Ypsirocks Member Username: Ypsirocks
Post Number: 28 Registered: 03-2004
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 6:03 pm: | |
A friend just sent this to me: http://detriot.org/dorais/ Has anyone on the forum ridden this (or do they currently)? I'm dying to fly my bike home with me next time I'm in town. Thanks, |
Jeduncan Member Username: Jeduncan
Post Number: 64 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 6:06 pm: | |
Where is it? That's really cool! (though I prefer trails over paved riding any day). but very sweet nonetheless. |
Ypsirocks Member Username: Ypsirocks
Post Number: 29 Registered: 03-2004
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 6:10 pm: | |
I think it's at eight mile and mound. Any other fixed gear riders on the forum (I like all kinds of bikes, this is what works for me right now). Not a fixed gear snob by any means. R |
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen
Post Number: 2104 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 6:14 pm: | |
Some history about velodromes in Detroit, including the Dorais velodrome, which I believe was named for football great Gus Dorais. http://www.m-bike.org/history/ TracksAndVelodromes.pdf |
Gannon Member Username: Gannon
Post Number: 8591 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 6:15 pm: | |
Where the heck IS this track?! Oh shit, all it took was a google.
quote:10/17/00 Back home in Michigan we have a dream that we are trying to make come true. We used to have a velodrome in Michigan. To be exact, it was the Dorais Velodrome located at Eight Mile and Mound. Those who have ridden the Dorais Velodrome know the location; it's not a place you forget. It doesn't matter when you rode the velodrome, even if it was when it first opened in 1969, you'd remember. It's not like the Los Angeles or Indianapolis velodrome in or near a college campus. It's not like Kenosha or Northbrook that are located in a nice park. And it was never like T-Town, which is the cream of the crop for track racing. No, our Detroit track was located in one of the "not-so-nice" areas. The drive to and from the track provided lots of scenery. Eight Mile is known for its irreputable dance places and the night brings out the corner workers. The track had no boards at the top; if you got taken to the top you could just ride along the grass at the top of the track and hop back in. The same could be said if you got pushed well below the pace line. The track had no bridge and it had no tunnel to get to the infield. Then again, no one wanted to go into the infield. Everyone would park around the outside of the track where you could sit in your car and watch all the races and training rides. You could even look down on the burned-out cars, old tires, and dumped appliances that littered the infield. When the velodrome wasn't being used as a track for bikes the locals took it upon themselves to use the track for their drag racing. You could even see the skid marks on the track from these cars. One time during a training session, we heard a police car chase. Low and behold if we didn't see the guy running from the police come running up, over and through our track to escape the police. If it weren't for us riding on the track, I'm sure the cops would've driven onto the velodrome without much hesitation. |
Fishtoes2000 Member Username: Fishtoes2000
Post Number: 185 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 6:22 pm: | |
I'll ride a lap on it when I'm in the area (though on a mountain bike, not a fixie.) It's on the north side of E. Outer Drive just west of Mound. http://maps.google.com/maps?f= q&hl=en&q=e.+outer+drive+at+mo und,+detroit,+mi&sll=37.0625,- 95.677068&sspn=82.147548,75.23 4375&layer=&ie=UTF8&z=19&ll=42 .441966,-83.045373&spn=0.00244 1,0.003176&t=h&om=1&iwloc=addr |
Cman710 Member Username: Cman710
Post Number: 264 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 7:49 pm: | |
So, what is the condition of the velodrome now? Does it still look like it does in those pictures, with the abandoned, rusted car in the middle? On Local.live.com, it did not appear that the car was there, though I don't know how old the picture was. |
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul
Post Number: 691 Registered: 10-2006
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 7:54 pm: | |
I wouldn't imagine that most fixed gear riders would find that track esp. attractive in its condition nor consider it as an asset in the City of Detroit. |
Ypsirocks Member Username: Ypsirocks
Post Number: 30 Registered: 03-2004
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:00 pm: | |
It would still be fun to ride or at least visit. Lighten up for Christ's sake. "and we're not gonna fall for the banana in the tail pipe" |
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 1882 Registered: 06-2004
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:06 pm: | |
The old Dorais crowd have moved up to Bloomer State Park - http://www.velodromeatbloomerp ark.com/ |
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz
Post Number: 1736 Registered: 12-2005
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:11 pm: | |
Yeah, I chatted with the guy that did the Bloomer park velodrome. I think he built a velodrome for some Olympic event elsewhere. It's pretty impressive. The Bloomer velodrome's only a few years old. I've often fantasized about creating a velodrome in the shape of those charity coin funnels. Imagine the liability insurance! |
Ypsirocks Member Username: Ypsirocks
Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2004
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:12 pm: | |
I'm so bringing my bike home with me this summer. |
Bearinabox Member Username: Bearinabox
Post Number: 132 Registered: 04-2006
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:24 pm: | |
Bloomer's not a state park anymore. Engler sold it off in the mid 90s, and I think it's now owned by the city of Rochester (Hills?). As for the Mound and E. Outer velodrome, is that park still open to the public? I drive past it all the time, but never stopped for a closer look. |
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell
Post Number: 3734 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:46 pm: | |
There are a number of pictures of the Dorais Velodrome in this thread: https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/messages/6790/72584.html?1147780842 Here's a taste.
