Tag Archives: NSC Velodrome

A Twin Cities Gateway bicycle adventure, pre or post your soccer game

by Russ Lowthian

Before or after that next soccer game, at the National Sports Center, grab the handlebars of a bicycle for a true north Twin Cities Gateway bicycle adventure. Surrounding the soccer fields, in Blaine, MN, the nine communities of the Gateway offer hundreds of miles of paved trail for you and family members to explore.

A Gateway bicycle adventure

Here are the maps of the bike-friendly Twin Cities Gateway communities: Anoka; Blaine; Coon Rapids; Fridley; Ham Lake; Lino Lakes; Mounds View; New Brighton; and Shoreview. All unique in their own way, each offers relaxed small town-type atmospheres with plenty to do.

So take a deep breath as you grip your handlebars

Enjoying a Twin Cities Getaway bicycle adventure you will feel as if you’re deep in the country as several communities here border the Mississippi River Trail. Along with several nature parks, it can expand your personal playground while visiting. Options, traveling by bike include stopping along a lake to go swimming or fishing; play a round of disc golf; go birding; explore one of the many parks; or travel the trail through the chain of lakes by bike or rent a canoe. You can even satisfy your inner sports desire by visiting the velodrome track on the grounds at the National Sports Center.

Stop along the trail in the Twin Cities Gateway for a some fishing.

Stop along the trail in the Twin Cities Gateway if wetting a line and catching some fish are a part of your agenda.

Off-road trails and parks

You can take the Rum River Regional Trail down to where it meets the MRT, maybe stopping in historic downtown Anoka along the way? There is also the scenic trails in Bunker Hills Regional Park offering heavily wooded and prairie flower landscapes. Or, take the thrilling Coon Creek Regional Trail that connects to the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and the MRT.

Stop along the trail in the Twin Cities Gateway for a round of disc golf.

Stop along the trail, in several of the parks in the Twin Cities Gateway for a round of disc golf.

For more extensive rides you can also explore the trails along the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. Or, take the Rice Creek West Regional Trail back to the Mississippi River. This trail passes through Long Lake Park which has several trails that take you by the park’s namesake and Rush Lake. Another option is the trails in the Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park which is filled to the brim and full of beautiful scenery as you switch from one trail to the next.

The velodrome at the National Sports Center

If you’re tired of riding trails and want more of a challenge, check out the velodrome at the National Sports Center. Especially their ‘Thursday nights under the lights’, the wooden track is open to the public for single speed fun. The season begins in late spring and through the summer. Check out their schedule for more details.

Twin Cities Gateway area bike shops and rental services

For more info on the Twin Cities Gateway

Here you will find more details on where to stay, play, and explore this nine-city area.

More places to bike and explore in Minnesota

Check out the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Last chance to experience track cycle racing in Minnesota, for a while

An exciting and fun sport, this may be the last year for a while to try or watch track cycle racing in Minnesota. Track or velodrome racing at the National Sports Center (NSC) has been called “NASCAR on Two Wheels.” At blazing speeds, gravity-defying turns and spectacular crashes make Velodrome racing one of the most awe-inspiring spectator sports around. One of the few wooden tracks still left in the U.S. the track at NSC has now been repaired for its last season of hair raising fun.

At first glance, track cycle racing is a chaotic, confusing sport. After you have seen a race, the sport leaves a memorable impression that is amplified by its simplicity. With only one gear and no brakes, the track bikes used are the epitome of simplicity.

The track in Blaine is near its end

Built to host the 1990 Olympic Festival track racing events and National Championships, the NSC Velodrome is one of the most unique tracks in the world. It is the only outdoor wood-plank velodrome in the Western Hemisphere and is slated for demolition in 2019. So, this may be your last chance to experience the excitement of the track at the National Sports Center. Through the 2018 season (May to September) you can still come out and test out your skills and speed at the velodrome. Like many of the Twin Cities Gateway attractions in the area, each Thursday evening, ladies can come out and have some fun in between several men’s races. Take a look at the schedule here for several open sessions to try bicycle racing, even for kids.

