HOW CAN I RIDE THE TUCSON VELODROME?

Introduction to the Velodrome

A one-time class for those who are excited about the track and simply want to try riding the
velodrome once. You will get some safety and skill instruction then get on the track. A
rental track bike is included for you to use.

Certification Classes

All riders must start by completing a certification course. Track cycling involves riding
fixed-gear bicycles on banked oval tracks (velodromes) without brakes emphasizing skill,
speed, and strategy. These classes assist with giving a rider all the skills necessary to ride
our velodrome safely. Different certification classes based on a riders’ velodrome
experience level are available. Participants must wear helmets, closed toe shoes and
appropriate cycling attire. Track bikes are required and must meet safety standards (fixed
gear, no brakes, drop bars). Track bikes are available for rent if you do not have your own
track bike.

Level C.1 and Level C.2 Certification Classes: (Beginner)

For riders who are new to fixed gear bikes or velodromes but have good road bike
experience and are comfortable riding in large groups and comfortable doing a rotating
pace line on the road.
The Level C.1 and C.2 certification classes are both two-hour classes and cost $40 for
each class. If you need to rent a track bike for the class, there is an additional $20 fee to
rent a track bike for each class.
The Level C.1 class covers the basics of starting and stopping on a fixed gear bike. The
class will then explain the safety policies and procedures needed to ride the track on a
fixed gear bike and be safe for yourself and safe for the others on the track at the same
time. After completion of the Level C.1 class, you become eligible to take the Level C.2
class.
The Level C.2 class continues the training on how to ride the velodrome and the skills
necessary to feel comfortable riding the track with other riders. At the end of the Level C.2
class if the instructor feels you are ready to ride the track safely for yourself and for the
other riders, they will certify you and you then will be eligible to become a monthly member
or a day member to ride during the open training sessions.
This certification is not designed to prepare you to “race” on the track. It is designed so
that at the successful completion of the Level C.1 and Level C.2 classes you will be
prepared to become a member and be able to ride in the open training sessions on this
track.

Level B Certification Class: (Intermediate)

A two-hour certification class for riders with road racing experience, USAC road category 1
4 or USAC track category 4 or 5. The goal is to be fully certified to ride the track. At the end
of this session, riders will be evaluated for safe and comfortable riding.

Level A Certification Class: (Advanced)

A one-hour certification class for experienced track riders. The class covers the unique
track rules, etiquette and procedures at the Tucson Velodrome.

Youth 101 and Youth 202 Certification Classes

For youth ages 8-18 with parental consent. The Youth 101 and Youth 202 certification
classes are both two-hour classes and cost $20 for each class. If you need to rent a track
bike for the class, there is an additional $20 fee to rent a track bike for each class.
No prior experience riding a fixed gear bike or riding on a velodrome is required. The Youth
101 class covers the basics of starting and stopping on a fixed gear bike. The class will then
explain the safety policies and procedures needed to ride the track on a fixed gear bike and
be safe for yourself and safe for the others on the track at the same time. After completion
of the Youth 101 class, you become eligible to take the Youth 202 class.
The Youth 202 class continues the training on how to ride the velodrome and the skills
necessary to feel comfortable riding the track with other riders. At the end of the Youth 202
class if the instructor feels you are ready to ride the track safely for yourself and for the
other riders, they will certify you and you then will be eligible to become a monthly member
or a day member to ride during the youth open training sessions.
This certification is not designed to prepare you to “race” on the track. It is designed so
that at the successful completion of the Youth 101 and Youth 202 classes you will be
prepared to become a member and be able to ride in the youth open training sessions on
this track.