if you need an excuse to drive to the valley on a weekday night, look no further. the encino velodrome is great fun for novices and experienced cyclists alike. los angeles is the only city in the US to boast two velodromes in the county, with the indoor wooden velo at the home depot in carson being the other. if the carson track is the four seasons, the encino velodrome is motel 6, but i'd describe the carson velodrome as completely intimidating, uninviting, and unaffordable to someone that wants to try this sport on a whim.
for those not familiar, a velodrome is a round cement (or wooden) ovular (or circular) track with a varying degree of embankment which hosts fixed gear bicycles on its riding surface(no brakes, can't stop pedalling/coast). riding track bikes is gaining in popularity on the streets amongst hipsters, but many people aren't familiar with the origins of the sport. the encino velodrome is an unassuming, mild track (i believe its banking is 28 degrees, compared to the 45 degree carson track) with open training sessions on weekday evenings(which is less serious than it sounds - last time i rode on a wednesday night we broke for pizza an hour into the session, eating slices in the infield). turnout is generally pretty low given the nature of the sport and location of the velodrome. this leads to a minimal air of pretension and a general friendliness on the track, something i wish i could say came with every other track i've ridden.
with an affordable cover price of $5 to ride and $5 to rent a bike, riding a track bike is a feeling that can only be experienced to understand... i can easily ride 20+mph just coasting. a perfect activity for active folk looking a quirky, new sport to try. check the website for beginner training sessions, open training, and races on weekends.
*if you're already a mtn or road cyclist, bring your own helmet and pedals & shoes; otherwise, a pair of sneakers is all you'll need for this awesome, albeit virtually unknown cycling discipline! read more