Ed Rudolph Velodrome

We’d heard mutterings from fixed-gear bike fiends about Ed Rudolph Velodrome—a Northbrook bike track where the blur of polyester jerseys surround a serene grassy knoll.

Every Thursday evening during the summer, cyclists with a range of experience gather at the track to compete in three or four races, which range from the basic one-lap Chariot to the intense Danish Win and Out; racers pedal two or three neutral laps and then speed for the finish line at the sound of a bell.

All riders must bring a United States Cycling license and ride a track bike, which you can rent at the velodrome for $5 (and for nada on race nights). Extremely lightweight, these bikes lack brakes—mildly terrifying considering riders move at speeds of 40mph or more. Fortunately, it costs only two bucks to watch safely from the sidelines.

Out of four races one Thursday in mid-July, the Keirin was the highlight. On the five-lap race, riders follow a motorcycle that sets the pace for the first four laps. On the last lap, the motorcycle falls out of the track, leaving the cyclists to sprint for the finish line.

If you need some training wheels before jumping right in (like one unlucky Keirin racer whose shoe came unhooked from the pedal at the race’s start), practice and familiarize yourself with the safety regulations of the Velodrome by attending Monday and Tuesday night clinics (6:30pm; $7).

Meadowhill Park, 1500 block of Maple Ave, Northbrook (847-291-2985, northbrookvelodrome.org). Thursday registration 5:30pm, races 6:45pm. Racers $20, under 18 racers free, spectators $2.

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