Steve Neago wrote: "Maybe other CR members can add to this, but wasn't the Vandedrome or a similar semi-portable track for sale a year or two ago? I remember seeing it stored in pieces... Does anyone know who bought it?
Just wondering..."
http://www.northamptoncyclingclub.org/
"Track cycling to come to Northampton July 29, 2003 - After a few months of negotiations, the Northampton Cycling Club has reached an agreement with John VandeVelde to take over the ownership and management of the Vandedrome, a portable 170 meter velodrome. In the next month a crew from the NCC will be traveling to Somerville, NJ to pick up the track and bring it home to the Pioneer Valley. The track has been in storage for the past few years, and we will be replacing the surface and refurbishing the track prior to it's planned debut in the Spring of 2004. We are currently in negotiations with the City of Northampton, and the Three County Fairgrounds (located in downtown Northampton) to secure a long term home for the track. Our immediate plan is for an outdoor installation, with an eye to an indoor facility in the future.
"Reviving track racing in New England is by far the biggest project the NCC has undertaken, and it will take the effort of lots of people. The track needs quite a bit of work before it is rideable again and we are in need of financial support for this project. The biggest repair project will be installing a new surface on the track and to help us raise the money for the boards we are announcing the start of an "adopt-a-board" program for the track. With a tax deductible donation of $100 or more, you can 'adopt' a new board for the surface of the track. The names (or company names, club names, etc) of those adopting boards will be appear on a panel overlooking the track when it opens for riding next spring. We're also happy to announce that our first board has already been adopted by the Frisco Cycling Club!
"In the upcoming months the NCC will be holding a series of benefit auctions on the internet where you can bid on jerseys and other memorabilia from a wide variety of cyclists, teams and cycling companies. Among the first items offered up will be autographed cycling jerseys from both reigning USPRO champions, Kevin Monohan (a Northampton resident!) of 7-UP Maxxis, and Mark McCormack of Saturn. There will be also be sponsorship opportunities announced this fall for companies or individuals wishing to get involved with the rebirth of track racing in New England.
"So keep an eye out for updates, we'll be posting new developments as we get the track up and running. A list of FAQ's about the track will be up within the next few weeks and you will soon be able to donate money or participate in the adopt-a-board program at http://www.BikeReg.com, the nations premier on line registration service."
Mordecai Silver
NY, NY