't make it in the morning. - ALL
12:30pm - Design Overview - Hear results from the work done in the Focus Groups - ALL
2:30pm - Design Overview (repeat of 12:30pm) ALL
By showing up and showing our numbers we are demonstrating our need. By showing up and participating we are demonstrating our commitment. Please tell all of your cycling friends, including those who know they want a velodrome as well as those who don't yet know they want one.
Thank you,
Rob Laybourn arlingtonsports@comcast.net
Jim Wilson jamesrwilson@comcast.net
Robert Gray
Arlington Fire Cycling Team
2800 S. Taylor Street
Arlington, VA 22206
703-228-7618
rgray@arlingtonva.us <mailto:rgray@arlingtonva.us>