In order to ensure your safety and the safety of the other riders, there are certain rules and skills that everyone must have before riding. These are taught during a Try the Track session.
The cost for Try the Track is listed in the registration page and you are not required to have an OCA membership. Fees are paid online through the registration links below. Sessions are scheduled throughout the session on certain Sundays as identified on the schedule. If you have a group or a special request for a Try the Track session, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What to Expect:
- Dress appropriately for the weather. If it is cold outside, it will be cool inside. In the winter arm and leg warmers are recommended.
- Clothing should fit tightly so as not to get in moving parts of the bicycle.
- Wear cycling gloves, even if you do not use them ordinarily. There is a lot of vibration on the track.
- Bring your helmet, cycling shoes, and pedals. Clipless pedals and shoes are recommended. If you do not have clipless shoes and pedals, shoes with firm smooth soles are best for use with the track provided pedals.
- If you have a pump, compatible with presta valves, please bring it.
- Bring sufficient food and water. Your session will last two hours. Expect to eat and drink what you would on a bike ride of that duration.
Getting to the Track:
- Please arrive at least 30 mins prior to the session.
- Park anywhere in the parking lot except under the front awnings.
- Walk into the track and follow the "competitor entrance" signs.
When You Arrive:
Please do not cross the track in cycling shoes or socks. Cycling shoes chew up the track surface and socks are too slippery on the incline. Wear your street shoes and carry your cycling shoes in with you. Since the washrooms are on the far side of the track, you will need to change shoes to visit them. Please complete a waiver. Please also sign the track passport card your session leader will hand out along with the waiver. Select and fit a bike. Select a bike that approximates the distance from saddle tip to handlebars on your road bike. When standing over the top tube with both feet on the ground there should be a bit of space between the top tube and your crotch. Adjust the saddle to be at the same height as your road bike. Alternatively, you may use the wooden boxes you see placed around the infield to help you adjust the saddle height. Stand on the box to sling a leg over the saddle and check that it is just slightly bent when you are seated on the saddle and the pedal is in the lowest position. Pedals should be put on finger tight. Please do not make any other adjustments to the bike. Perform the bike check described on the cards you will see hanging from the bike racks. As an added precaution, your session leader will take you through the bike check routine at the start of the session.Sign Up:
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The Forest City Velodrome was unbelievably helpful when I was trying to make the Canadian National Men's Track Endurance Team. I felt like family from day one. Now that I have had the opportunity to ride and race on many velodromes all around the world, I have come to really appreciate what a unique, fast and extremely fun track FCV is. I would highly recommend FCV to anyone!
The Forest City Velodrome is a place where people of all ages and abilities can come and enjoy the thrill of riding the track. From our VeloKids program to our structured training program everyone is sure to find a session that can work for them. Come on out and ride with us!
Why do I ride at the Velodrome? It's an exceptionally unique track upon which I've developed my track cycling skills and techniques, ride with a really great group of people and above all, have a lot of fun! As a 58-year- old woman, I did the Track 1 training more out of curiosity, never thinking this would be for me. I loved the speed and powering through the corners. The results have translated into improved road cycling skills, faster pace and greater fitness. The Velodrome is a welcoming place for all cyclists. If I can do it, so can you!"
As a recreational rider, the Velodrome kept me in shape throughout the winter. In fact, riding a single speed bike has greatly improved my hill climbing during outdoor road riding.
FCV has been such a great find, not only to give B a place to be athletic and active during the winter months, but it has strengthened an already existing interest in cycling and introduced a new stream-track! The Velo-Kids program is fantastic-the coaches are amazing with the kids! So many people don’t know about FCV, and they should check it out! From the exciting race nights, to the many “learn to” programs, FCV is an amazing place we have. I’d tell anyone who hasn’t been there to go!
The velodrome is a great place to socialize. Sometimes I'll spend 2 hours talking to people and only ride for 15 minutes. As long as my wife doesn't check Strava, she thinks I'm exercising.