Herne Hill Velodrome.
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Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

83 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
Has anyone used this former Olympic velodrome built in the 1940s that's facing closure, is it worth a visit? Sorry if it's a repost

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/track/article/tra...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/sep/21/h...

Map

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&a...

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

83 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
never been but its still very popular.

louiebaby

10,942 posts

220 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
Did a few training sessions on the track this year. There were plenty of folk there, so I'm surprised it's struggling.

It has closed and opened before hasn't it?

Matt106

383 posts

193 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
el stovey said:
Has anyone used this former Olympic velodrome built in the 1940s that's facing closure, is it worth a visit? Sorry if it's a repost

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/track/article/tra...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/sep/21/h...

Map

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&a...
That place looks super cool! Its something Id be very interested in having a go at. Will be a shame if its closed down...

Roman

2,034 posts

248 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
I used to train there on Saturday mornings when I lived in London. It's a great way of getting some fast traffic free core miles in and pretty sociable too.

Book a track bike and give it a go, it's great and it beats intervals up Highgate hill!

Wonder if Russell Williams still coaches there?

untakenname

5,347 posts

221 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
Used to go semi regularly to herne hill when I was young, nice track and friendly atmosphere.

Its a shame that it wasn't used for the 2012 Olympics. Would have been ideal, unfortunately its situated in a nice (compared to the surroundings) area so labour wouldn't even consider it frown

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

83 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
untakenname said:
Used to go semi regularly to herne hill when I was young, nice track and friendly atmosphere.

Its a shame that it wasn't used for the 2012 Olympics. Would have been ideal, unfortunately its situated in a nice (compared to the surroundings) area so labour wouldn't even consider it frown
Isn't there a problem with the banking not being high enough or the wrong 'shape' to now be used in the Olympics?

(This could be complete nonsense)

Harry Flashman

21,774 posts

271 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
Round the corner from my house - I use it a bit. Great fun.

Busamav

2,954 posts

237 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
Had the pleasure of riding there as a kid back in the late sixties , on their fixed wheel track bikes .

Our school, Wandsworth Comprehensive used to coach us there for one afternoon a week for games .

They guy who took the session was one Bob Addy , his opening words at the first session went like , "If I see any dangerous messing about I will ride out and put you over the barriers" biggrin

fixedwheelnut

744 posts

261 months

Thursday 23rd September 2010
quotequote all
I think Russell Williams is still in Australia, Club VC Londres do most of the running and coaching down there now.

I would urge anyone interested to sign the petition to keep it open and forward the link to as many as possible.

http://www.savethevelodrome.com/

A worthy cause to try and save the track that is steeped in history
details of a meeting on 6th October are available on the site.

The Dulwich Estates refuse to grant a long lease which is what is needed for anyone to invest in the site and keep it going.
Money is available but something like a 25 year lease is needed for investment.

Press release here;

Press release Save the velodrome

dwspirit

629 posts

196 months

Thursday 30th September 2010
quotequote all
el stovey said:
Has anyone used this former Olympic velodrome built in the 1940s that's facing closure, is it worth a visit? Sorry if it's a repost

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/track/article/tra...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/sep/21/h...

Map

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&a...
This is the sort of thing English Heritage should be saving; instead of building mythical gardens in Kenilworth!

Roman

2,034 posts

248 months

Sunday 3rd October 2010
quotequote all
Public meeting this Wednesday for anyone willing & able to show their support:

Wednesday 6th October
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Great Hall, Dulwich College
Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD

I've pledged my support via email as I can't make it:
www.facebook.com/savethevelodrome

fixedwheelnut

744 posts

261 months

Thursday 7th October 2010
quotequote all
Good support at the meeting tonight 450-550 people there, representatives from Southwark and Lambeth Councils and British Cycling.
As I thought nobody from Dulwich Estates.

This fresh fight to save the track does look more positive and promising partly due to a higher percentage of supporters coming from the local Herne Hill and Dulwich community adding to the large number of cycling supporters.

Pledges for financial support are needed so that the Team in charge can show Dulwich Estates a viable Business plan before they get the 25 year lease, once the 25 year lease is granted financial support from British Cycling and Southwark Council can be unleashed to start the Tracks renovation.

http://www.savethevelodrome.com/