Velodrome racing is a growing niche sport for youth!

I used to think the Marymoor Velodrome was built for the Goodwill Games, operated by King County, was only for adults, and dangerous to ride on. Wrong on all counts.

Ed, my behind-the-fence-neighbor, has 7 bicycles in his garage, volunteers at "the track" every week and has two young kids taking "Pee Wee Pedaler" classes! So, I took a visit to the Velodrome to find out more.

I bumped into Tela Crane at the cycle rental shop underneath the track; she was great and she filled me in. Tela works for the nonprofit Marymoor Velodrome Association as their Webmaster and Youth Program Director. That's right, this nonprofit, association of 500 volunteer cyclists do all the work at "the Track". The two staff on hand are paid by the Association, not county taxpayers. Just, a few sponsors and $40 dues/year fuel the whole program.

Yes, everybody knows Derby Days is coming up this Saturday, but did you know the "Pee Wee Pedalers" class (ages 4-8) is in the morning, the same day? 9am. That's right!

Tela teaches the "Velokids" (ages 10-16) They use youth size track bikes and learn how to ride and race on the track. M-Th, 4-5:30. Bikes can be rented on-site for $10/day.

"Kiddie Kilo" is a popular, new introductory class to racing. It features a one-lap race for everyone from push bikes to 10 year-olds. 1st & 3rd Friday every month. 60-100 kids are coming out every night!

Yes, "adult track classes" are held on Saturdays at 11am. Those who take the weekend class move up to Thursday evening racing. And, the popular, higher level Friday Night Racing takes place at 7Pm, beer garden nearby.

Velodrome racing is safer than road racing. It's kind of counter-intuitive. The bikes have no brakes and only one gear so there is no sudden stopping or jerky moves. Plus, rules about where you can ride on the track and which lanes helps keep things safer. Racers reach speeds of 40+ mph but with few accidents. Cross winds and rain are the biggest hazards. Most of their "twitts" are about weather conditions.

Yes, youth sports are growing, but niche sports like velodrome racing, rowing, BMX dirt jumping, and mountain biking are growing at fast clip, offering new excitement and discoveries to those who venture. Will you?

Don't miss: FSA Grand Prix (http://www.fsagrandprix.com/ - one of the nation's biggest track racing events- brings in national and international talent). July 24 - 25. !!!

CONTACT: Tela Crane, velokids@velodrome.org

Website: www.velodrome.org/cms/

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