Fantastic Forest City

As Andrew said earlier, this weekend was a much needed rest for us fuelers. But I thought I would take advantage of the spare time to go down and check out Canada’s newest human powered rollercoaster. The Forest City Velodrome in London, Ontario is 138 m and 49ish degrees of rolling thunder that gives you as much of a buzz as the stiffest espresso.

When we pulled in the building left a bit to be desired form the front. Right now it has the look of a building that would either host a Hansel – Zoolander unsanctioned walk off, or a hang out for late night adrenaline junkies. Of course right now only the later can be found in the area.

You walk into the building at around 5 or 5:30 and you can already hear the music pumping through the building and the rumble of the early arrivals as they thunder around the corners with the bikes nearly parallel to the ground…almost sounds like the land speeders in Star wars…whomp whomp, WHOMP, whomp whomp….

When you come through the tunnel it’s like getting the keys to your dads car for the first time. You can see the flags on the railing straight out from the wind created by the riders on the track. This is my favorite thing about riding a new track, that first impression, when you can already sense the kind of energy and racing atmosphere a venue will create; and this little beauty in London does not disappoint. The surface, the lines, the sound, the racks of bikes in the middle, the music pumping, the people in the stands…I can already sense this small intimate venue can create the same type of energy for racing on Saturday night as you can find at bigger events like nationals.

The professionalism continues throughout the evening with an announcer, well-organized races and high speeds all night. But the best part about Forest City is that is lives up to its name. It really is a little track lovers city. With tiny little riders no more than 8 years old (I would say) already riding and showing great control of the banking and bike. I think that everyone with a bike needs to take in a Saturday night at forest city, the locals are friendly, the races are fast, fun and furious, and the track is a piece of art work that needs to be ridden to be fully appreciated. This facility is a great thing for riders in Canada and has something to offer everyone, riders and otherwise.

I know I will be back as soon as the schedule allows. I am going to have to…by the looks of things those 8 year olds are going to be gunning for my track record before I know it. Hope to see you on the track….