Test your Olympian skills in Blaine on Minnesota’s only Velodrome track.

Learn to ride program

Check out their Learn to Ride Program offering riders as young as 12 years of age the opportunity to ride one of the finest velodromes in the country.

The schedule has several open sessions to try bicycle racing, even for kids.

Ride or watch, here is the skinny on velodrome racing

Learn all about track cycle racing. Find the specifics about velodromes, the details about track bicycles. This is the place to learn about the fastest sport on two wheels and to the different type of races held on the track.

Track cycle racing will come to an end in 2019

Without the support of the cycling community, the existing velodrome track could come to an end in 2019. The NSC Velodrome in Blaine is one of only 26 cycle tracks in the United States. Plans are now to demolish the NSC track after the 2019 racing season. That will end one of the most storied eras in Minnesota cycling history. However, the Minnesota cycling community is working on a replacement when the Blaine velodrome is demolished.

The next generation of Minnesota’s sports leadership has developed a vision for a multi-purpose community bicycle facility. A non-profit organization the MN Cycling Center is working to build this important cycling venue. A place where training and racing can be provided year round. One thing that all cyclists can help with immediately, is writing their legislators and asking for their support in this upcoming legislative session.

30 years of Minnesota track cycling history

Since the 1990’s the NSC Velodrome has hosted hundreds of events. Attracting thousands of racers from around the world and teaching them to ride a track bike. It has produced Olympic medalists and dozens of elite national and world champions. Some like multiple Olympic Silver Medalist Kelly Catlin, of Arden Hills, who learned to ride the track here. She notes, “It is an incredibly rare asset to have a velodrome, much less an international-standard track. It makes Minneapolis one of only a handful of cities in North America that can host international-caliber events, it would be a despicable waste to lose such a treasure.”

More to see in the Twin Cities Gateway when visiting the track

When in the area you will find many more activities to enjoy. From curling, disc golf, to miles of bike trails and road routes, you will find many opportunities for fun in the Twin Cities Gateway.

An endless bike adventure in the Twin Cities Gateway of Minnesota

by Andrew Ellis

Take a deep breath as you grip your handlebars and prepare for a bike adventure in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities. You will feel as if you’re deep in the country. As this north metro community area borders the Mississippi River Trail it can be your personal playground while visiting.

When in the area you can: stop and fish; play a round of disc golf; go birding; travel through a chain of lakes by bike or canoe; or explore one of the many parks. You can even satisfy your inner sports fan by visiting the National Sports Center, with a velodrome track.

Stop along the trail in the Twin Cities Gateway if wetting a line and catching some fish are a part of your agenda.

The Twin Cities Gateway is made up of nine different bike-friendly communities: Anoka; Blaine;, Coon Rapids; Fridley; Ham Lake; Lino Lakes; Mounds View; New Brighton; and Shoreview. All unique in their own way they all offering relaxed small town-type atmospheres with plenty to do, perfect for anyone looking to get away and only minutes from the big city.

A friendly bike adventure get-away

The Twin Cities Gateway is just a short drive or an easy commute by bike from Minneapolis or St Paul. Another major feature is the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) following the river’s edge in three of the nine Getaway communities: Anoka; Coon Rapids; and Fridley. Plus the other six Gateway Cities have bike-friendly roads and trails that lead to the MRT for a bike adventure.

After riding the trails and bike friendly roads in the Twin Cities Gateway enjoying a cold beverage with friends is a great way to seal the ride.

After riding the trails and bike-friendly roads enjoy a cold beverage with friends at the Hammer Heart Brewery, it’s a great way to seal the ride.

Mississippi River Trail (MRT)

The MRT starts at the headwaters of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota and passes through the Twin Cities Gateway before flowing into the Gulf, at the mouth of the river in Venice, Louisiana. While riding along the river in the Gateway communities you’ll pass many opportunities for site-seeing, so make sure your camera is fully charged.

Other Off-Road Trails and Parks

Stop along the trail, in several of the parks in the Twin Cities Gateway for a round of disc golf.