For mountain bikes only! |
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz
Post Number: 1737 Registered: 12-2005
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:52 pm: | |
When I talked to the guy that built the Bloomer velodrome I expressed my concern about whether it could withstand the Winter weather (it's exposed to the elements) but he seemed very confident that they had taken that into account. He said it had already withstood one Winter with no damage. Take John R. north to the end. Enter the funnel from the northwest of this pic:
(Message edited by Jimaz on March 19, 2007) |
Flybydon Member Username: Flybydon
Post Number: 88 Registered: 01-2005
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:53 pm: | |
West side of mound road, Northwest of Outer Drive. By the old Soap Box Derby Hill. Dorais Playground.
|
Billpdx Member Username: Billpdx
Post Number: 35 Registered: 05-2006
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 9:02 pm: | |
What a cool place! Only in Detroit. |
Toolbox Member Username: Toolbox
Post Number: 1042 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 9:04 pm: | |
The Velodrome at Bloomer Park was built by Dale Hughes son in-law to Mike Walden who was one of the builders of the Dorais Velodrome. Dale built the track for the 96 Atlanta Games and has constructed many other steel frame wooden surface tracks throughout the world. Dorais has produced many champions at the World, Olympic and National levels. The most recent high profile rider being Dearborns Frankie Andreau who holds the record for most Tours de France completed, not bad for a flatlander! |
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet
Post Number: 112 Registered: 01-2007
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 9:05 pm: | |
Back in the mid 70’s, Mike Walden built a wooden velodrome that could be trucked wherever. A pal of mine (and his brother) would race on that thing. I was there "support" team. Mikes track boasted the steepest incline and shortest straightaway of any indoor velodrome of the time. This made for a rather challenging track. It was great fun watching the racers doing a "Madison" heat, trying not to collide while handing off the baton. When they would wipe out it was just amazing no one got killed, including the spectators. |
Toolbox Member Username: Toolbox
Post Number: 1043 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 9:18 pm: | |
quote:Jimaz When I talked to the guy that built the Bloomer velodrome I expressed my concern about whether it could withstand the Winter weather (it's exposed to the elements) but he seemed very confident that they had taken that into account. He said it had already withstood one Winter with no damage. The surface of the Bloomer velodrome is an industrial marine decking. If memory is correct it is 22 plys and all cut edges are sealed . It is a very robust material. I can tell you firsthand it is heavy.
