The Velodrome at Bloomer Park - Schedule of Events
























Velodrome's 2012 regular schedule of events have ended for the year.

NOTE: The Track 101 Class on Saturday Oct. 13, 2012 is the last for 2012

Although the 2012 schedule is now concluded look for the 2013 schedule sometime this winter. There will be great daily activities and exciting racing.

The exciting IVBP 2012 Season is below.

T
he velodrome is available to ride by season pass holders, with their own "track" bicycle, as scheduled events and/or weather permits, from 9:00 a.m. till hour before Bloomer Park closes for the day. The velodrome is closed if it is wet or has snow or ice on it. Special practice days will be announced via the Velodrome's Yahoo Group.
 



April 2012

  • Saturday, March 31st Velodrome Maintenance Work / Ride Day - 10:00 a.m.  
  • Saturday, April 7th Velodrome Maintenance Work / Ride Day - 10:00 a.m.
  • Saturday, April 14th Velodrome Maintenance Work / Ride Day - 10:00 a.m.
  • Saturday, April 21st Velodrome Maintenance Work / Ride Day - 10:00 a.m.
  • Saturday, April 28th Velodrome Maintenance Work / Ride Day - 10:00 a.m.  

May 2012

  • Saturday, May 5th Track Officially Opens for the Season - 10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 16th - Ride of Silence - 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
  • IVBP Spring Time Trials
    Sunday, May 27th - 1:30
    p.m.
    All categories.

June 2012

  • Friday, June 8th - Friday Night Practice Races - All Categories - 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, June 15th - NAS-TRACK RACE #1 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, June 22nd - NAS-TRACK RACE #2 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, June 29th - NAS-TRACK RACE #3 - 7:30 p.m.
  • State of Michigan Time Trial Track Championships*
    Saturday, June 30th - Time Trial - 1:30 p.m.
    500m, 1k, 2k, 3k, 4k - all categories

July 2012

  • Friday, July 6th - NAS-TRACK RACE #4 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Nas-Track and State of Michigan Madison Championships*
    Friday, July 13th - Madison State Track Championship 7:30 p.m.
  • UIV / IVBP INTERNATIONAL 3 DAY Madison Championships* 
    Friday July 20th - 7:30 p.m.
    Saturday July 21st - 7:30 p.m.
    Sunday July 22nd - 1:00 p.m.
  • Miss and Out Championships
    Friday July 27th - 7:30 p.m.
    All categories.

August 2012

  • Junior State Track Championships* 
    Friday August 3rd  MBRA/IVBP* Junior State Track Championships
    - 6:00 p.m.
  • Team Pursuit State Championships
    Saturday August 4th  
    - New Starting Time of 6:00 p.m.
  • IVBP Omnium Championships
    Friday August 10th - 7:30
    p.m.
    Saturday August 11th - 1:30
    p.m.
  • Detroit 6 Day
    August 20th - 25th (Nightly) Monday thru Saturday - 7:00 p.m.
    Note Earlier Start Time

September 2012

  • Elite & Masters State Track Championships*
    Saturday September 8th - 1:30 p.m.
  • SOUPerBOWL
    Sunday, September 16th - 1:00 p.m.


    * MBRA/USACycling Permitted Events


Check out the exciting 2012 weekly schedule which starts on Saturday April 30th.

Prior to the May 5th regular schedule opening day, the velodrome is available to ride by season pass holders, with their own "track" bicycle, as weather permits, from 9:00 a.m. till hour before Bloomer Park closes for the day. The velodrome is closed if it is wet or has snow or ice on it. Special practice days will be announced via the Velodrome's Yahoo Group.

Sunday
10:00 a.m. - hour before park closing  ~ Open Riding for season holders.

Monday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.   ~ Open Riding (for season & day pass holders)
6:00
p.m.
- hour before park closing  ~ Young Riders Night for junior riders, basic instruction & practice.

Tuesday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ~ Open Riding for season holders.
6:00
p.m. - hour before park closing  ~ Elite Rider Training Session, high intensity efforts.
 
Wednesday
10:00
a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ~ Open Riding for season holders.
6:00 p.m. -
hour before park closing  ~ Training Races
  
Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  ~ Open Riding for season holders.
6:00 p.m. - hour before park closing  ~ New Rider "Track 101" Velodrome Intro Riding Class
(Open riding is also available but "Track 101" riders take precedence.)

  
Friday
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ~ Open Riding (for season & day pass holders)
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ~ Warm Up for NAS-TRACK Madison Racers (June - August)
7:30 p.m. ~ NAS-TRACK Madison Racing League Races (June - July)
  
Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  ~ "Track 101" - Velodrome Intro Riding Class
NOTE: No Track 101 Class on Saturday September 22, 2012. There will be a 100 mile Time Trial at the IVBP. Also, many riders will be at the NEW velodrome in Cleveland for the Cleveland-Detoit-London Challenge.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  ~ Development Races - Scratch, Points, Madison Training
4:00 p.m. - hour before park closing  ~ Open Riding (for season & day pass holders)  



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. 

Ride of Silence
-
Wednesday, May 16th - Ride of Silence - 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

IVBP Spring Time Trials
-
Sunday, May 27th - 1:30 p.m.  

IVBP State of Michigan Time Trial Track Championships*
- Saturday, June 30th - Time Trial - 1:30  p.m.
500m, 1k, 2k, 3k, 4k - all categories
 

Americane' Vintage Track & Road Bike Festival
Saturday June 30th - 10:00 a.m.
http://www.facebook.com/events/353316938058706/

The International Velodrome at Bloomer Park, Rochester, Michigan, is proud to announce the 4th year of this ground-breaking event.

