Summer update:

While we have a new website http://clevelandvelodrome.org and are updating our Facebook page http://facebook.com/clevelandvelodrome on a daily basis, we wanted to take the time to post this update here for your viewing pleasure.  Watch the video, then get ready to come out and RIDE THE TRACK!!!

New Web Site

Please go to our new website http://www.clevelandvelodrome.org/ and/or follow us on Facebook. Become a member of our Founders Club or make a donation via our paypal account.

Update

In November of 2009, Fast Track Cycling, Inc. entered into a purchase option agreement with the City of Cleveland to acquire an 8.9 acre parcel of land located along Broadway Avenue in the Slavic Village neighborhood. Since that time, Fast Track has been completing site due diligence and fundraising for its proposed project. Specifically, Fast Track has completed the following:

· ALTA survey;
· Soil borings;
· Plans and specs are 30% complete;
· Panzica Construction provided a detailed cost estimate;
· Project costs (land, hard and soft) estimated at $7,500,000;

Based on the above completed due diligence and the overall fundraising environment, the Board of Fast Track seeks to employ a phased strategy. As part of Phase I, Fast Track is finalizing a purchase agreement to acquire a portable velodrome track for $350,000. Fast Track has raised all but $20,000 of the money needed to acquire and operate the portable track. Per the schematic contained in Exhibit A, the dimensions would be 166 meter around by 5.5 meters wide. The area needed for this track is approximately 33,000 square feet (i.e. 234 feet by 140 feet). The velodrome track requires a flat site and is anchored in place by 12” x 12” concrete pads that are placed on the ground (no footers required). The track features bolt on construction and can be assembled and/or disassembled with about 50 man hours of labor. The photo below is of a 200 meter track located in Rochester Hills, MI that was built by the same builder Fast Track is working with.


In order to begin our programming and help raise additional funds for the $7,500,000 project, we would like to locate the track on NE corner of the smaller St. Michaels parcel (closest to Sokol Center) on a temporary basis. The track will be situated on the asphalt section of the smaller parcel with parking available on the western portion of the parcel. Please see Exhibit B for a proposed layout. The portable track has a construction lead time of about 60 to 90 days and we would like to have it operational this summer on or about August 1, 2011.

We are very eager to implement our programming which will be modeled after the Velodrome in Rochester Hills, MI. The programming would be volunteer run and available seven (7) days per week. Please see Exhibit C for details about the Programming. It will be available to kids from age 9 and up as well as adults.


As mentioned previously, Fast Track is prepared to purchase the portable velodrome track for $350,000. Or group has been hard at work and nearly all of the money has been raised as summarized below:

Sources of Funding Uses of Funding
Founders Club $50,000 (Pledged) Track Purchase $350,000
Gold Medal Club $25,000 (Pending) Site Work/Landscape $15,000
JAM Foundation $50,000 (Pledged) Equipment $10,000
Vendor Financing $230,000 (Committed) TOTAL $375,000
Gap $20,000
TOTAL $375,000


The Slavic Village site is preferred by our Board, but we are also considering other temporary and/or permanent sites for the portable track including locations in Cleveland as well as Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake and Geauga counties. In order to move forward on the Slavic Village site, Fast Track would like to present the following for the City of Cleveland’s consideration:

· Via a lease or other usage agreement, allow Fast Track to locate the track on the smaller parcel for 18 to 36 months (at your discretion). We can remove the track from the site with 120 days written notice.
· Extend the purchase option agreement thru November 2012;
· Fast Track could maintain responsibility for upkeep of the parcel;
· Any operating surplus would be used for site improvements and beatification of the parcel(s);

The point of the phased strategy and purchasing a track now are to assist us in raising the $7,500,000 for the project (see Exhibit E for current rendering and schematics) and to develop our youth and adult programming.
Exhibit A
Exhibit B

Fast Track proposed to locate the portable track on the NE corner of the smaller parcel. It will site on the asphalt section of the smaller parcel with parking available on the western portion of the parcel.


