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Beginner Program

Our successful beginner program for basic track skills and velodrome etiquette is back.

Between April and September, the velodrome offers a four-day class series held on consecutive Thursday nights. This adult beginner program teaches the fundamentals of riding on the track, safely and progressing to more advanced handling. After the program, all riders are ready to race!

In addition to the four-series classes, the velodrome also offers a limit number of weekend two-day classes. The two-day classes are scheduled intermittently based on need and instructor schedule.

Signup: Send email to brian@dicklanevelodrome.com - include bike size or your height. Now you can also sign up online at our store.
Cost: $60.00 (includes loaner bike if you don't have a track bike)
Bring: shoes, pedals and helmet

For current class schedules dates please check the current calendar. During Regular Season classes you must pick one session and attend all 4 classes in that session to pass the class. Weekend classes only require the 2 days to become certified.

2010 Spring Weekend Class Schedule

  • March 6th & 7th - Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm each day
  • March 27th and 28th - Saturday and Sunday from 1pm -4pm each day

2010 Regular Season Schedule

  • Session #1: Thursday, April 1, 8, 15 & 22
  • Session #2: Thursday, May 6, 13, 20 & 27
  • Session #3: Thursday, June 10, 17, 24 & July 1
  • Session #4: Thursday, July 15, 22, 29 & August 5
  • Session #5: Thursday, August 19, 26, September 2 & 9

2010 Fall Weekend Class Schedule

TBD.

*We will attempt to add more dates depending on interest.

I've Completed the Beginners Class, Now What??

OK, so you just finished the DLV Track Certification Class. Congrats! Now you are eligible to train and race at one of only 24 velodromes in the country. Here are a few random things that you may want to know:

What Category Am I?

You are ATRA Category "D" or USCF Category "4" depending on who's asking. Even if you are Category 1 road or MTB racer, you will be a "D" racer until you get enough points and/or the Race Director upgrades you at his discretion.
http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/pages/racingcategories.html

What about races?

Beginner races are on Tuesday along with Masters and Women. You can also race Pursuit and Sprint nights: http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/calendar

What about gearing?

Most racers here use a gear somewhere between 86 and 94 inches. We recommend starting small and getting bigger as you go. Generally speaking D racers would be around 86", C racers around 86-88", B racers 88-90" and A racers 90"+. This is just a general guide to get you started, you may tweak things as you move through each category.
http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/sites/default/files/DLV Gear Chart.pdf

What races will we race?

It's up to who's running the races that night. Get familiar with the names. But don't worry, there will be a brief explanation before each race and a chance for you to ask questions.
http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/pages/typesofevents.html

What time should I get there?

ORGANIZED warmup pacelines start promply at 7PM. Racing starts promptly at 7:30PM. Most people get there around 6PM to get unload the car, prep the bike, warmup, etc...

What's the atmosphere like?

Very laid back. Sort of like a pickup basketball or volleyball game at the gym.

How much does it cost?

$10 or $15/day for racers. Free for spectators. Bring your friends! It's only a 1 mile ride/walk from the MARTA station. The East Point Velodrome Association, Inc. (EPVA), is a 100% volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/pages/racerinfo.html

What should I wear?

If you already have cycling kits, then wear those. But, don't spend lots of dough on a fancy kit if you don't have it. You can get some basic cycling shorts from Outback Bikes and a regular dri-fit type athletic shirt will do. You can race in jeans if you want, but that's between you and your behind. Only requirement is not race in "baggy" clothing.

Why don't Beginners race on Wednesday with the As, Bs, and Cs?

Because if they tried to get races in for As, Bs, Cs, Ds, Masters, and Women on the same night each category would get only 1 race in a night which is totally not worth anyone's time. So, it's split 3 and 3.

What is a "Master"?

A racer who is over 40 years of age.