Website Store with Visa is online

Of course the primes are listed on our website, with sizing info.
This makes it REALLY EASY to donate!

http://www.fasttrackcyclingstore.com

Meet the Champions Breakfast

As a recipient of the Civic lab's Grant, I was asked to give an informal presentation and answer questions about our project. Cool Cleveland was there, and wrote up a paragraph on their latest email (scroll almost to the bottom, to Instant Karma)

On the Cover of Velo News

OK- so its not on the cover (Dec 3, 2007) but they published my Letter to the Editor. :-)
Although it was greatly reduced, and they took most of the cases out that proved my point...
Here is the letter: (I've included in blue the parts they edited out.)

After reading the preface to John Wilcockson’s Soap Box article touting the “Inaugural and Still Only Tour of America” in 1983, and that it was only 3 days long; I had to write. I believe you are underestimating America’s history and influence in cycling of a century ago. It is only a matter of semantics that the 1895 American National Grand Circuit is not designated a “true” Grand Tour.

A century ago, American versus Continental bike racing was greatly affected by politics and road conditions. The League of American Wheelmen was formed in 1880 and was committed to promoting amateur racing. However, bicycle companies began hiring racers known as “scorchers” to promote their various models. The L.A.W. began identifying professionals and banned sandbaggers from races. More importantly, the L.A.W. had a rule against Sunday racing, which is when the professionals could attract the biggest crowds. That consigned American promoters to hosting professional events on the track.

By 1895, the American National Circuit of track cycling spanned coast to coast. The season was well organized on a national scale with 53 cities hosting multi-day schedules of full day programs and 10 additional stops; it was followed by every newspaper as the major sport of the day. It began on Decoration Day in the Northeast and traveled across the country, finishing with November races in California. Quoting from a newspaper race report: “The national circuit for 1895 represents the climax of racing achievement, and a brief glance at the important dates will disclose as much of interest as was commemorated in sounding measures by the bards of old, when the Greek Olympiads drew the attention of the then known world.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer 3/8/1896) The largest day of spectators was 11,000 people in Dayton Ohio. Only 4 men were able to race the entire 140+ days on the 6 month schedule.

1896 brought a familiar debate: “ ..the manufacturers, who in years gone by have borne the expense of these long tours from coast to coast, are going to count the cost before they send out teams to secure a questionable amount of advertising… Constant Improvement in travelling facilities is making the world smaller every day, but the United States is still too large for cycle racing under the national circuit system, …But one man went through the entire circuit in good condition, and that only through clever management…”(Cycling Gazette)

Fast forward almost 10 years- by this time in America, virtually all professional racing was done on enclosed tracks where admission could be charged. Most amateurs raced on the road. In Europe, where they boasted good road systems built over millennia, road racing predominated. 1903 was the first year and humble beginnings for The Tour De France. It was a promotion for a newspaper, with only 6 stages. The journal organisateur, L'Auto provided one director, Géo Lefèvre, as the judge and time-keeper; Henri Desgrange was the directeur-général, although he did not follow the race. There were no teams; all entrants were individuals and paid a fee of 10 francs. No offense meant, but at that time the Tour paled in comparison to the national organization of American professional cycling.

Europeans stayed faithful to the sport of cycling, but within decades, Americans became enamored with motorsports. The very same financially successful professional cyclists at the turn of the century upped the ante with speed: Cooper funded Henry Ford with Barney Oldfield their first driver. Albert Champion developed the spark plug company; Lois Chevrolet is synonymous with GM. Carl Fisher went from promoting velodrome races to founding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500.

In other words, although I admire the efforts of the Societe du Tour de France to get a foothold in American cycling in 1983 with a 3 day Grand Tour, they were by no means the first to organize such an event on a national scale here. It will take tremendous organization, funding, and, and years of fan development to match the 1895 National Grand Circuit.

-Anna Gerrodette
President, Fast Track Cycling
Cleveland Ohio

John Wilkockson’s reply that Its apples-to-oranges to compare a track race series with a road stage race is exactly my point- it’s a question of semantics. The professional race organizers were forced by L.A.W.to host any sort of series on the track. To include the whole country required 53 cities- an amazingly organized event.

Old School Molteni 3-pocket Jersey

Old School Jersey Update: We have placed the first Jersey Order today! We expect them to arrive in Feb-early March. We are accepting pre-orders, as a prime for a $199 donation. This is a unique design, and will be a collectable limited run of only 50. Become a member of the Cleveland Bicycle Club by supporting the Velodrome.