Exhibit C

Exhibit E

Yahoo News Coverage

Plans for indoor cycling facility in Cleveland are on the right track

Tue Jun 1, 3:04 pm ET

By Diane DiPiero, Associated Content

When it comes to plans for a new indoor cycling facility in Cleveland, no brakes are allowed.

Since announcing in January that it had entered a real estate purchase option agreement to build a 150,000-square-foot velodrome in Slavic Village, Fast Track Cycling has moved full speed ahead with acquiring funds for the project. Following an initial grant from the Civic Innovation Lab, Fast Track began a fundraising campaign that so far has brought in about $100,000 toward the $6.5 million that will be needed to build the facility.

The proposed facility would include a standard 250-meter wood cycling track, a 20,000-square-foot sport court and 75,000 square feet of turf field. In addition to drawing local cycling enthusiasts as well as international cycling races, the facility...

Click HERE to continue reading on Yahoo News

Yahoo News article on Cleveland Velodrome Plans

From: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac_clevela/ac_clevela_ts1409

Plans in motion for Cleveland's velodrome

Thu Apr 1, 11:40 am ET
By Diane DiPiero

Can an indoor cycling facility put Cleveland on the map as a hub for indoor recreation, help end childhood obesity and assist with the renaissance of an urban neighborhood?

It sounds like a tall order, but a group of avid cyclists, along with the city of Cleveland and a local development group, are speeding along with plans to make it happen.

Fast Track Cycling, a nonprofit organization formed by local cycling enthusiasts, is behind efforts to build a velodrome—an arena for track cycling—in Cleveland's Slavic Village. The group has an agreement to buy a 9-acre lot at McBride and Broadway avenues from the city of Cleveland. The site was the former location of St. Michael Hospital, which closed in 2003.

Click here to read the rest of the story on Yahoo! News

Publicity on the Tube

We've been generating lots of buzz this past week... On Sunday, Channel 5 news aired this segment on the velodrome. The link to the video is beneath the picture at the top of the article. Thanks to all the news outlets and individuals spreading the message!

In other news, check out these related projects: the under-construction velodrome in Scotland and the efforts to build one in NYC!

The announcement of the first event at that Scottish velodrome has me thinking: wouldn't Cleveland's velodrome be such a great asset for our Gay Games in 2014?? Answer -- yes!!!

Velodrome plans announced!

Well, today was a huge day for Fast Track, and long time coming at that.

We sent out our press release this morning, and are already seeing great write-ups online from The Cleveland Leader, Crain's Cleveland Business, and The Plain Dealer. Hoping to see a printed story in tomorrow's PD, and next week in the Scene -- word's getting 'round!

This blog (not updated since the summer, sheesh) will be showing updates more regularly as news unfolds at a more frequent pace... stay tuned, become a fan of our Facebook page, and if you're hip enough, keep up with our Twitter feed. Look for tasty bicycle quotes up there in the corner of our blog, too!

Here's the text of the press release:

FAST TRACK CYCLING, INC. PLANS 150,000-SQUARE-FOOT INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX WITH OLYMPIC-STYLE VELODROME IN CITY OF CLEVELAND

Group contracts to purchase nine-acre site for an indoor multi-use recreational facility for track cycling and other recreational activities

CLEVELAND, January 27, 2010 – Fast Track Cycling, Inc., a Cleveland-based, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a real estate purchase option agreement with the City of Cleveland to acquire a nine-acre vacant site formerly occupied by St. Michaels Hospital in Slavic Village. Fast Track plans to develop and operate an indoor recreational facility which will include a velodrome – a custom-built, banked bicycle track – as part of its mission to support track cycling and other recreational opportunities and promote health and wellness as well as youth programming.

Track cycling is a bicycle racing sport that is featured in the Olympic Games and held on specially built banked tracks or velodromes. Cleveland’s will be only the third indoor velodrome of the 25 in the United States, along with those in California and Colorado.

