Story by Adam Bowers, Photos by Anthony Skorochod

Two issues ago, in the April/May issue, I wrote about the community programs the Valley Preferred Cycling Center (VPCC) offers to get everyone involved in track riding, such as the Red Robin Bicycle Racing League, Air Products Development Program, Try the Track!, and the many others.

Last issue in June/July, I explained some of the fantastic races that will be going on this summer during the World Series of Bicycling, including my personal favorite Tandemonium!, The Fastest Man on Wheels, Festival of Speed, and more. I also gave a little peek into the USA Cycling Masters National Track Championships that took place July 26-31; however, this championship has yet to take place as of publication.

These articles might get the blood pumping in all the track fanatics out there, but for somebody who has never been to the VPCC, or any track event for that matter, it might get pushed aside as something that “sounds nice, but I don’t really understand.” And you know what? That’s okay. I don’t expect everybody to understand what a 5k Scratch, Keirin, or Pursuit is. Just because you don’t know the technicalities of each individual race doesn’t mean that the action that takes place on Friday nights can’t be enjoyed.

This was evidenced when, several weeks ago, I took my girlfriend, her mother, and her mother’s friend with me to the VPCC to watch some racing. We were looking for something to do, and I said, “Hey, how about we go to the Velodrome and check out the racing?” This suggestion was met by confusion – “We don’t really know what the races are, it might be boring because we don’t really know who the teams are, etc.” I explained that it doesn’t matter – the action and intensity is universal and it’s really easy to get excited about the races when the cyclists fly by doing 40 mph only a few feet from you.

They agreed to check it out, and we headed over to the VPCC. I think what blew them away initially was the cost – $5 for an adult. And really, it still amazes me. Movie tickets are double, even triple that, and – here was the kicker – beer and wine at the VPCC is $3 and $5, respectively. That’s less than the cost of a soda at a movie theater. And the food is even better! Locally sourced, fresh foods, like organic burgers, organic french-fries, sandwiches, and salads – all for the same price as cold, stale popcorn?  Unreal! If the food and drink didn’t draw them into the track excitement, though, the racing sure did.

After we got our food and drinks and made our way to the stands, I explained some of the races, such as the Keirin, and why there was a motorcycle on the track. It only took a few laps before they really got into the races. Stamping feet with the crowd, banging the sideboards, it all came naturally. They were yelling for the guys who had the coolest looking bikes – and hey, why not? – and I was paying more attention to the teams and the points each individual received. When I told them that this was the cyclists’ job that they got paid to do it, and some were competing to make it into the U.S. national team to represent our country, my girlfriend and company really got into it. “You mean we might see these guys on TV next year during the Olympics?” Yes, I replied – up close and personal right here, right now, in Trexlertown.

So if you’ve never been to the VPCC in Trexlertown, or if you used to go but have since forgotten it – consider this a reminder. The racing at the VPCC is nothing less than phenomenal, and, combined with the outstanding food and drink, much cheaper and more thrilling than most movies hitting the theaters this summer. Check out the schedule at www.thevelodrome.com and make a night of it.