You want to ride track!
We are lucky in Waterloo to be within driving distance of three indoor velodromes (and one outdoor “adventure velodrome” 
) .
Each track has slightly different paths to getting onto the track, but they all make sure that you’re properly informed, safe, and ready to have fun before you get riding.
The following is a high level view of each track’s path to riding track.
NOTE: Forest City and Milton are currently not open for riding due to COVID restrictions. I will update with more info as it becomes available when COVID restrictions are lifted.
Forest City Velodrome
http://www.forestcityvelodrome.ca/
Sign up for “Track 1” and “Track 2” sessions via the website.
Track 1 is an intro to riding a fixed gear bike and how to ride safely on a velodrome (as well as how to get on or off the track)
Track 2 introduces group riding and pacelines.
After Track 2 you’re ready to sign up for riding sessions. Try the “skills and drills” session to get more comfortable and work your way into being able to ride the advanced training sessions.
Sign up for regular sessions with varying levels of intensity/speed.
Mattamy National Cycling Centre
The National Cycling Institute Milton (NCIM)
NCIM handles the onboarding of new riders and also the courses needed for coached training sessions and Race prep.
The main page shows the “Adult Track Program Pathway” which starts with “Certification” (This used to be a 2 session requirement, but may have changed…to be confirmed).
Once certified, you can sign up for coached sessions via the NCIM website:
Beginner Structured Training (BST)
Getting comfortable riding fixed gear in a paceline while also doing specific training exercises (take a lap, sprint, multiple lap efforts).
Intermediate Structured Training (IST)
Pack riding (the blob), pursuit exchanges, and less formal “races”.
Advanced Structure Training (AST)
You declare what type of training you want to do (sprint or endurance) and the session coach will assist with timing, or motor pacing with the derny (TONNES of fun). Attending an AST session sets you up for Race Certification which allows you to race in the Saturday night NCIM race series (a separate forum post on this topic).
There are also “Drop-in” sessions at the track which are not coached and essentially group rides with pacelines of differing speeds on the black or blue lines. You need to be certified by NCIM before riding these sessions.
Sign-up for these sessions are done via the City of Milton (along the lines of “free ice time” on a hockey rink). I will post a link/info on this process later as the process might be changing after COVID.
Lexus Velodrome - Detroit
I will update info for this track after COVID restrictions have lifted and borders are opened.
Any questions, I’m happy to help!
LOL