These washable 100% Merino Wool jerseys are very classically designed with Cleveland's century of track cycling history in mind. Our project is legally connected to the Cleveland Bicycle Club which began in 1879. (read our history section on the website) The CBC logo is displayed prominently on the front. The font for Cleveland Velodrome is based on a Cleveland area Cycling Route Book from the 1890's. Orange and Blue are officially CBC colors- this jersey is styled after a race kit from the 70's.

From Earth Wind and Rider's catalog describing this style:

Remember the days of old when plain and simple was the norm. You’re not one to make bold statements. You know your rights. You know your cause. Your purpose is clear. You are practical in your performance but not in your beliefs. This jersey was made for you. Pure function and classic style with modern-day washability. This medium-weight, 100% Australian Wool Jersey carries the comfort of the 2 x 2 ribbed cuff and collar with hemmed waist. Hell, it even looks great with jeans.

6 ½” front zip with rear 3 pocket construction.

We are updating the website to accept donations now that we have merchandise. Keep in touch- better yet- email us: velodrome4c@gmail.com

Cyclocross race this Saturday

To help spread the word for this cyclocross race on Nov 10th, I'm posting their info here on our blog-

THIS SATURDAY!!!!

Help spread the word and pass this on to all your racer friends please.

Team Spin presents the " Cross My Heart and Hope To Die Willoughby Cyclocross Spectatular"

"A" Racers..... The cash goes deep!!!!!!

Men: 1)$200 + GC, 2)$150, 3)$100, 4)$80, 5)$70, 6)$60, 7)$50, 8)$40, 9)$30, 10)$20

Women: 1)$100 + GC, 2)$75, 3)$50, 4)$30, 5)$20

Merchandise prizes all other categories!

FIRST LAP "PRIMES" FOR EVERY CATEGORY!!!!

Pista Elite Track Bike Racing

Pista is organizing the inaugural series of Track Racing and Training will begin May 2008. Sponsored by Fast Track Cycling, the first session will be 8 weeks on Thursday evenings, with a state level championship.

Racers can look forward to several race formats, primes, and weekly payouts. For cyclists new to the fixed-gear sport, training and coaching will be available. Costs will be similar to the Westlake Crit Series. Junior Cycling Development will be sponsored by Pista Elite. For youth under 18, there are no club dues- coaching, clothing, and equipment are provided.

Until the Velodrome track is constructed, it will be hosted at the Lorain County Speedway (about 1/2 hour west of Cleveland) www.lorainspeedway.com Other successful track cycling programs on similar tracks are in New Hampshire www.leadcycling.com and Asheville, NC www.mellowdrome.com

Interbike 2007

We thought attending the Interbike convention would be a great way to meet the industry leaders, get committments and contacts for support along with a buzz for the Velodrome out.

We did meet with Tom Ritchey, Bob Roll, Saul Raisin, Dave Koesel, Patrick Smith, Dave Byer to name a few along with folks from VeloNews & Rider.

That and we saw some innovative track bikes and spoke to most of the companies that produced them.

Ritchey has a new single speed BAB road bike out. Felt, Cerve'lo (soon), Bianchi, Colonago, Pegoretti, Eddy Merckx, Cinelli, Tommasini to name but just a few had sweet rides at the show. Raleigh and others had messenger-style bikes on display also.

It was a long three days and we were exchausted at the end.

Big thanks goes to Sherman McKee of The Bike Authority and Dick Brink of Business to Business Bicycle Sales for helping us with connections. The contacts we made and the amount of support made the trip worthwhile.

Stay Tuned.....

Summit to Donate Proceeds from The Fall Challenge Race

September 9 The Summit Freewheelers are promoting a road race in Peninsula/Cuyahoga Falls and would like to donate 100% of the proceeds to the Velodrome project. The weather was not the best, but the volunteers and the racers made it a great race. We ended up getting a $300.00 donation from them and we really appreciate it!

Click HERE for the link to Summit

Here are photos of the winners from the race in front of the banner; I'll update with the names/places real soon....thanks again Summit for the donation and for the racers!

Big News Coming This Week

We are going to announce some big news at our Board meeting this Thursday!

Stay Tuned!

Cleveland Velodrome Potential Site Visit

This was a "meet and greet" at the proposed site of the track that took place on 7-18-07 from 5-9PM. Things have not been finalized but discussions were going well enough to warrant this event. Drawings of the site, literature and flags showing the scope of the facility were out.

Riders that were with the Spin Bike shop group ride stopped by; thanks for showing up and for everyone that attended!

Stay Tuned.....