quote:Bulletmagnet Back in the mid 70’s, Mike Walden built a wooden velodrome that could be trucked wherever. A pal of mine (and his brother) would race on that thing. I was there "support" team. Mikes track boasted the steepest incline and shortest straightaway of any indoor velodrome of the time. You must have heard "You sons of bitches" often if you attended the board track races. That was a damn fast track. Dale Hughes, Billy Jake and many others had a hand in that track. It was in the remake of Little Miss Marker. (Message edited by toolbox on March 19, 2007) |
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet
Post Number: 114 Registered: 01-2007
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 11:10 pm: | |
Toolbox, thanks for filling in the blanks. I tell you what, that track was (is) a speed legend. The racers could reach unheard of speeds on those boards and all without breaks and a fixed gear. Your feet are strapped in the toe clips for better performance. The sew up tires were inflated to 120psi and sounded like iron on that wood. I never got any photos of our time in there, and I would love to see any that might be out there. We also raced in several out door events from Chandler Park, Birmingham, Belle Isle, and London Ontario. What was the name of Walden’s bike shop(s)? BTW, my grand father and Uncle Bill owned and operated B&B Bike shop on Harper and 13 for many, many years. I think the bike is still on the roof. Thanks for bringing it back Ypsirocks and all, good topic! |
Milwaukee Member Username: Milwaukee
Post Number: 1048 Registered: 08-2006
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 11:13 pm: | |
That's really cool. There's a great velodrome in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It's well preserved though. Kenosha hasn't gone through the turmoil Detroit has. I hope Detroit or a community group can fix it up some day. |
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard
Post Number: 2858 Registered: 10-2004
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 11:17 pm: | |
Mound between 7 and 8 Mile isn't the safest part of town, Milwaukee. It's a helluva lot more dangerous than 17th and Walnut in Milwaukee. |
Rhymeswithrawk Member Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 460 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 11:18 pm: | |
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! At the VELODROME! MONSTER TRUCK MADNESS! GRAVEDIGGER! BIGFOOT! And the metal-crunching might of ROBOSAURUS! Tickets just $5. See cars meet their doom at the VELODROME! |
Lvnthed Member Username: Lvnthed
Post Number: 29 Registered: 03-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 12:03 am: | |
Damn LY, Could you please give it a break with that , "It's Dangerous" stuff. Here I was having fond memories about the place that I spent so many summer days as a youth, and you have to go and talk about how bad it is. That kind of talk is just not necessary. I don't have that much time to bitch & moan about the obvious shortcomings of a neighborhood. Don't you think that your just preaching to the choir. Let's just enjoy the memories that we have of this once fun place for kid's. And just for the sake of full disclosure; The area between 8 & 10 scare the hell out of me. |
Fishtoes2000 Member Username: Fishtoes2000
Post Number: 186 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 12:26 am: | |
Some more answers... I don't recall a car in the infield when I rode the track last fall. Yes, it's very open and easily accessible when the ground is dry. I bet the road back to the track from E. Outer Drive is a mud pit right now. I had heard the reason the track was abandoned was it was built on a poor foundation. As the concrete shifted, the cracks grew too much to be repaired. Still, the park and track would make a cool venue for a cyclocross race. Walden's old bike shop is/was Continental in Hazel Park. The Rochester-Utica State Park was split and transferred to Rochester Hills and Shelby Township. The new parks are Bloomer Park and Riverbend Park. The latter includes Joe Louis' old farm. |
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard
Post Number: 2859 Registered: 10-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 12:28 am: | |
Maybe Milwaukee will come over and suggest to the neighbors that their community group should fix it up as he stated should be done some day. |
Lvnthed Member Username: Lvnthed
Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 12:57 am: | |
LY, That's a good Idea! That place is what drove my creative juices as a kid in the early 80's. Me and my friends use to organize neighborhood competitions at Derby Hill, and I have the scars to prove it. I bet you would never think that a bunch of city kids could build a soap box car, let alone organize a competition with no adult supervision. Well, I guess you could, If you allowed yourself to think positively about anything that has to do with the city or it's inhabitants post 1965. |
Larryinflorida Member Username: Larryinflorida
Post Number: 25 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 1:49 am: | |
I remember quite well being one of the first local kids to sneak their street bike on it after it was first built in 1969. Seemed gigantic, then. Like I was on an Indy track. The latest aerials show the car is gone. That google shot is a few years old. |
Larryinflorida Member Username: Larryinflorida
Post Number: 26 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 2:01 am: | |
Lowell, do you remember when the toboggan ramp at Derby Hill burned down? I once found a telephone pole with live phone lines on top of derby hill in the early 70's. I brought a phone up there, hooked it up and called my buddy on Bloom at the bottom of the hill and said "look out your front window" as I waved from the top of the hill.=) |
Milwaukee Member Username: Milwaukee
Post Number: 1170 Registered: 08-2006
| Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 3:59 pm: | |
"Maybe Milwaukee will come over and suggest to the neighbors that their community group should fix it up as he stated should be done some day." It should get fixed up, what's wrong with that? It's a great prize that the city's ancestors left for the people and now it is in bad shape. I find that sad and I want it to be fixed. Is that so outrageous? |
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling
Post Number: 244 Registered: 01-2006
| Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 4:13 pm: | |
That looks like something that should be in the movie "Prayer of the Rollerboys." A hearty congrats to anyone who can name a star of that movie WITHOUT looking it up. |