There are some interesting and hopefully positive changes afoot at Chicago's Olympic bid headquarters. Specifically, some cost-cutting measures were announced recently that entail the construction of a permanent indoor velodrome in Douglas Park, on the city's west side, instead of a more costly, but temporary, velodrome on Northerly Island. Details of the new plan are a little hard to come by, because the organizing committee have yet to make any changes to the plans listed on their web page, but articles in the Sun-Times and cyclingnews say that the Chicago organizers have had to slash millions off the budget, given the disastrous financial climate, and have decided to move the track cycling events to a cheaper location. I don't know why a permanent velodrome in Douglas Park is cheaper than a temporary velodrome on Northerly Island, but there it is. Apparently, after the Olympics, provided, of course, that Chicago wins the bid, the Douglas Park velodrome would be converted to a year-round multi-sport facility, hosting cycling, volleyball and indoor soccer. It would be only the second full-size indoor velodrome facility in the US, after the ADT Center in LA. So, let's hope that a) Chicago wins the bid and b) that the plan to build a permanent, indoor velodrome in Chicago actually happens.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Chicago's Olympic Velodrome Plans
There are some interesting and hopefully positive changes afoot at Chicago's Olympic bid headquarters. Specifically, some cost-cutting measures were announced recently that entail the construction of a permanent indoor velodrome in Douglas Park, on the city's west side, instead of a more costly, but temporary, velodrome on Northerly Island. Details of the new plan are a little hard to come by, because the organizing committee have yet to make any changes to the plans listed on their web page, but articles in the Sun-Times and cyclingnews say that the Chicago organizers have had to slash millions off the budget, given the disastrous financial climate, and have decided to move the track cycling events to a cheaper location. I don't know why a permanent velodrome in Douglas Park is cheaper than a temporary velodrome on Northerly Island, but there it is. Apparently, after the Olympics, provided, of course, that Chicago wins the bid, the Douglas Park velodrome would be converted to a year-round multi-sport facility, hosting cycling, volleyball and indoor soccer. It would be only the second full-size indoor velodrome facility in the US, after the ADT Center in LA. So, let's hope that a) Chicago wins the bid and b) that the plan to build a permanent, indoor velodrome in Chicago actually happens.
Rapha Continental Seeks Local Riders
Now this is pretty cool. Rapha is looking for cyclists to join its Continental team to lead epic rides around the US. In particular, they're looking for riders and routes from the Midwest, Southwest, South, Mid-Atlantic and the Southeastern US. Here's the deal: "If you are a committed rider with knowledge of a great local ride, Rapha are offering you the chance to lead and become part of the team of Rapha riders for a day. To be documented in a series of stunning images and elegant prose, the story of your ride will then join those already archived in the Rapha Continental, the pre-eminent account of North American road riding. As a thank you, Rapha will provide each host rider with a Rapha product bundle to enable them to look and feel part of the team." Sounds pretty sweet to me. Apply to be part of the Rapha Continental team here.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Cleveland Velodrome
Kinfolk at the Keirin GP
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Stupor Bowl XII
Seagull Bags
Seagull Bags are great. I've had mine for years now, and it's still in great nick. The shoulder strap and the embroidery are top notch. But not only are the bags great, but the people involved are cool too. I met Dan, the main guy, a few years ago at the Race to the Ends of the Earth alleycat in Chicago, and then we rode together when he came back into town for the Stuffing Santa's Sack race. He's a cool guy who doesn't just support races through his company, he will actually travel to different alleycats and race in them. Anyway, Seagull have some nice new designs out, see them here.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Burnaby Velodrome Roof Collapse
The inflatable roof of Burnaby velodrome in Vancouver has collapsed! Apparently the collapse was due to the heavy weight of snow on the roof and a power failure that shut down the air pumps that keep the roof inflated. Damage to the track is supposed to be minimal, but it will be a while before they know for sure.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Yikes. I hope there isn't any damage to the track surface. The before photos are from the Burnaby homepage, and the after photos are by Stuart Lynne. Thanks to Ed White on chifg for the heads-up. For more details and updates about the roof, check out the Burnaby Velodrome Club and FixedVancouver.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Yikes. I hope there isn't any damage to the track surface. The before photos are from the Burnaby homepage, and the after photos are by Stuart Lynne. Thanks to Ed White on chifg for the heads-up. For more details and updates about the roof, check out the Burnaby Velodrome Club and FixedVancouver.
Tour Da Chicago Schedule
Tour Da Chicago schedule announced!
Jan 11 2009 8:00A Prologue
Jan 18 2009 8:00A Sunday Funday Pass
Jan 25 2009 8:00A The Phantom
Feb 8 2009 8:00A Skillet Scrambler
Feb 15 2009 8:00A Sandbagger’s Bane
Mar 1 2009 8:00A Stairmaster
More details here.
Memphis New Years Race
Happy New Gears alleycat - Memphis, TN - January 1st. Details here.
And if anyone else as a New Year's alleycat on, send me the details.
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