Kit Grill - Velodrome

Old Guys Rule! "Off The Hook"

Off The Hook from Louis L on Vimeo.
Riding the track at The Manchester Velodrome ex members of The Manchester Spartans (and Mike) talk about cycling in the 1950's. The black and white archive footage features The Manchester Wheelers time trials on the outskirts of Manchester in the 50's.

Home Depot Center USA VS Canada Black Out!

Tuesday night Michael and I headed to the Home Depot Center for some serious track racing.  I have to say, I was pretty excited as this would be my first experience at the Velodrome.

When we arrived at the Home Depot Center, and finally found parking, I noticed it was unusually dark as we made our way into the complex.  We entered the velodrome and noticed the lights were dim, but hey we were late and maybe the opening ceremony was going on! Not the case, the power went out and the emergency lights were running.

We hung out for about 10 to 15 minutes.  I snapped a few photos and was at awe by the steep banks of the velodrome. The LA Velodrome is 250 meter with a maximum inclination is 45 degrees.

The racers too seemed much larger than the typical road racers I am accustom to seeing.  They were tall with ginormous torsos, legs, arms and, well, everything else. These are the gladiators slash warrior class of the cycling world.

BLACKOUT!  I was either admiring the racers or snapping pictures or something else, I don't remember, when all the lights went out!  The velodrome was pitch black. Instantly there was a murmur of voices and the darkness was speckled with the light from cell phones and flashlights. Mike and I sat in the darkness for about 10 minutes before they were able to get the emergency lights on again.

Once the lights came on, I realized I was hungry. Mike and I were heading to the cafeteria when someone got on the PA system and announced they were having trouble keeping the lights on.  The announcer said they would try to get the lights on in the next 20 minutes but if they can't the races would be canceled.   To keep us spectators happy, they also said head to the cafeteria, and get a FREE Drink and Burger!  Mike and I were 3/4ths of the way there when they announced the FREE Drink and Burger part!  We looked at each other and then to the mass of spectators making they way in our direction.  Haha, talk about great timing we ended up first in line for the free food!

While we ate there was an exhibition track stand contest and after a few racers sprinted around the velodrome.  Two racers played cat and mouse, sprinting up and down the track.  They traded off positions and worked on their passing and blocking.  I was amazed how fast they moved around the track.

In the end, the races were canceled but despite this, it was an adventure.  I enjoyed what little I saw, and am definitely coming back in January.