FAQs

 

Are private sessions available at the track?
I’m interested in racing on the track, how do I get started?
Do I need a special bike for this? Does it really have no brakes?
Can I rent a bike?
What kind of races are run at the track?
How much does it cost to ride at the Hellyer Velodrome?
Is there Parking?
Do I need to sign something?
How can I stay informed about events at the Hellyer Velodrome?
Are there special sessions for Juniors?
How big is the Hellyer Velodrome?
What if it rains?
I am a Cat P/1/2 on the road. Do I need to start as a Cat 5 on the track?

 

 

 

 

 

Are private sessions available at the track?
YES! We look forward to introducing your group to track riding or gaining even more familiarity if you’re a returning customer. Private sessions require additional planning on our part so please contact us at info@hellyervelodrome.com so we can discuss the details of your session request. Some additional information:

  • Special rates during COVID for small private group sessions
  • Special rates for Junior cycling organization sessions
  • Picnicking area available adjacent to the Velodrome parking area

 

 

 

 

 

I’m interested in racing on the track, how do I get started?
The best way to start is by attending Saturday Beginner Structured Training Sessions. These are every Saturday morning. You may rent bikes and will receive basic track instruction.

Attendance in three Saturday Beginner Training Sessions (or an equivalent Board-approved session) is required prior to participating in a mass start event as a Category 5 racer.

 

 

 

 

 

Do I need a special bike for this? Does it really have no brakes?
Yes. To race and do the vast majority of the training sessions on the track you’ll need a special track bike. And yes, they don’t have brakes but you can still control your speed by resisting gently the motion of the pedals and by adjusting the path of the bike on the banked surface.

Also note, bikes with flat bars or bar ends are not allowed on the track even if they are fixed gear bikes.

There are occasional special training sessions in which the track is open for riding with “road” bikes.

 

 

 

 

Can I rent a bike?
Yes. Track bikes are available for rental on a first come first serve basis. Rental bikes are available on race days at the discretion of the race promoter. To be sure of availability, please contact the race promoter or the supervisor in charge of the event you are attending.

Gears on rental bikes CAN NOT be changed. A few bikes have “flip-flop” hubs with gears on both sides. On these bikes, the renter is allowed to use the gear on either side of the hub.

Riders must bring their own pedals.

 

 

 

 

 

What kind of races are run at the track?
Track racing consist one one-on-one sprints, individual races against the clock and mass start events. There are many different varieties of each type of racing. For a good overview of common races, see Race Descriptions (PDF).

 

 

 

 

 

How much does it cost to ride at the Hellyer Velodrome?
The cost to ride the track sometimes varies across sessions and races, please see the event details in the Calendar.

You can prepay for your training sessions with an NCVA Annual Training Pass.

 

 

 

 

Is there Parking?
Hellyer County Park charges $6.00 per day per motor vehicle entry. An Annual Parking pass can be purchased from the Santa Clara County Parks.

 

 

 

 

 

Do I need to sign something?
Yes. Please see the Waivers Required to Ride the Track.

 

 

 

 

 

How can I stay informed about events at the Hellyer Velodrome?
All the events at the Hellyer Velodrome are published on our Calendar.

You can also join the Hellyer Velodrome Google Group to learn more about the happenings at the track and join in discussions with other members of the Hellyer Community.

 

 

 

 

Are there special sessions for Juniors?
Yes. Juniors who are 16-18 (or younger with prior special supervisor consent) are welcome to attend these sessions as long as they fit the criteria and are accompanied by either a parent or a coach who has their parents contact details and they have a mentor/coach to follow in the session. Parents and riders please be aware supervisors are not automatically responsible for your child’s custodial care.
The most important facts specific to riders under 18 are:
1) Parents/Legal Guardians must sign a release annually on behalf of minors who use the track. See Waivers

2) Juniors can ride the track for free, and get free use of the fixed gear rental bikes for training.

 

How big is the Hellyer Velodrome?
Each lap is 335 meters – or about 0.2 miles. The corners have about 25 degrees of banking to them.

 

Sessions: Rain cancels all track sessions. All open training sessions are open to all riders, category restrictions may apply (e.g. Advanced Training Category 1 to 3). The supervisor at any training session has the responsibility to make sure that the session is held in a safe manner, and that all riders in any given session can ride on the track together safely. In addition, the scheduled session for any time frame takes precedent over unscheduled activities. Be sure to check with the session supervisor on scheduled activities. Supervisor or Promoter contact information for every session is available on the Calendar

Still have questions? Please e-mail a Board Member.

 

I am a Cat P/1/2 on the road. Do I need to start as a Cat 5 on the track?
Not necessarily. Riders who are Pro or category 1 on the road may be upgraded to category 2 on the track and riders who are category 2 on the road may be upgraded to category 3 on the track without first having to begin at category 5, by
1) Passing a Written Test (PDF) before participating in a race at Hellyer
2) Have the approval of a NCVA Board approved USA Cycling coach and NCVA Upgrade Committee.