Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by dana on March 31, 2013 at 3:09pm

I have. Plenty of times. It's the first and only track I've ridden on.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Weber on April 1, 2013 at 2:00am

Hi Dana. Thanks for your response. What was the experience like? Did it inspire you to go back to the track at some point? 

Chris

dana said:

I have. Plenty of times. It's the first and only track I've ridden on.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 1, 2013 at 2:11am

I heard its awesome, haven't been yet but passed it last week on my way to the Gapers Block Crits at Calumet Park.  I hear its got a steeper angle than Northbrook. 

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Permalink Reply by dana on April 1, 2013 at 3:14am

I adore riding on that track.  It's terrifying at first, but the certification process takes you through exactly how to ride it safely.  Since it's got a a 50 degree bank, you really need to learn how to ride it, you can't wing it, but once you get over the fear, it's not hard.  Emanuele Bianchi (the owner and man in charge of the entire velodrome project) is so enthusiastic about new riders learning how to ride the track, and so welcoming of all levels of cyclists.  You can rent a bike, pedals and shoes, and whatever other equipment you need down there.  I first rode there last summer (2011) when it had just opened, and my friend and I had a blast.  We were talking about it for weeks.  After the certification, I did a few interval training sessions, and then some open training.  I have also brought several friends down there, as well as my mom (who is a great cyclist and impressed the sh*t out of everyone).  Riding that track really makes you very conscious of your bike handling, your balance, and your lines, and track in general teaches you how to be a better sprinter, how to ride a nice tight paceline, how to make subtle adjustments, and how to control your bike at high speeds. 

Here's a video that a news crew shot of my friend and I riding last year, where we talk a little bit about riding the velodrome.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoioS6P6Q0w

Another video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIcQ9Pz1aCo

Feel free to ask any more questions.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by John Greenfield on April 1, 2013 at 3:34am

Chris,

Here are a couple of articles I've written about the velo campus you can feel free to use as background:

http://newcity.com/2011/02/22/wheel-dreams-can-emanuele-bianchi-win...

http://gridchicago.com/2011/an-update-on-the-chicago-velo-campus-fr...

Best,

John Greenfield

greenfieldjohn[at]hotmail.com

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Permalink Reply by Chris Weber on April 1, 2013 at 8:04am

Hi Dana. This detail is really great to have. I'd like to use a quote based on what you wrote about the 50 degree angle and bringing your mom there. Can I get your last name and profession?  You don't have to put it on the board; email me at christopherweberjournalist@gmail instead.

And thank you!

chris

dana said:

I adore riding on that track.  It's terrifying at first, but the certification process takes you through exactly how to ride it safely.  Since it's got a a 50 degree bank, you really need to learn how to ride it, you can't wing it, but once you get over the fear, it's not hard.  Emanuele Bianchi (the owner and man in charge of the entire velodrome project) is so enthusiastic about new riders learning how to ride the track, and so welcoming of all levels of cyclists.  You can rent a bike, pedals and shoes, and whatever other equipment you need down there.  I first rode there last summer (2011) when it had just opened, and my friend and I had a blast.  We were talking about it for weeks.  After the certification, I did a few interval training sessions, and then some open training.  I have also brought several friends down there, as well as my mom (who is a great cyclist and impressed the sh*t out of everyone).  Riding that track really makes you very conscious of your bike handling, your balance, and your lines, and track in general teaches you how to be a better sprinter, how to ride a nice tight paceline, how to make subtle adjustments, and how to control your bike at high speeds. 

Here's a video that a news crew shot of my friend and I riding last year, where we talk a little bit about riding the velodrome.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoioS6P6Q0w

Another video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIcQ9Pz1aCo

Feel free to ask any more questions.

 

 

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