Chicago Velodrome

As part of a revitalization of the south lake shore of Chicago they've built a very swank outdoor velodrome. One of only twenty-nine in the country. It's in a pretty rough neighborhood and it isn't easy to get to, but whatever it's cool.

By 2014 they hope to enlarge the oval to 250 meters, move it inside, add a cyclocross track, some training facilities, a pro shop, and a bunch of other amenities. Some other developers plan to knock down the houses in the area and put in fancy high rises.

Although I think the track is a great addition to the area, I have mixed feelings about the high rises. Where are the people who live on the south side, the people who this revitalization is supposed to benefit, supposed to live if their house gets knocked down? They can't afford the high rise. Despite its good intentions and the admirable attempt to get the local community involved (including selling Felt TK2s for 1/3 the MSRP), the Chicago Velodrome will probably end up being another toy for wealthy cyclists.

But once I get off my soapbox I plan to spend as much time as possible on the track. More pics to come.

Their website is a work-in-progress but here's the link: http://www.chicagovelocampus.com/