National Sports Center

If you’re tired of riding trails and want more of a challenge, check out the velodrome at the National Sports Center, in Blaine. The wooden track is open to the public every Thursday for single speed fun. The season begins in late spring and through the summer. Check out their website for more details.

For more info take a look at the At-A-Glance TC Gateway article

Now that you are considering an adventure to the Twin Cities Gateway, also check out our HaveFunBiking At-A-Glance Twin Cities Gateway Article. Here you will find more details on where to stay, play, and explore this nine-city area. Great for planning and to link to your hand-held device, for guaranteed fun.

Plans for a new cycling complex, with the demise of the NSC Velodrome

from Jason Lardy

Track cycling in Minnesota could come to an end in 2019 without the support of the cycling community. The National Sport Center (NSC) Velodrome in Blaine, is one of only 26 cycle tracks in the United States. It will be demolished after the 2019 racing season. That will end one of the most storied eras in Minnesota cycling history. The MN Cycling Center is working to a new indoor cycling complex to replace this important cycling venue. Can you please help by contacting your legislature?

The future track cycling complex in Minnesota

MN Cycling Center proposed site plan in Northeast Minneapolis.

The proposed site plan for a new MN Cycling Center in Northeast Minneapolis. See larger version in link below.

The next generation of Minnesota’s sports leadership has developed a vision for a multi-purpose community bicycle facility. A non-profit organization the MN Cycling Center is working to build this important cycling venue. A place where training and racing can be provided year round. One thing that that all cyclists can help with immediately, is writing their legislators and asking for their support in this upcoming legislative session.

30 years of Minnesota track cycling history

Track cycling in Minnesota could come to an end in 2019 without the support of an new cycling center. The NSC Velodrome in Blaine, will be demolished after the 2019 racing season. The MN Cycling Center is working to build a new indoor facility to replace this important cycling venue.

Track cycling in MN could come to an end without you contacting your legislature.

The NSC Velodrome has hosted hundreds of events. Attracting thousands of racers from around the world and teaching them to ride a track bike. It has produced Olympic medalists and dozens of elite national and world champions. Some like multiple Olympic Silver Medalist Kelly Catlin, of Arden Hills, who learned to ride the track here. She notes, “It is an incredibly rare asset to have a velodrome, much less a international-standard track. It makes Minneapolis one of only a handful of cities in North America that can host international caliber events, it would be a despicable waste to lose such a treasure.”

The Future needs the MN Cycling Center

The new center will provide a home for cycling-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in MN

With several Minnesota sports leaders working together the center shows promise. This cycling complex will be a place that can provide off-season training and racing opportunities for cyclists of all ages and ability levels. It can also host concerts and other community events, along with retail in Northeast Minneapolis. But most importantly the cycling facility will provide a home for cycling-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for youth from around the region.

The MN Cycling Center also creates an education center for youth around the region.

The group is currently providing this STEM programming at individual Minneapolis Public School locations.

City, state and cycling community support is needed

The MN Cycling Center plans to build a $30-40 million facility. The group has secured needed support from the City of Minneapolis and Mayor Frey’s office. They have introduced two bills at the Minnesota State Legislature – HF 2700 and SF 2980 – requesting state funding to continue the state’s long history of track cycling.

BMX will be another feature of the new MN Cycling Center.

BMX facilities could be another feature of the new MN Cycling Center.

Cyclists can help by writing their legislators and asking for their support for the needed legislation. Please use the MN Cycling Center automated form here to contact your legislator(s).

Thanks for your help!

