The Superdrome has Open
Riding hours scheduled Feb - Sept., they vary depending on what time of year
it is. Check the Calendar for
exact details.
How much does it cost
to work out/ride at the track? What passes are available?
A "season pass" at the
track costs $100 and is good for the calendar year or
you can pay 5.00 per day.
When are races
held at the Superdrome?
2-3 Friday nights
a month from mid March - September (weather permitting) the Superdrome hosts the
Richardson Bike Mart Superdrome Points Series. Local bicycle clubs
also host races at the Superdrome, see the calendar for details.Racers are separated
by categories based on age and ability. Race entry fee's vary by
promoter. Spectators are free and
encouraged to attend. Cash prizes are awarded each evening.
Can anybody
ride the Superdrome?
Yes, after taking
the Superdrome development class! Anybody who
can ride and maintain a speed of approximately 12+ mph can ride on the Superdrome. This is the slowest safe speed required to stay upright and not
slide off the corners. Although the track may look intimidating to new
cyclists it is actually quite safe if the minimum speed is maintained. Many
experienced cyclists believe that it is safer to ride at the Superdrome than
to ride in traffic on the roads of North Texas.
In 2005, we purchased a dozen smaller, “junior-size” bikes with
650mm wheels. These new bikes and the application of the non-slip surface
will allow riders as young as 8 years old to experience the Superdrome.
How can I ride
on the track?
Each rider,
regardless of cycling ability, must attend a half-day Development Class to
become certified. During this class students will become familiar with the
velodrome, basic riding rules and etiquette, and safety considerations.
Students spend most of the time riding on the track, which builds confidence
and skill. The cost is $25 and includes the use of a track bike. Visit
Superdrome.com for class schedules and information or send an e-mail to
Barry S. (see email link)
What about Juniors &
Youth Cyclists?
Yes, children 14 years
old and up can take the Superdrome development track class. Children
8-14 can learn to ride the track in our
Youth Development Program run by Suzie Goodwin
Can I use my
own bike on the Superdrome?
No, only a track
bike is allowed on the Superdrome. Track bikes are designed specifically
for riding on a velodrome. They have no brakes, no gears and
no freewheel so if the back wheel is turning, so are the pedals (in
other words - you can’t “coast”). Speed is controlled by pedaling, by
pushing back on the moving pedals and by going “up-track” which uses gravity
to slow the bike as it travels uphill.
Riding on the
Superdrome with a “regular” bike is unsafe and is not allowed.
How fast can
someone ride on the Superdrome?
The Superdrome
has global recognition as the fastest outdoor low-altitude track in the
world. The track record is approximately 45 miles an hour, set during a
sprint event by a member of the U.S.A Olympic team. You probably won’t go
that fast!
How steep are
the corners?
The
Superdrome has a circumference of 250 meters with banking of 44-degrees
in the corners. The front and back straights are banked at “only”
17-degrees.
This is the same
design as found at Olympic-caliber velodromes throughout the world. It is
now the standard for elite-level racing. There are only two other “Olympic”
velodromes in the United States, located in Portland and Los Angeles. New
tracks are on the drawing boards at other U.S. locations.
What keeps the riders from
falling off the steep corners?
In a single word
– “inertia” (no – not “luck”). The faster a cyclist travels the
greater the inertia that pushes him/her outward against the track surface.
Also, the faster the cyclist travels the more he/she will lean away from the
track, which increases good tire contact. This outward force overcomes
gravity that is pulling the rider down. As long as inertia is greater than
the gravitational pull the rider/bicycle will safely stay upright on the
track.
Plus, the new
non-slip surface provides great traction for the wheels, which helps the
rider to “stick” to the track. Prior to the application of the non-slip
surface in 2004, most crashes occurred in the steep corners because the
cyclist was riding too slowly and the tires slipped off the slick surface.
Today, riders need only maintain a minimum speed of approximately 10-miles
an hour (or less for skilled riders) to safely ride on the Superdrome.
Who manages
the Superdrome?
The Superdrome is managed, maintained and marketed by
Superdrome Management Group with the support of dedicated local volunteers.
SMG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
When was the
track built? How is it maintained?
The Superdrome
was originally built in 1998. Since we are an outdoor wood track, we
do yearly maintenance pulling and replacing bad boards, re-painting the
track, etc.
What can I do
to support the Superdrome?
Funding is the
most critical hurdle facing the superdrome. Tax deductible
contributions are gladly accepted. Or, perhaps you know other individuals
or companies that may want to become Superdrome sponsors
or benefactors.
Another area of
need is in publicizing the facility and events. Please help us spread the
word to friends and the community. SMG can provide flyers and posters. We
are happy to work with local organizations and groups to “get the word” out
about this world-class facility.
And we always
need volunteers to help in all aspects of the operation, maintenance,
marketing and events. Please
us so we may talk .
How can I advertise
at the Superdrome?
If you would like to
become a Superdrome Sponsor (i.e. buy a white board for 1 to 3 seasons or
sponsor a development program), contact Tim Goodwin. We have many a la
carte ways to sponsor the track. If you would like to
financially contribute to the Superdrome in other ways, ask us about
becoming a Superdrome Benefactor.