The project will help to revitalize the Slavic Village neighborhood as well as provide recreation, wellness and other services to children and adults. Current plans are to construct a 150,000-square-foot, air-supported dome structure that will house a 250-meter wood track, 75,000 square feet of turf field, 20,000 square feet of sport court, and other amenities. In addition to cycling, the facility will accommodate a multitude of recreational and sports activities including soccer, track and field, football, baseball, volleyball, basketball, running, walking, among many others. Fast Track has established strategic relationships with Sports Facilities Marketing Group (corporate sponsorships), Edward Howard (public relations), GPD Associates (project engineer) and Vocon Partners (project architect).

A detailed budget and operational projections have been developed. Overall project costs are estimated at $6,500,000. Fast Track is seeking naming rights sponsors, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, federal/state/local grants, and charitable donations from the cycling community.

To date, Fast Track has been funded by a $30,000 grant from Civic Innovation Lab and other donations totaling $7,000 while another $45,000 has been pledged for the capital campaign.

Fast Track is collaborating with Slavic Village Development Corporation and has received positive responses from the Mayor’s Office, members of City Council, and the Cleveland

Planning Commission. Fast Track plans to work closely with various neighborhood groups including Sokol Greater Cleveland.

“The sale and use of this vacant City Land Bank property for a Sports/Olympic-style cycling training center is a welcomed economic opportunity and major boost for Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “With the makings of both a regional and national draw, the proposed cycling center will cast a new light on Slavic Village by generating a sense of pride with benefits that will include job creation, business opportunities, health benefits, and more.”

“Bringing a velodrome and recreational facility to the Broadway/Slavic Village community will not only add an important recreational amenity for residents,” said Ward 5 Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland, “but it will also bring in visitors and economic growth to the area.”

“This is a terrific opportunity for Slavic Village,” said Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Community Development Corporation. “The velodrome is a perfect fit for us, because of our central location, and our community’s commitment to active lifestyles and physical fitness. The velodrome will complement our two new athletic fields, the First Tee Golf Course and our Morgana Bike Trail.”

The Slavic Village site is located at McBride Avenue and Broadway Avenue (southeast of the intersection of East 49^th Street and Broadway) and offers proximity to all of greater Cleveland, with excellent freeway access to I-77, I-90, I-71, I-490 and I-480.

The 14-member volunteer Board of Trustees has legal, business and finance, political, non-profit, fundraising, construction, and cycling backgrounds. Four board committees include:

• Site Selection/Acquisition
• Fundraising/Corporate Sponsors
• Governance
• Facilities/Operations.

Project Benefits

• Health & wellness – all abilities, all access, all community
• Youth programming
• Urban redevelopment
• Year-round community, recreational, elite and regional use
• Nationally unique venue to attract and retain young, active adults to Northeast Ohio
• Appeal to a growing market – Cleveland area cyclists
• Ability to host regional, national and international events throughout the year
• Potential training center for Olympic and professional cyclists (road and track)

Frame Raffle and Party!

Dan Polito, the owner of Cicli Polito (http://www.ciclipolito.com), is donating one custom built track frame and fork to the winner of the raffle. This locally handcrafted track bike frame is valued at over $2,000. Mr. Polito won “Best in Show” at the 2009 Handmade Bicycle Show held in Indianapolis, IN.

Tickets: Raffle tickets are $20 per ticket or 6 for $100;

When: Raffle will be held Wednesday June 24th at 7:00pm;

Where: Join us at Brothers Lounge at 11609 Detroit Ave (W. 117th & Detroit) from 4:00pm to 8:00pm; complimentary food and a cash bar. It’s a party!

The proceeds of the raffle will benefit Fast Track Cycling, Inc. (http://fasttrackcycling.org) and their efforts to construct an indoor velodrome in the greater Cleveland area.

In conjunction with the raffle, there will be a short (15 minute) presentation by board members of Fast Track Cycling to provide an update to the cycling community about the status of the very exciting Indoor Velodrome Project.

For tickets or questions, please drop me a line at bdavis@ironwood-dev.com.

Hope you can make it.

Best,

Brett Davis
President, Fast Track Cycling, Inc.

Update and Photos from the Fundraiser

I'm working a new contract job in SoCA so this is a bit late.