Tentative Schedule of Events:

9:30 a.m.: Americane' setup begins
10:00 a.m.: Velodrome opens – swap meet officially begins
10:00 a.m.: "Track 101" class start. Mandatory for beginners, or as a refresher class for those who haven't recently ridden a steep-banked track. Depending on turnout, this class may be repeated. Loaner bikes are available.
12:00 p.m. : Show bikes should be in place and tagged - judging begins
2:00  p.m. : Americane' Show results & awards ceremony
3:00  p.m. : Vintage track riding & events (by availability and skill of participants)
 

Americane' Vintage Track and Road Festival 2011 Report, by Mark Agree

The 2011 Americane', our third, went off as planned last Saturday, with partly sunny skies, temps in the upper 70s, and no rain to be found.  This year saw the emergence of new vendors, new show persons, and a local frame builder Steve Beck.  The number of entries was down from last year, but the caliber of bikes shown seemed higher.  What I liked best, was how the rolling interaction between individuals was quite fluid ... I think most people spent at least a little time talking to most people, if that makes sense.  The event is still small enough to enjoy that.  

There were some usual CR names in attendance: Jimmy Katynski, Phil Huyghe, Matt Churches, Burl Simon and Paul Lewis with wife and friends from Marietta Ohio.  We were grateful to gain the presence of Tom Sanders, whose honorary chair was finally filled, having awaited him all along.  Of course, the event isn't possible without the major participation of Tim Potter.  Many other local CR people were absent, either engaged elsewhere, no-shows, or no contacts; indeed they were all missed.  Devout enthusiasts, local names whom are not CR members were Russ St. John, Jerome Jones, Alex Huyghe, Dennis Van Stee, and Chuck Wicht who many of you may remember accompanying me to the later NC Cirques.  Chuck and his van are just as indispensable to the show success each year, as Tim Potter is.  Bloomer Velodrome regulars Dale Hughes, Ed Gostin, and Bruce Carlson were our hosts, and were readily available either by being part of the show, or running the Track 101 class ... answering questions, offering suggestions, and generally keeping their eyes peeled to make sure we didn't hurt ourselves.  

Lots of the usual bike names were in attendance too: Raleigh, Cinelli, Schwinn, Masi, Merckx, Legnano, Torpado, Fuji, Serotta, and of course many more.  No shortage of Paramounts, with perhaps as many as ten on hand.  Some bikes, frames, and lots of parts traded hands, but again volume was not the same as last year.  Several sudden gusts of wind surprised us mid-day, setting off a few small domino effects, but nobody grumbled about it much.  Owners came running, and we just picked 'em up, brushed 'em off, and went back to what we were doing.  Ultimately had to remove the main canopy cover, which ultimately left my shiny noggin exposed to the sun, which ultimately led to the sunburn that peels, even as I type.  Fun stuff!

 There were winners, in the following show categories:

* Best Original Road - Tom Sanders' chrome 1972 Schwinn Paramount with milled/drilled parts

* Best Refinished Road - Jordan Bentley's black 1974 Raleigh Competition with gold parts

* Best Original Track - Russ St. John's orange 1962 Cinelli Tandem (a perpetual winner)

* Best Refinished Track - Tom Beck's 1972 Raleigh Professional

* People's Choice was awarded to Tom Sanders' chrome 1972 Schwinn Paramount with milled/drilled parts.

Photo Links thus far:

Dennis Bean-Larson of Fixed Gear Gallery/ Hell Yes Clothing fame (one of this year's vendors):
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/events/bloomer_june_2011/index.htm

Tim Potter (four albums):

Winning Bikes:
https://picasaweb.google.com/flyingdutchman63/AmericaneVintageTrackAndRoadFestival2011WinningBikes

All other bikes:
https://picasaweb.google.com/flyingdutchman63/AmericaneVintageTrackAndRoadFestival2011MoreBikes

People and Misc. Scenes:
https://picasaweb.google.com/flyingdutchman63/AmericaneVintageTrackAndRoadFestival2011PeopleMisc

Racers & Late Day Action:
https://picasaweb.google.com/flyingdutchman63/AmericaneVintageTrackAndRoadFestival2011Racers

And this just in, also from Tim Potter:

   'The "Americane Vintage Track Road" Google theme was finally approved and is now available to anyone to use.  It features about 16 pics in a rotation based on the time of day of various gorgeous vintage bikes from the 2010 Americane'.  Login w/ your Gmail / Google account, go to your iGoogle page, http://www.google.com/ig  ... then click on the link titled "Change theme from...." in the upper right area of the screen, then on the next page search for "Americane Vintage Track Road" in the "Search themes" field.'  Add the "Americane Vintage Track Road" theme and enjoy scenes from the 2010 event all day long!

If other photo links become available, I'll pass them on to the list.  Thanks to all who attended ... we are hoping to have you back next year, and expecting that each of you bring someone else and another bike along!

Ciao,
Mark Agree
Southfield, Michigan, USA

Contact Mark Agree: americaneshow@gmail.com

Nas-Track and State of Michigan Madison Championships*
-
Friday, July 13th - Madison State Track Championship 7:30 p.m.

UIV / IVBP INTERNATIONAL 3 DAY* 
Friday July 20th - 7:30
 p.m.
Saturday July 21st - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday July 22nd - 1:00
p.m.

Miss and Out Championships
Friday July 27th - 7:30 p.m.

Junior State Track Championships MBRA/IVBP*
- Friday August 3rd - 6:00 p.m.

Masters State Track Championships MBRA/IVBP*
- Saturday September 8th - 1:30 p.m.

Detroit 6 Day
- Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat
-
August 20th - 25th (Nightly) Monday thru Saturday - 7:00 p.m.
Note Earlier Start Time

2007 - 2012  The International Velodrome at Bloomer Park
Last Modified: October 12, 2012 23:23 EDT

Contact: Bruce Carlson

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