While there are many who see the track bike as the newest complement to their limited edition, hyperstrike, florescent Dunks, and the newest accessory to their head-to-toe streetwear or hipster look, there is a small community of people that actually ride fixed-gear bikes for reasons other than fashion.

As you’re cruising down Sunset on your $3,000 import with your matching T-shirt and New Era, there are riders on far more serious bikes, in dorky aero helmets and spandex bodysuits riding laps around a velodrome not concerned with looking cool (and no, they don’t look cool), but concerned with preserving the history and learning the true origins of the track bike.

A mere 10 miles away from the heart of Hollywood lies the Encino Velodrome. For 45 years, the concrete racing track has played host to cycling’s version of the horse races (you best be gambling), including the 1965 US National Championships, the 1968 US National Championships and US Olympic Trials, and the 1972 and 1973 Grand Prix of the United States. The Encino Velodrome Association is a nonprofit organization that manages the educational and competition programs at the velodrome.

So next time you find yourself leaning on your track bike as you camp out in front of Supreme, consider heading out to Encino, the heart of the San Fernando Valley and the home of the Karate Kid! If you think camping in H-Wood is rugged, try riding a bike in the Valley in the summer!

The Encino Velodrome also offers a comprehensive training schedule five days a week, including time trials, Madison practice, and even Keirin training. With a minimal track usage fee of only $7, you really have no excuses. Yeah, you might not look that cool with the required helmet, but you will have a lot of fun… You might even learn something in the process.

Check it out at EncinoVelodrome.org.