We raised $380.00 from the event at the Blind Pig. Thanks to all that showed up to support us.

We Know Where You''ll Be March 26th at 5-9PM

Dave is setting this up....

The bar tabs go to Fast Track Cycling and Dave will be raffling off some free stuff.

A frame, fork, cranks, and wheelset from alien bikes.
A bag from seagull bags
A bag from dirtbag packworks
A subscription to urban velo
A prize basket from the grog shop.

We hope to see you there!

Fast Track Board Meeting

Our board meeting was Tuesday. We are making progress and things are still looking positive for the Salvic Village Site.....it's just not moving quickly enough for us or we know you either.

The wool jerseys ($199.00 ea) and race kit ($99.00 ea) tops will now be available at three area bike shops:

- Bike Authority

7979 Broadview Rd

Broadview Hts, OH

440-546-9966

- Spin Bike Shop
14515 Madison Ave

Lakewood, OH

216-521-7746

- Solon Bike Shop

6291 SOM Center Rd

Solon, OH

440-349-5225

Supplies are very limited and once they are gone, we will not be offering the exact same design and the avaibility may not be until the end of the year.

The bike raffle for the custom built track bike is moving forward and a winner will be drawn on June 22nd. Tickets are $20.00 ea or 6 for $100.00. Any board member can sell you the tickets.

BTW, Dan Polito, who is donating the bike, won "Best of Show" at the North American Handmade Bike Show just a few weeks ago! It will be built to fit the winner.

We will keep the updates coming.

Assorted Photos....

Some pictures from the Cyclocross fund raiser.......

The first photo:

Brett Davis (President) presenting a check to Greg Huth (Treasurer) for $500.00 from the Chagrin River Cyclocross Race.

The second photo

Me and Matt Litzler at the race volunteering (standing in front of the Fast Track Banner).

A Nice Link.....

I was doing some research on track measurements and saw this.....about our web site.

Custom Bike Raffle

Don't forget about this cool raffle......

a $20.00 ticket gives you the chance at a chi-chi 

Track Bike Frame and Fork Raffle
Cicli Polito is building a limited edition 
track bike (one).  It will be a work of art 
custom built for the winner.

Drawing will be the first quarter of 2009.

See; three things you can buy for that cyclist fan that will make them feel good and go towards our non-profit.

Racing Jerseys Available

There are only 6 of these still available.

A prime for a $99.00 donation. ($99.00 is tax deductible)

Racing Kit Jersey- 
The first dozen or so have been 
generously donated by Pyro apparel.
Patterned after geonetric styles of retro 
racing track jerseys in CBC colors

Please note that there is no white area on the front.

Please contact us at velodrome4c@gmail.com if interested in these.

Wool Jerseys Still Available

There are a very limited amount of the wool jerseys still available.

Old School Jersey :  A prime for a $199 donation. ($124 is tax deductible) - this is a unique design, a collectable limited run of only 50 (Only 27 left!).   ordering info with sizing 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

You can order them at the website.

Chagrin Falls Cyclocross Race

Well, 84 racers showed up and enjoyed the music, costumes, racing and beer.....and cowbell.

Fast Track Cycling will receive $500.00 from the proceeds of the race.

Results can be found here.

Photos can be found here.

Thanks for all of the volunteers, the racers, the sponsors and the people that came out to cheer on the racers and enjoy the race.

Cyclocross & Track Racing?

What does Cyclocross & Track Racing have in common?

Well, this Cyclocross race Saturday will donate all of the proceeds to Fast Track Cycling.

It's a great venue and there will be a beer garden, great music and racers wearing costumes.

Hope to see you there!

A Letter of Support

Fast Track Cycling just received a Letter of Support from Phyllis Cleveland, Councilwoman, Ward 5.

We should be hearing if this is a "go" on this site in the very near future.

Congrats to Local Jr. Track Cyclists at Nationals

I dont know results for the entire team yet, but I picked this up from USA Cycling's website:
Congrats to local Jr. Track Cyclist Eric Madis on third place in Jr Mens 10-12 500 Meter TT.
Keep at it Eric!