(All photos by Brian List/OBRA)
It’s easy to see why the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) is one of the most successful racing organizations in the country. A few weeks ago we shared that they needed to replace deteriorating concrete on the straightaways of their beloved Alpenrose Velodrome.
Today I’m happy to report that those straightaways are smooth as butter. OBRA’s track program manager Mike Murray says he plans to move forward with phase two of the project (replacing the track’s aprons) in the fall.
So far, 134 OBRA members (out of 4,800) have stepped up with donations to help make this project possible and in just a few short days they have raised about half of the total cost of this first phase. Murray adds that OBRA still needs to raise money to make this project pencil out. If you’d like to help, you can donate online (you’ll have to create a login).
Just for fun, here are a few shots taken during demolition and construction…
If you’re itching to give the new track a run, Murray says it should be ride-able today (weather permitting).
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So…non-racing types can give it a spin? I think that would be fun!
Non-racer types have always been able to give it a spin, as long as there are no races or schedule practice sessions going on.
Riding on the Alpenrose Velodrome is one of the funnest things anybody could ever do. It takes you a little while to “unlearn” the natural tendency to lean into turns at slower speeds (you’ll slide down the track if you are going too slow), but once you “get up to speed” there is nothing like the rush of screaming around those turns at high speed. And don’t forget, you can rent track bikes there and learn how to do it in a formal lesson.
There are introductory classes held from April 25 – August 29 (no class June 27 and July 4) every Wednesday evening (weather permitting). There is also a ladies only introductory class on April 29th. The cost last year was $10 if I remember correctly which includes a rental bike. You’ll learn how to navigate on and off the track, the different parts of the track and how to ride on the 43 degree banking. You can go to http://www.obra.org/track/information/index.html for more information.
After that, if you are feeling competitive, come out to a Fast Twitch Friday and compete with other beginners in a three race omninum (seperate groups for men and women).
It’s an exhilarting experience the first time you make it around on the banking!
I tell people that learning to ride on the track was a rush like learning to ride a bike was a rush! It is even more exciting because I was older when I learned and it was pretty darn exciting.
I need to get Mrs Dibbly out there on the tandem…. 🙂
Seriously, though, it looks great and I’m really surprised that the work got done so quickly.
Important to know that track must be absolutely dry. Even a trace of moisture can cause a very bad fall off a banked wall. I’ve done it, and it is less fun than you might think. 🙂