The "Intro Riding Class 101" is recommended for all, both novice and experienced cyclists,  who would like ride The Velodrome at Bloomer Park. The only experience needed is the ability to ride a bicycle smoothly. The class focus is on the new velodrome rider to safely and easily ride the track. Some of the topics covered include:

• Layout of the velodrome

• Basics of and the riding a fixed gear bicycle

• First laps and basic technique on the velodrome

• Riding with traffic on the velodrome

• Pace line riding

• Cones Drill - Bike Handling Drill

The class is free of charge and loaner bicycles, shoes and helmets are available. A fixed gear track bicycle is required for riding the velodrome. If you have your own cycling shoes and helmet, please do bring them along. The loaner bicycles are equipped with SPD mountain pedals. If your cycling shoes use a different cleat system, bring your pedals also. Don't forget to bring something to drink and eat and some sun screen as well.

Riders from ages 8 to 75 regularly ride the velodrome. The fitness level of the individual will determine their ability to ride the track.

An "Accident Waiver and Release of Liability" form must be completed and given to a velodrome official prior to riding the velodrome. You may print this release form and fill it out before coming to the track or you may obtain and fill one out at the velodrome. Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign the release. We encourage parents to be at the velodrome with their junior riders, particularly for their first ride on the track. 

Do to the limited time of the Thursday evening "New Riders Night", it will not have as in depth instruction available to first time riders as the Saturday morning class. More advance riding and / or racing instruction is available.

Reporter from the "Oakland Press" rides the velodrome. Watch his experience on YouTube.

Who Should be Training on the Velodrome?

At the Italian American Club of Livonia's (Michigan) meeting on Dec. 4, 2008, the guest speaker was world - class cyclist Christiaan Van Der Velde. Christiaan was asked "What would you recommend to a junior rider to get better at cycling", he responded: "I think that all juniors should ride the track; that is where you learn how to ride".

Frankie Andreu was also in attendance and commented on the same subject: "Racing on the track helps accelerate the learning curve in becoming a good cyclist. Many of the top pros come from a track background and their skills are hard to match compared to those who have never ridden the track."

Mondays
The "Young Riders Night", on Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m., is a fun evening for riders 16 years of age and younger. Riders who may not have the strength to ride the track may bring the bike they normally ride at home and ride on the apron of the track only, not the track itself. As their confidence and strength increases, they may choose to learn to ride a fixed gear bike and then be given instruction on how to ride the track. Those who have mastered the skill of riding the velodrome may do so on a track bike without having adult riders riding at high speed around them. Parents are welcome to ride the velodrome, in a coaching capacity, with their children. 

MBRA/IVBP Women's Track Clinic 
- Saturday, May 15th - 11:00 a.m. View Flyer

MBRA/IVBP* Spring Time Trials
- Sunday, May 16th - 11:00 a.m.

Ride of Silence
- Wednesday, May 19th - 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

NAS-TRACK / UIV International 3 Day
- Friday July 2nd - 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday July 3rd -  7:30 p.m.
- Sunday July 4th - 1:00 p.m.

Americane' Vintage Track & Road Bike Festival
- July 3rd

The International Velodrome at Bloomer Park, Rochester, Michigan, is proud to announce the 2nd year of this ground-breaking event.

The Americane' Vintage Track & Road Bike Festival is a show and swap meet, bringing together vintage track and road cycling enthusiasts from around the country. Vintage bikes in multiple categories are invited, covering a full century of cycling. The swap meet will feature amazing collections of vintage equipment, giving browsers and enthusiasts a chance to connect over cycling gear of every kind. Look for that one-of-a-kind part at The Americane'!

This event coincides with some of the highest level, most exciting racing in the nation, the NAS-Track International 3 Day Series!

Schedule of Events

• 10  a.m. : Track opens - Track 101 classes start. Required for beginners and those who haven't ridden a steep-banked track or haven't ridden track in a number of years; depending on turnout, this class may be repeated. Loaner bikes are available.
• 12 Noon: Check-in/registration and setup
• 12 Noon - 5  p.m.: Vintage track events, by availability and skill of participants.
• 2  p.m.: Swap meet/show begins. Continues through the evening.
• 5-7:30  p.m.: NAS-Track International 3 Day racers take over the track
• 7:30-10  p.m.: NAS-Track International 3 Day racing, with vintage track exhibition during race breaks.

Costs

• Swap meet and show are FREE for display, vendors and viewers - but donations to the non-profit Velodrome Fund to help with operational expenses & maintenance are most welcome!
• Track riding is FREE, special for this event (normally $10 for returning non-members).
• Bike rental is $5, also specially priced for this event (normally $10 for returning non-members).
• Entry fee to Bloomer Park is $5 per car (it's a Rochester Hills city park).

Contact Mark Agree: fujifish1@aol.com

Michigan Senior Olympics
- Thursday July 15th
For more info: www.michiganseniorolympics.org

Michigan State Track Championships and National Qualifier (USA Cycling Event Flyer)

• Friday, July 30th - NAS-TRACK Series Championship & State of Michigan Madison Championship - 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 30th - MBRA/IVBP* State Track Championships: A & AA - 7:00 p.m.
  - Scratch
  - Madison
• Saturday, July 31th -  MBRA/IVBP* State Track Championships: A & AA - 1:30 p.m.
  - State 500m, 1000m, 2000m, 3000m, 4000m. Time Trials 
  - State Keiren Championships

Junior State Track Championships MBRA/IVBP (USA Cycling Event Flyer)
- Friday August 6th - 6:00 p.m.

Michigan Senior Olympics  
- Thursday July 15th
For more info: www.michiganseniorolympics.org

Detroit 6 Day  (USA Cycling Event Flyer)
- Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun
- August 10 - 15th

  Keirin Races 
- Friday August 20th - 7:30 p.m.
- Friday August 27th - 7:30 p.m.