2020-01-11 Lexus Velodrome. Detroit, MI.
My phone crashed and I lost all my notes for my visit to the Velodrome, so I apologize in advance for the lack of detail this review may hold.
Every year I volunteer with several organizations to give back to the community. One of these organizations is Free Bikes for Kids (FB4K Detroit), a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainability and a green footprint. Their modus operandi is to collect gently used bicycles that 8 million Americans grow out of each year. These bicycles are cleaned and refurbished, then given away to kids most in need. A great cause which is why I support them wholeheartedly. For this I would also like to give a shout out to their partners and sponsors for their contributions in making all this possible; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Foundation (FCA), Henry Ford Health System, Children's Foundation, Community Foundation for SE Michigan, the Platform, and APTIV PLC to name a few.
FB4K Detroit works out of one of the Ford Piqutte Plant buildings on Piquette Avenue in the Milkwaukee Junction area of Detroit, the birthplace of the Ford Midel T! Today this Plant is home to one of Fords many museums. At the end of riding season (Oct-Nov) every year, FB4K Detroit accepts bicycle donations at several locations scattered throughout SE Michigan. For more info visit fb4kdetroit.org
The Lexus Velodrome was the venue for FB4K volunteer appreciation social gathering to update us on the impacts of our efforts the past year and to provide glimpses of future goals. There were races scheduled for the evening and we decided to stay. Tickets are $10 in the infield and $5 in the balustrade, which make for a relatively inexpensive outing considering there will be about 3 hours of racing for you to enjoy.
The Lexus Velodrome is located on Mack Ave at Chrysler Drive (I-75) in Midtown, Detroit. It opened its doors in January of 2018 and this 64,000 square foot facility features a 166 meter wooden indoor track with 50° banked turns! There is plenty of free parking in their private lot as well as free street parking if their lot is full. The facility is an indoor multi-sport complex and is managed by the Detroit Fitness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In addition to cycling, they offer community fitness classes taught by experienced fitness instructors as well as walking, running, and skating on your own.
During events, the infield has a licensed bar and VIP seating where the action is literally a few feet away! Each VIP suite comes with a flat panel TV and seats up to 10 people. The suites can be booked for $200 (the same price as 10 regular admissions - no premium or surcharges!) Food is pretty much non-existent as there is no facility for it. You can bring in your own snacks though.
After the FB4K event, there was about an hour before the races. We purchased out tickets and were allowed to stay until the races began. You can roam around the facilities freely, which I did, and found out that even in the balustrade (standing room only), there are great views (sometimes even better views) at the finish line (see pics and videos). The only other notable is that the restroom facilities is a huge port-a-John. But not what you're thinking, it's not individual John's you see at construction sites, it's more like showroom John's. They're lit, the walls are not bare, and the loos and sinks are fully functioning as if they were plumbed.
All in all, it turned out to be a great event. The races are exciting and entertaining, the venue is unique. and the infield can be booked for just about any type of function. Just think, you can do your thing, while cyclists are whizzing by in the background! I highly recommend you visit at least once just to experience it. You'll be supporting a great community venture.
Memberships are available at monthly rates, and in addition to cycling, there are various fitness classes you can partake in. It's a great way to get into shape, stay in shape, meet new people, and make new friends! 5 stars.
If you would like to experience more, come dine-with-me.yelp.com I'd love to have your company... Keep the rubber side down and the wind at your back! read more