New England Velodrome Dust Up

I don’t really know the full story here, but got this sent to me today, seems there is a bit of a dust up over the New England Velodrome.

New England Velodrome & Cycling Park
www.nevelodrome.com

Cycling for All!
January 2009- Vol 2, Issue 1
Thank you!

Dear Fellow Cyclists, volunteers, parents, sponsors and friends,

It is never easy convey disappointing news to friends and the task becomes more difficult when as in this case the news comes without warning and is the direct result of an intentional and calculated scheme by those who on numerous occasions professed to be in support of our project all the while studying our organization and planning to take over control for themselves.

First and foremost, the New England Velodrome & Cycling Park, thanks all of you for your many contributions over the past 5 years. Without you believing in, supporting and in many cases contributing sweat equity to our grass roots project the New England Velodrome and Cycling Park would have never gotten off the ground. It has been our pleasure to meet you all and to have had you as part of our cycling family.

Unfortunately, our collective efforts were brushed aside in the face of few more dollars. This morning, March 10, 2010, I was informed that someone had offered the owner of the property an increased monthly rent to take over control of the track, as well as the BMX and Cyclocross courses. This turn of events is in itself was upsetting to hear, however, it has also just come to light that this planned takeover was orchestrated by Jeff Palter and Kurt Begman of Cycleloft who attended our track and disingenuously expressed their support of what we had accomplished through hard work coupled with a collective passion for cycling. One can attempt to justify such actions on the basis of cold hard economics or in the interests of allegedly improving a product however the true reality is that this act is fueled by bruised egos and the desire to buy a concern after others have done the grunt work in establishing its viability. In short this act is contrary to very atmosphere many of you have fostered and come to expect from the New England Velodrome and Cycling Park and its staff.

Make no mistake about it, this was not a mutual decision nor was it necessitated by our own wish to turn over the cycling park to more “experienced hands”. This development came as a complete surprise, one we certainly did not anticipate on the eve of the upcoming cycling season. At this point we had sponsors on board, grants on the way and the schedule was complete. We tell you this only to assure you that the staff of the New England Velodrome and Cycling Park was 100% committed to the success of New England Velodrome & Cycling Park and it saddens all of us to have to deliver this news to you.

It is disturbing and disheartening to know that someone from the cycling community would do this behind our backs and with a vindictive motive. That being said, our sponsors and alliances are behind us in our venture to find a new home for the New England Velodrome & Cycling Park and Velocity BMX.

At this time we have no further information about what these new track owners plan to do and can not comment on how things will be run. We do know that the staff at New England Velodrome and Cycling Park did everything it could to make this work and offered as much as possible, but given the calculated nature and timing of these events it just wasn’t enough. Also, the staff of the New England Velodrome & Cycling Park will not be associated in any way with this type of business because it shows a lack of respect for the sport of cycling, the community, and the riders who made it all possible.

In conclusion, on behalf of the New England Velodrome and Cycling Park, I would like to extend my gracious appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all of you for seeing a similar vision, helping to nurture and develop it and sharing the common spirit inherent in this sport. I wish everyone the best of luck in the future and I promise to continue my pursuit of developing an indoor cycling park here in New England.

Sincerely, Tony Eberhardt

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Track Racing Seminar

Ever thought about giving bike racing a try? There’s no time like the present, or more specifically, this coming Monday, May 11th!

Cambridge Bicycle and New England Velodrome are hosting a seminar on Beginning Track Racing this coming Monday, May 11th at the Livable Streets Alliance space in Cambridge. This seminar will be designed for those who have little or no racing experience and it is free and open to all ages.

There will be a short presentation on the history of bicycle track racing, including some great photos and videos. Tony Eberhardt, director of the New England Velodrome and New England cycling legend Dick Ring will be on hand to explain the different types of races that happen on a track, or “velodrome”, and discuss the racing schedule for this summer. We will also discuss ride share options for getting to the track, and have a question and answer session with other experienced track racers. I also hear that Craig Roth is going to be there, and he is an amazing dude.

There will be door prizes which include free passes to the track, hats, t-shirts, etc. So tell your friends and come get in on the fun!!

Monday, May 11, 2009, 6:30-9pm
Livable Streets Alliance
100 Sidney Street, Cambridge M
Directions here: http://www.livablestreets.info/node/530
Questions? email Craig: [email protected]

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