Community Corner

Rochester Hills' International Velodrome Is One Of A Kind

Rochester Hills' it International Velodrome is the only bicycle racing track of its kind in North America.

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – For some fitness-minded folks, there’s never a challenge too big. From mountain climbing to marathon running, it has got to be conquered. The International Velodrome at Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills is another challenge worth considering.

According to the non-profit organization that runs the facility, which is located at 345 John R Road, it is the only bicycle racing track of its kind in North America. The outdoor track, which was constructed in 2001, is 1/8 of a mile oval with banking from 13 degrees to 44 degrees. There are classes or programs or racing every day during the summer season and open riding whenever the track is dry.

“My first time here, but what fun we had,” wrote Patsy R. of Rochester Hills in a June review of the facility on Yelp. She rated the Velodrome five stars out of five stars. “All kinds of different races. The bikes are all awesome. All riders are dressed to ‘The Nines.’ Bikers race to live Rock n roll music which adds to the excitement of the event.”

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The facility was paid for by private donations, built by volunteers and given to the city of Rochester Hills. The Velodrome is billed as a place for “all ages and stages” of bicyclists.

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In a review about Bloomer Park, Rob B. of Rochester said he enjoyed the Velodrome. “This thing is super slick to watch,” he wrote in a 2014 Yelp review. “All the high gear bikes roll on it. And they roll fast!!”

A daily fee park fee of $5.00 is required or an annual pass is available for $35.00. More information about Bloomer Park can be downloaded here.

Photo by copiousfreetime via Flickr Commons

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