Welcome to the Velodome

As far as the trend of fixed gear biking these days goes, I can't say I feel strongly either way. I think its a great way for people to exercise, get out and meet new people, and can be a pretty creative medium of expression. I don't, however, feel any real desire to go out and start. However, I was invited by my buddy Kareem to come down to Balboa and witness the velodrome races. Although fixed gear bikes here are mostly equated with hipsters and trendiness, the velo style of bike racing is a real sport that people train for and compete in all over the world. And San Diego, apparently, is home to such a track which competitors normally compete on. I was surprised to hear this - San Diego doesn't even have a basketball team, but a velodrome track? This I had to see.

On the way there I picked up some vagrants a.k.a Geoff and Pete, who were already deep in burgers and beer,and more than willing to practice their harmonicas in my car (Note to self: avoid Camp Crystal Lake).

When we got to Balboa Park, it seemed like we missed it - the baseball fields were all dark, and the only sound was a far off bell. Geoff informed us to proceed in its direction. Sure enough, we crested a hill past the last field to find this:

San Diego's own velo track! And not abandoned or decrepit either! (Although it was pretty old looking) Not only did this thing exist, but actual competitors existed too! Races went on every couple of minutes. The guy announcing, however, used a voice that was half monster truck commercial, and half strip club DJ. Annoying to say the least...

Jan was there!

and Rocco! Along with...


Kareem! Known for the smash hit Super Awesome, he had just now finished his latest fixed gear film, Death Pedal. Even though I don't bike or anything, I saw some of the film and theres no denying what these guys are doing is next level. Check out the trailer.

As I watched some of the races, Kareem told me tales of seeing velo races on a grand scale in South America, Australia, and even at the Beijing 2008 Olympic games. Of course my immediate question was "Did America win?". He laughed and went on to say that there were tons of different ways to race: tag team, relay, racing for speed, racing for endurance...the list goes on and on. Here's some of the better pictures from the race.


The atmosphere at the event was a lot different from what you might expect. Instead of thousands of rabid fans all focused on the game, only a few family members were there to watch the spandex bikers compete. The majority of the people there was south San Diego's fixie scene, friends just hanging out to mingle, have a beer, swap bike info...just generally shoot the shit. Even though we weren't there with bikes, we felt quite welcome and right at home. Mostly, it was great because it was a place you could drink and talk to girls without paying a ten dollar cover.

Afterwards, we visited Lucha for a little burrit to go. Here's a picture of Pete taking a picture of a picture.

Late!