Ingenuity Festival

The Ingenuity Festival was the first foray into the public as Fast Track Cycling. We made some very good contacts; right up to the point of when all heck broke loose and a storm rolled in and tore the place up. Luckily, we were able to dismantle the display before it was damaged. The Festival was well put on and the "track" received a lot of interest. We are really happy with how the banner turned out. Way to go Giraffe, Inc. !

Stay Tuned.....

ADT Visit

We visited the above on 7-6-07 to meet with Robert from ADT. In a very candid conversation much was learned about the operations of the facility. The track is absolutely world class and Robert had suggestions on what to do for the Cleveland Velodrome. Then it was fun time....getting on some Felt track bikes, getting instruction from Robert and taking some laps on the track!

Website is Up

Check out the new Website: www.fasttrackcycling.org
still a little work left on it but mostly done.

First Grant

Just a quick note. We've been given a grant which pays tuition to the Grantseeker's Training Institute at the Foundation Center. A milestone, since its our first one, and kind of funny that I got the grant to pay for grant seeking..... I know it may seem small but very encouraging- this whole project is all leverage.
Kudos to Bernie Sokolowski for working on the logo- it looks sharp so far.

Letters of Support

This is one way our cycling community can participate and make a big difference at this point. If you are involved in any cycling group or organization, put your two cents in toward your group that you want to see a velodrome here. I will be contacting various teams and clubs during the week to ask for a short one or two paragraphs explaining your interest in seeing this happen. I dont want to miss anyone, so contact velodrome4c @ gmail.com for any information. This with your pledges makes a strong impression with grant requests and the City. Much Appreciated!

Bring the Gold Home!

Feasibility Study

Our first Board meeting went well. Many details were decided, but most important is that we have begun the Feasibility Study. It is necessary for any non-profit project of this scale.

Thank you for your continued interest!

A Nudge

I just want to say that a major positive point I want to point out in our upcoming grant requests is your community support for the project. It is an impressive fact that with only 50 emails, word of mouth, and this blog- you've pledged this amount so far.
May I mention that the next application is due the first week in April? It would certainly be beneficial to keep pledging to show your support....
Thanks again!

Stellar

So far, it has been a year of concept, then two months of solid focus on the velodrome. When our project started gaining financial support, I felt I should "test the water" to see how many people would stand behind it. I sent out one email to about 50 cyclists to see how far it would go. Your responses have been stellar... in just the first week, cyclists have pledged almost $5000. Even got two pledges from the Columbus area. Thank You! This is another important milestone.
In other news, there is major work with writing grant proposals for two deadlines in April. Also, we are preparing our presentation approach. When we make more progress and the time is right, we should be able to put out a press release to the public.
We are working hard, and Life's Good,
The Fast Track Cycling Coalition

Incentive

We are going to place a shiny plaque on the track of people who are the Founding Contributers.
But we need the more people the better- please pledge any amount- no donations at this point. Thanks much!
This is nicely written, its good to see strong support from cyclists.
http://rollitjohndavis.blogspot.com
http://sssmst.googlepages.com

The Wheelsets In Motion

Hi All,

As you may have heard- there is buzz about a velodrome in Cleveland. We thought we should start a blog to update anyone who wants to know about our progress. We will have a website up soon.

The project started over a year ago with three of us in a pub saying, "Wouldnt it be great if we could ride in the winter....." How many Cleveland riders haven't thought that?

Defining what should be done first and how to get there has been key; more than once we've compared the project to an expedition up Everest. The past couple months have been encouraging, enough to say we have packed our bags....

Presently we have located a few sites with good potential; we are beginning discussion with the City to go over preliminary details.

Most importantly, as of the first half of March, we have funding commitments over $100,000 toward building the track. Will keep you posted-

Life's Good

Pledge Sheet

Ok, you knew this was coming, Right?

As of the first half of March, we have funding commitments over $100,000. But most of this may be considered Matching Funds. One of the parameters is that the money raised cannot be from one individual donor; they want to see commitment from the bicycling community, hence, the requirement of a Pledge Sheet.

So this is where we need you. As of the latest census research (and believe me, I've done a lot of research, :-) , there are at least 113,000 road cyclists and 130,000 mt bikers in Cuyahoga County. Altogether there are 685,000 cyclists counting the surrounding counties too. We have the potential for a solid list.

We are not asking for a certain amount of money- only a pledge promise of whatever you feel you would like to contribute. Most importantly, we need to show the cycling community is supportive of the idea, so as many people as possible will make the best impression.

We thought the best way to assemble the Pledge Sheet is by email- velodrome4c@gmail.com Just send your name, an email address, and whatever you would like to pledge.

Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you.
Guess thats it for now- back to the paperwork

Life's Good