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Over 100 years ago, riders came from around the country to race one of Rock Hill's three velodromes. Thousands of fans would circle the track to enjoy the spectacle of speed. Upon the advent of the automobile, bicycle riding and racing dramatically declined. Rock Hill's velodromes disappeared. In 2002, two local cyclists decided to change that.
There's a joke in here somewhere, but combine a neurosurgeon, a patent attorney, a love for cycling, and a vision for a world class velodrome, and you have the genesis for the transformational cycling amenities at the Rock Hill Outdoor Center. Dr. Mike Cowan and attorney Spencer Lueders were racing buddies that shared a vision for bringing a velodrome to the Southeast. Cowan had a few key contacts; Lueders had developed a solid business plan. Over a post-race meal in the summer of 2002, the two went to work with making this vision a reality. They called themselves the Carolina Velodrome Association (CVA).
The next several years for Lueders, Cowan and the CVA were spent making calls, setting meetings, giving presentations and talking to anyone who would listen. An amenable partnership began to take root in Rock Hill through the City's Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) office. This group is widely heralded as developing top level facilities for Rock Hill and, over the course of a few years and plenty of due diligence, the PRT staff formed a strong partnership with the CVA to bring a velodrome to Rock Hill. The PRT staff’s leadership and vision is commendable and world class.
The group's original vision evolved with the arrival of Riverwalk, a 1,000-acre, mixed use development situated on a banks of the Catawba River. Through a combined effort by the City, Riverwalk developers, and the CVA, additional cycling amenities were added to create the Rock Hill Outdoor Center. The velodrome was designed to be front and center at Riverwalk, with its banked walls situated in the middle of shops, residences and restaurants. In addition to other cycling amenities, recreational fields will attract riders from around the world and serve as healthy outlets for the Riverwalk residents and area citizens.
Without the Rock Hill Mayor, City Manager, City Council, PRT, Parks Commission, the Assured Group and their respective staffs, the Rock Hill Outdoor Center would not be a reality. It took an incredible vision, trust, and a strong dose of persistence to make it happen. Generations will benefit — this is truly a game changer.
And now about that joke. How many brain surgeons and patent attorneys does it take to make a velodrome? Start with one each.
Riverwalk is an active community that brings together family recreation and world-class competition. Riverwalk is home to the Rock Hill Outdoor Center, the Southeast's premier year-round recreational facility featuring the 250m, world-class Giordana Velodrome. The velodrome will host USA Cycling National Championships, develop Olympic-caliber cyclists and welcome cyclists of all abilities and ages. In addition to the velodrome, the facility will boast the Presbyterian Sports Medicine BMX Supercross track, miles of Mountain Bike Trails with river views, the Piedmont Medical Trail, challenging Cyclocross trails and cycle-friendly streets throughout the village including a closed Road Course.
The USA Cycling-endorsed Giordana Velodrome will host national and UCI caliber events while introducing the local community to the Olympic sport of track cycling through a variety of rider development and outreach programs. The year-round facility will offer programs for cyclists of all stages, providing equipment and instruction via the City of Rock Hill and partnerships with cycling advocacy groups. The velodrome will also serve as a gathering place for a variety of non-cycling activities and special events.
Now Open!
Debuting as an official sport in the 2008 Summer Olympics, BMX racing has experienced a renaissance on both the professional and mainstream cycling scenes. Racing consists of a dirt track where cyclists compete across hills, jumps and banked turns. The Presbyterian Sports Medicine BMX Supercross track will be the only Olympic-caliber training facility on the East coast, and one of only a handful in the U.S. The track will be accessible to all levels hosting local, state, regional, national and UCI caliber events while providing a safe introduction to residents and Olympic hopefuls.
Expected opening: Summer 2012
Several miles of Mountain Bike Trails will wind through the woods of The Rock Hill Outdoor Center at Riverwalk offering riders rugged and rolling terrain to test their skills while providing stunning views of the Catawba River. Mountain biking is an Olympic sport that appeals to riders of all ages and skill levels. The trails at The Rock Hill Outdoor Center will be open to the public and will be maintained through a partnership between the City of Rock Hill and local trail user groups.
Expected opening: Winter 2012
Rapidly growing in popularity, cyclocross or CX is a form of racing that includes paved and off-road trails with obstacles and steep inclines, challenging the rider's cycling and running skills. Riders dismount, carry the bike and remount numerous times. Rock Hill's cyclocross trails will provide exciting racing and training opportunities for neighborhood and local events and also provide a venue for national caliber races. Spectators will revel in the action as riders traverse the dynamic course.
Expected opening: Winter 2012
As part of the diverse selection of cycling amenities designed for The Rock Hill Outdoor Center at Riverwalk, a 1 to 1.5 mile paved road course will complement the "Complete Streets" design. The course will be used primarily for recreational and competitive cycling. With limited vehicle access, it is the perfect venue for hosting both criterium and time trial racing while providing a safe place for riders of all skill levels to learn and practice the rules of the road riding. (Future amenity)
9am-9pm Monday-Saturday
1pm-7pm Sunday
The 2012 Race Series is on! Races will be held Thursday and Friday nights with registration at 6pm and racing starting at 7pm from May 10 through September 7, 2012.
*Hours and programs are subject to change due to weather, programs and events. Call ahead to confirm track availability.
Thad Fischer, Cycling Coordinator
(803) 326-2453 / (803) 326-BIKE
info.velodrome@gmail.com
Only track bikes are allowed on the track. All bikes must be inspected for track compliance prior to riding. Loaner track bikes are available for use at the velodrome on a first come, first served basis for a small fee.
Daily Track Fee: $5
Loaner Track Bike: $5 per 2 hours
Upcoming Certification Classes and Clinics (pdf)
Please note that participants in this group must be experienced road cyclists (with racing experience) and/or track cyclists. Class is limited to 10 riders.
For the safety of all participants, certification process is required of all cyclists, regardless of ability, before riding on the track. Experience is not necessary. Once certification is complete, cyclists may ride once checked in at the front desk. Staff reserves the right to make certification decisions riders on a case by case basis.
(Note: During the first months of operation, many riders will be seeking certification. Staff will work to get riders certified as quickly and safely as possible.)
New Rider Information Form
Waiver for Riders & Volunteers
Beginner Youth, Coming Soon!
Beginner Adult
Road Cyclist w/ Cat 4 or 5 or no License
Road Cyclist w/ Cat 3+ USAC* Road License
Track Cyclist w/ Cat 3+ USAC* Track License
* USAC is USA Cycling, the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States.
A weekly race series will begin in early summer 2012. More info coming soon.
The Giordana Velodrome will be the host of USA Cycling's 2012 and 2013 International Omnium Track National Championship. The 2012 event will be held at the Velodrome August 17-18. More info coming soon.
Membership Information
Membership Application
Information provided by City of Rock Hill's department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
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