Frequently Asked Questions
I enjoy riding on the road/offroad/trails. Why would
I want to come to ride on the track?
There are few things that beat the thrill of riding on the track, particularly a
fully enclosed track like FCV. No hills, no headwinds, no rain, no snow or
ice, and a perfectly smooth surface make for a fast, effortless ride. And
you don't have all that metal whizzing past your left ear. Nothing gets in
your way, not even the turns, which are banked so you ride around them as fast as
you can ride your bike on the straights.
Back to Top
I don't race. Isn't the track just for racers?
Over 80% of the 200+ FCV members are recreational riders and most of the track time
is reserved for recreational, huff 'n puff, and sportif sessions. Plus, the
track is congenial for group rides. No one gets dropped who doesn't end up
back in front of the pack after a few laps and no one has to ride beyond their limits
or limp home after a long ride. The infield is always there for a drink, a
rest and hobnobbing with others.
Back to Top
I'm mainly interested in road/offroad racing. What can the
track offer to me and to the youth in my club?
FCV is open year round for training. Riding fixed gear develops leg speed
and strength, and riding with others on the track develops quick reactions, powerful
acceleration, and quick recovery time. Training sessions focus on drills to
improve rider strength, speed, and fitness, as well as tactics and bike handling
skills. Whether you want to improve your sprint or your endurance, shorten
your recovery time or develop quick reactions to attacks, learn to spin while out
of the saddle or get comfortable working in close quarters in mass start races,
the track is the place to go.
Back to Top
Isn't the FCV track too short? I've heard you can barely
get up any speed on the straights before you have to slow down for the corners.
It's not humanly possible to ride a bike so fast that it will skid around the velodrome's
corners, even at the tightest radius (in the pole lane). To those who have
made this complaint we have only one thing to say: What are you slowing down for?
Go for it!
Back to Top
But isn't it dangerous to ride track?
There are dangers involved in riding track, as there are in all forms of cycling.
On the plus side, you won't get hit by a car, you won't fall off a cliff or skid
into a tree, and you won't have a riding partner slam on their brakes in front of
you. FCV staff supervise the track at all times and are committed to ensuring
that everyone has the proper training and rides safely.
Back to Top
All right then, but isn't it boring to just go around in circles?
Yes. About as boring as riding a criterium. Seriously, even when not
involved in the excitement of a mass start race, track riders work together on the
track, perfecting tactics and techniques and challenging one another's speed and
fitness. And ayone who has gone up to the top of the track to speed up to
over 50K and then dropped down the banking to slingshot around the turns in the
tightest possible radius will tell you that riding track can be as thrilling as
a steep mountain descent. That's just some of the excitement that the track
has to offer.
Back to Top
How do I get to FCV?
FCV is just off the Wellington Street exit from the 401 in London. Take Wellington
Street South (away from town), make the first possible left turn, and you're there!
It is the tall, grey building just ahead on the right. For a map, please see our
Directions
page.
Back to Top
Can I use my own bike on the track?
A bike acceptable for use on the track cannot have brakes and must have a fixed
gear. There has to be enough clearance for a 2x4 wooden stud set on its end
to fit between the bottom of the pedal and the ground when the bike is upright and
the pedal is in its lowest position. The bike must have dropped handlebars.
And if it has quick release hubs the levers must be taped to the frame. Track
bikes of various sizes are available for rental.
Back to Top
What else do I need?
Bring your helmet, gloves, pedals, and cleats.
Back to Top