Top September Bicycle Events in the Upper Midwest

As the days get shorter and we prepare to flip our calendars into the Fall season, here are several September Bicycle Events in the upper Midwest that you may want to consider:

Thursday Night Lights Track Series – September 1^st

Track Racing

NSC Velodrome, Blaine, MN

La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival – September 2^nd through the 5^th

In-town Recreational Ride, Scenic Touring, Mountain Biking, & BMX

Cameron Park, La Crosse, WI

Grind-Giants Ridge Iron N Dirt – September 3^rd

Gravel Riding

Giants Ridge, Biwabik, MN

Laddies Loppet – September 3^rd and 4^th

Minnesota Mountain Bike Series

Maplelag Resort, Callaway, MN

No Name Alleycat Race – September 4^th

Un-official Street Racing

Minneapolis, MN

Wednesday Night CX-Race #2 – September 7^th

Cycle Cross Racing

Aquila Park, St. Louis Park, MN

Slow Roll Saint Paul-Frogtown – September 8^th

Recreational Ride

Victoria Theater Arts Initiative, St. Paul, MN

Thursday Night Lights Track Series – September 8^th

Track Racing

NSC Velodrome, Blaine, MN

Fall Community Bike Ride – September 9^th

Recreational Ride

Robbins Island Park, Willmar, MN

Gravel Conspiracy – September 9^th through the 11^th

Gravel Bike Tour

Silver Bay, MN

Trail in a Day- Paul Bunyan Trail Relay – September 10^th

Recreational Trail Ride

Bemidji and Brainerd, MN

Tour de Apple Valley – September 10^th

Recreational Bike Ride

Apple Valley, MN

Root River ‘Taste of the Trail’ – September 10^th

Recreational Ride Sampling the Trail Towns

Lanesboro, Peterson & Whalan, MN

Back Forty – September 10^th

Gravel Road Ride

Denmark TWP, Hastings, MN

Bike For Justice: Bike-a-Thon – September 10^th

Cycles For Change – Recreational Ride

St. Paul, MN

Gitchee Gumee Traverse – September 10^th

Mountain Bike Event

Duluth, MN

Inspiration 100 – September 10^th

Gravel Road Race

Garfield Elementary School, Garfield, MN

Jesse James Bike Tour – September 10^th

Recreational Ride

Northfield, MN

Open Streets Minneapolis: Broadway Ave. W. – September 10^th

Community Bike/Walk Event

Minneapolis, MN

Square Lake Triathlon – September 10^th and 11^th

Bike, Swim and Run

Stillwater, MN

Giant and Liv Bicycle Demo – September 11^th

Mountain and Road Bike demos

Elm Creek Singletrack Trail, Champlin, MN

MN High School Cycling League-Race #1 – September 11^th

Student League Mountain Bike Races

Austin Trail, Austin, MN

St. Paul Classic Bike Tour – September 11^th

Recreational Ride

University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN

Adapted Mountain Bike Open House-Fall – September 13^th

Adaptive Cycles Demos

Elm Creek Singletrack Trail, Champlin, MN

Wednesday Night CX-Race #2 – September 14^th

Cycle Cross Racing

Aquila Park, St. Louis Park,MN

Fix-a-Flat Clinic at SHIFT MN Health – September 17^th

Bike Repair Workshop

Powderhorn Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis, MN

Root River ‘Taste of the Trail’ – September 17^th

Recreational Ride Sampling the Trailtowns

Fountain, Preston & Harmony

Mora Bike Tour – September 17^th

Bicycle Road Race

Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN

Northern Kettles Fall Epic – September 17^th

Mountain Biking Event

New Fane, WI

Purple Rain Stride – September 17^th

Recreational Ride

Elm Creek, in Maple Grove, MN

Pedal the Park – September 17^th

Recreational Ride

Lakeville, MN

Park Tool Fall Classic Duathlon – September 17^th

Run, bike, Run

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Lake Elmo, MN

MN High School Cycling League-Race #2 – September 18^th

Student League Mountain Bike Races

Jail Trail, St. Cloud, MN

Minneapolis Bike Tour – September 18^th

Recreational Ride

Boom Island Park, Minneapolis, MN

Open Streets Minneapolis: Nicollet Ave. – September 18^th

Community Bike/Walk Event

Minneapolis, MN

Open Streets Penn Fest – September 18^th

Community Bike/Walk Event

Richfield, MN

Tour of Fillmore – September 18^th

Gravel Road Race

Lanesboro, MN

Autum Trek Ride – September 18^th

Recreational Ride

River Falls, WI

Let’s Joyride Together: September Edition – September 19^th

Recreational ride

Matthews Park, Minneapolis, MN

Wednesday Night CX-Race #4 – September 21^st

