Is track racing dying out in the US?
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The federal government has been removing a lot of its support for the arts. Remember Piss Christ?, or when Congress decided Rock and Rap were the reason kids were acting up (It is actually poor parenting, but can’t hold constituents accountable). In Europe, orchestra’s are subsidized making it very affordable to go. People in the U.S. would rather play video games at home. You can even get college scholarships for playing video games now.
#27
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On the other hand, at the junior and elite level, there's an exciting new impetus to get things moving forward from USA cycling, largely due to some new blood in the coaching pool. Eventual success here (and we're already seeing some) might provide some inspiration to build more tracks?
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The federal government has been removing a lot of its support for the arts. Remember Piss Christ?, or when Congress decided Rock and Rap were the reason kids were acting up (It is actually poor parenting, but can’t hold constituents accountable). In Europe, orchestra’s are subsidized making it very affordable to go. People in the U.S. would rather play video games at home. You can even get college scholarships for playing video games now.
How is a video game scholarship any more absurd than a golf scholarship? What's more, the average person can relate more to video games than I can to golf. I've played video games thousands of times...and golf (including driving ranges and mini-golf) dozens.
Imagine some guy explaining golf to his parents a couple of hundred years ago explaining that it would be big in the future.
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On the other hand, at the junior and elite level, there's an exciting new impetus to get things moving forward from USA cycling, largely due to some new blood in the coaching pool. Eventual success here (and we're already seeing some) might provide some inspiration to build more tracks?
I know I'm a Debbie Downer in this thread, but I just want to speak honestly so that we see things as close to reality as possible.
I absolutely love this sport. I just don't know how to grow it...or if it's even possible.
#30
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Carleton, somewhat agree. Trying to look at the bright side here! However, the women's TP success is something of an outlier in my opinion as over the last ten years or so that was the only track program getting any kind of support. That is changing. Look at the recent junior worlds, there was a lot of US success, even in sprint events! My point is that support is growing, becoming systematized, being implemented more intelligently. This could have big ramifications down the road. I put this down mostly to a change in coaching staff at USA Cycling (in other words, Lee Povey, but probably others I'm not aware of).
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(just realized one of the kids we had that medaled at track nationals was the same guy who beat me by a couple of inches in my last crit. My kids loved teasing me after I told them I got beat by a 14yr old, lol)
#32
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There seems to be a lot of tracks closing in the US recently. Whats up with that?
Now, looks like Boulder Valley will close down.
https://www.velonews.com/2019/10/new...shutter_501459
……………………………………./
Now, looks like Boulder Valley will close down.
https://www.velonews.com/2019/10/new...shutter_501459
……………………………………./
https://www.facebook.com/SaveBVV/?__tn__=HH-R
Hope it is successful.
#33
Banned.
Why should the taxpayers supplement a facility that they may have no interest in?
There are no problems in the USA right now because taxpayers will speak their mind. I love track racing but I also realize that I should pay for and help raise funds for things I like (and not rely on the government to pay the bill).
There are no problems in the USA right now because taxpayers will speak their mind. I love track racing but I also realize that I should pay for and help raise funds for things I like (and not rely on the government to pay the bill).
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Why should the taxpayers supplement a facility that they may have no interest in?
There are no problems in the USA right now because taxpayers will speak their mind. I love track racing but I also realize that I should pay for and help raise funds for things I like (and not rely on the government to pay the bill).
There are no problems in the USA right now because taxpayers will speak their mind. I love track racing but I also realize that I should pay for and help raise funds for things I like (and not rely on the government to pay the bill).
We agree as a society that somethings are important, and many communities think bicycling facilities fit that bill.
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If it increases your property value, you benefit even if you don't use it.
#36
Banned.
Taxpayers supplement lots of things they will never use. I don't have children. Why should I pay for schools? I don't use the local public park with baseball, soccer and football fields. Why should my tax dollars pay for it?
We agree as a society that somethings are important, and many communities think bicycling facilities fit that bill.
We agree as a society that somethings are important, and many communities think bicycling facilities fit that bill.
then the track should remain open daily for the taxpayers to use and no track certification should be required
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#38
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Why should the taxpayers supplement a facility that they may have no interest in?
There are no problems in the USA right now because taxpayers will speak their mind. I love track racing but I also realize that I should pay for and help raise funds for things I like (and not rely on the government to pay the bill).
There are no problems in the USA right now because taxpayers will speak their mind. I love track racing but I also realize that I should pay for and help raise funds for things I like (and not rely on the government to pay the bill).
Do you also think that driver's license tests and pilot license tests shouldn't be required?
This is all trolling at best and idiotic, short-sighted reasoning at worst.
"Why should my taxes be used for something that does't interest ME?!...GRRRRRRRR!"
I haven't been to a public library in years...yet I'm very happy to have my tax money go to supporting them for the good of my society as a whole...not just what's good for me as an individual. I hold that sentiment about a great number of things...including track racing.
You have a right to your opinion. We have right to have an opinion about your opinion...it sucks.
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#41
Banned.
Should all public services be crowd-funded? Should we start a gofundme for trash pickup and animal control?
lol...do you even know why tracks require certification? It's not to selectively inconvience you. It's to make sure that everyone knows what to expect and what's expected of them when on the track to avoid accidents.
Do you also think that driver's license tests and pilot license tests shouldn't be required?
This is all trolling at best and idiotic, short-sighted reasoning at worst.
"Why should my taxes be used for something that does't interest ME?!...GRRRRRRRR!"
