Dick Lane Velodrome

Dick Lane Velodrome

I went to a bicycle race yesterday at the Dick Lane Velodrome in East Point, GA.  Even though I grew up in East Point and lived near the velodrome, this was the first time I had ever attended an official event.

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I went with my two birdie friends, Terri and Gina.  We took a wagon full snacks and drinks and staked out a great spot before the crowds came later.

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We arrived for some of the preliminary races starting at 3:00 and then stayed through the evening’s official event.  In the afternoon, I walked over to the adjacent rose garden. Many years ago, I played my flute at the dedication for this rose garden.  I don’t remember the year but it was in the late 1970’s.  Probably 1979 or so. I do remember that I played Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach and I remember city officials speaking at the dedication but that’s about it.  I don’t have any photos from it.

The garden is becoming a little overgrown now with some kudzu creeping in.  Maybe I should come back and weed and prune a little bit…or a lot.

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Then it was back to the race.  My sports photography did, in fact, improve throughout the evening.  At first I got a lot of this…people whizzing by in the right hand corner.

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Then I got a lot of this…everyone whizzing by in a blur.

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But finally, I was able to get a few slightly decent photos.

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If you walk down to the end of the velodrome you can stand at the top of the oval and the riders are only about two feet from you.  It was an exciting viewpoint. The level A riders travel about 30 miles an hour only inches from each other.  They are quite skilled.DSC_0932

The race provided for a fun evening and I would certainly enjoy going again. Check it out if you get the chance!

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