Cycle Cross Racing

Aquila Park, St. Louis Park, MN

Fall Community Bike Ride – September 23^rd

Recreational Ride

Glacial Lakes State Trail, Willmar, MN

No Hater Rolling Dance Super Bike Mega Party 2016 – September 24^th

Bike Event

Under Hennepin Ave. Bridge, West Bank, Minneapolis, MN

Root River ‘Taste of the Trail’ – September 24^th

Recreational Ride Sampling the Trail Towns

Houston, Rushford & Rushford Village

Big Woods Classic – September 24^th

Minnesota Mountain Bike Series

Lake Rebecca Park, Rockford, MN

24/7 Central Lakes Cycle Duathlon – September 24^th

Bike, Run, Bike

Fergus Falls, MN

Headwaters 100 – September 24^th

Recreational ride

Century School, Park Rapids, MN

Tour de Hugo – September 24^th

Recreational Ride

Hugo City, Hugo, MN

3rd Annual Autumn Gravel Grovel – September 25^th

Gravel Road Tour

Miesville, MN

Lifetime Gran Fondo – September 25^th

Gravel Road Race

Waconia Brewing Company, Waconia, MN

Wednesday Night CX-Race #5 – September 28^th

Cycle Cross Racing

Aquila Park, St. Louis Park, MN

Wild Ride Mountain Bike Fest – October 1^st

Mountain Biking demos and Fun!

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan, MN

Wow, with so many events still scheduled we hope your bicycle is ready for some more action. Watch for more events in the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide that is currently being updated for this Fall and early Winter. Please let us know if we missed any events you are planning or would like to attend – just submit them into the HFB Events Calendar – it’s free!

Twin Cities Gateway: Exploring Sports

A Bike Ride that Will Tease the Inner Psyche of Any Sports Fan

Devin Ulman, HaveFunBiking.com

With miles of bike routes and trails in the Twin Cities Gateway, the area offers sports fans many phenomenal sights and sports facilities to venture to while biking here. Many will find one complex a place worth visiting. The National Sports Center (NSC) is located in Blaine, MN and is the world’s largest amateur sport facility. Home to numerous national and international teams, the center welcomes all varieties of sports and spectators. Containing more than fifty athletic fields and a super ice rink, this sports center is a must see. Additionally, it is also home to the NSC Velodrome – for bicycle track racing. So, if you are a sports fan and biking down the Mississippi River Trail, this is one destination you won’t want to bypass.

The soccer stadium here is a sports fan haven

For any sports fan the 50-plus athletic fields and soccer stadium sets the stage for world-class tournaments.

The NSC Soccer Stadium is the most intimate sporting site in the state with each seat offering a spectacular view and excitement as the game goes on. Home to the Minnesota United FC, soccer games include U.S. Women’s National Team matches and tournaments with the English Premier League. The stadium also hosts adult and youth matches that are fun to watch.

Catch a game and cool off

For any sports fan, the Schwan Super Rink is the largest ice arena of its kind in the world.

On a hot summer day, when looking for a fun location to cool off, bike on over to the Schwan Super Rink. As the largest ice arena of its kind in the world, the super rink contains eight sheets of ice under the same roof. Four are capable of hosting NHL games and four are Olympic-sized sheets that host the USA International Hockey Cup. Perfect for fans of hockey, speed skating, figure skating, or broom ball. Numerous major events can be viewed in this unique facility.

Velodrome racing has been called the “NASCAR on Two Wheels”

NSC Velodrome racing is a perfect place for cyclists to gain an amazing experience or enjoy viewing the action during their own bicycling expedition. The only outdoor wood-plank velodrome in the United States, this exclusive track hosts numerous events for professionals and amateurs. Including Olympic and International Grand Prix events, there are also community rides and training lessons. So, for those who want to develop their biking skill and get a unique experience, check it out. If you are passionate about cycling, or just bike for recreation, then the Velodrome is a premier destination for entertainment.