I haven't been to a public library in years...yet I'm very happy to have my tax money go to supporting them for the good of my society as a whole...not just what's good for me as an individual. I hold that sentiment about a great number of things...including track racing.
You have a right to your opinion. We have right to have an opinion about your opinion...it sucks.
lol...do you even know why tracks require certification? It's not to selectively inconvience you. It's to make sure that everyone knows what to expect and what's expected of them when on the track to avoid accidents.
Do you also think that driver's license tests and pilot license tests shouldn't be required?
This is all trolling at best and idiotic, short-sighted reasoning at worst.
"Why should my taxes be used for something that does't interest ME?!...GRRRRRRRR!"
I haven't been to a public library in years...yet I'm very happy to have my tax money go to supporting them for the good of my society as a whole...not just what's good for me as an individual. I hold that sentiment about a great number of things...including track racing.
You have a right to your opinion. We have right to have an opinion about your opinion...it sucks.
Velodromes in South Korea are open to the public. Not gated. Anyone can use them.
You don’t need certification to ride around a track. Proceed at your own risk.
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Its not trolling. It’s a fact. Taxpayers should not pay the bill for you to have fun and if they do then they should be allowed to use the facilities.
Velodromes in South Korea are open to the public. Not gated. Anyone can use them.
You don’t need certification to ride around a track. Proceed at your own risk.
Velodromes in South Korea are open to the public. Not gated. Anyone can use them.
You don’t need certification to ride around a track. Proceed at your own risk.
Also, taxpayers paid for roads. We shouldn't need a driver's license either, right?
DLV is open to the public every day.
What's South Korea have to do with this?
So, really, what velodrome denied you entry? That's what this is about.
#43
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Its not trolling. It’s a fact. Taxpayers should not pay the bill for you to have fun and if they do then they should be allowed to use the facilities.
Velodromes in South Korea are open to the public. Not gated. Anyone can use them.
You don’t need certification to ride around a track. Proceed at your own risk.
Velodromes in South Korea are open to the public. Not gated. Anyone can use them.
You don’t need certification to ride around a track. Proceed at your own risk.
For most of my life, I lived in Texas - where there was next to nothing with parks or any pubic land. It sucked. That is a fact. Oops, no, its just an option of someone who appreciates public spaces. Makes me really appreciate all of the parks I have access to now. I understand what you are saying, but I'm glad I don't live in Texas any more.
Certainly a flattish 333m cement track can be ridden on by just about anyone. We have one of those that is open. Of course people ride motorcycles on it (and cars) and destroy it.
A 50 degree banked track needs training to ride on safely. So, it rather depends what you are talking about.
But yes, our tracks are open to free use and training by anyone under 18. I guess your argument would work if everything associated with the track was paid for by the government, but the track upkeep and ongoing costs are paid for by private individuals - hence it needs a fee structure. Yes, anyone can ride it if they take the intro to track class and contribute to the maintenance costs. This isn't Korea, nor is it Texas.
I love our parks. I love seeing people play cricket, having a cross country running race, taking their dog for a walk, or just being outside (and off their computer). I don't do any of those things, but I'm glad I live in an environment where that is appreciated. Just my opinion.
#44
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Taxpayers have a choice -- if they do not agree with taxpayer supported sports and recreation facilities then move to a city that does not offer public bike paths, swim pools, tennis courts, golf courses, rec centers, and baseball and soccer fields.
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Its not trolling. It’s a fact. Taxpayers should not pay the bill for you to have fun and if they do then they should be allowed to use the facilities.
Velodromes in South Korea are open to the public. Not gated. Anyone can use them.
You don’t need certification to ride around a track. Proceed at your own risk.
Velodromes in South Korea are open to the public. Not gated. Anyone can use them.
You don’t need certification to ride around a track. Proceed at your own risk.
#46
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Actually I have a question for the poster (troller?): I was under the impression most tracks in Korea were pro keirin tracks, much like in Japan. In Japan, these tracks are most definitely NOT open to the public for riding. Not so in Korea? Genuinely interested in your answer.
Last edited by Baby Puke; 10-24-19 at 05:11 PM.
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Actually I have a question for the poster (troller?): I was under the impression most tracks in Korea were pro keirin tracks, much like in Japan. In Japan, these tracks are most definitely NOT open to the public for riding. Not so in Korea? Genuinely interested in your answer.
Only professional track cyclists are allow to use the velodrome.
I also called few velodromes in South Korea once, and all of them said you have to be a professional track athlete(official Keirin racer, University track team, or national track team) to ride in a velodrome.
Last edited by gycho77; 10-24-19 at 06:27 PM.
#48
Banned.
Actually I have a question for the poster (troller?): I was under the impression most tracks in Korea were pro keirin tracks, much like in Japan. In Japan, these tracks are most definitely NOT open to the public for riding. Not so in Korea? Genuinely interested in your answer.
The 88 Olympic training track was wide open. We used it all the time. Awesome.
So many want free crap for yourselves. I say you go ahead and voluntarily pay 75% of your wages to local, state and federal taxes if you believe in this form of government.
Last edited by Rajflyboy; 10-24-19 at 06:49 PM.
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I have some friends in South Korea and they told me that non of velodromes are open to public.
Only professional track cyclists are allow to use the velodrome.
I also called few velodromes in South Korea once, and all of them said you have to be a professional track athlete(official Keirin racer, University track team, or national track team) to ride in a velodrome.
Only professional track cyclists are allow to use the velodrome.
I also called few velodromes in South Korea once, and all of them said you have to be a professional track athlete(official Keirin racer, University track team, or national track team) to ride in a velodrome.
#50
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