2026 season is here
Your First lap on a Velodrome starts here!
No experience needed. Just a helmet and a sense of adventure. We’ll handle the rest — including the bike.
Who is this for?
New to the velodrome? You're in the right place.
Whether you’ve never heard of track cycling or you ride on weekends and want something new — this page is your starting point. Pick what describes you best and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Why track cycling?
Fun, fast, and surprisingly welcoming.
Track cycling looks intense from the outside. Inside, it’s one of the most beginner-friendly sports you can try — and one of the most addictive.
Just 2 hours to your first lap
Our Learn to Ride clinic gets you comfortable on the track in a single session. No previous fixed-gear experience needed at all.
Bike included, no gear required
We supply a track bike that fits you. Bring a helmet, comfortable clothes, and water — that’s it. Cycling shoes are a bonus, not a must.
Unlock the whole community
Completing LTR gives you access to open practice sessions, coached Monday nights, and weekly races. Your membership is included.
A real Commonwealth venue
The WestShore Velodrome was built for the 1994 Commonwealth Games. 333.3m of smooth concrete with proper banked turns — right in Colwood.
Small groups, expert coaching
Sessions are capped at 12 participants so you get real attention. Groups of friends can also book a private session.
Active social clubs are huge right now
Track cycling ticks every box — physical challenge, a tight-knit community, and a venue unlike anything else on Vancouver Island.
What is a velodrome?
About the track — and what makes it special.
The Greater Victoria Velodrome Association advocates and facilitates track riding and racing on Vancouver Island at the WestShore Velodrome, located about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria in Colwood.
Track
333.3m concrete oval — purpose-built for the 1994 Commonwealth Games. One of the best beginner-friendly tracks on the West Coast.
Banking
29° on the ends, 10° on the straights. The banking keeps you on the track so you can focus on riding, not balancing.
Blue band
The Cote D’Azur — the transition zone between the flat apron and the racing surface. Your safe zone when getting on and off the track.
Pole line
The Gauge Line. This is where the track is measured from. Riders don’t race below this line.
Sprinter's line
The red line. The sprinter’s lane between the pole and sprinter’s line gives riders a protected inside lane advantage.
Access
By reservation only — due to shared use of the field and track, it’s not open to drop-in public access. All GVVA programs are pre-booked.
What is a track bike?
Don't worry — we'll give you one.
A track bike (also called a fixed-gear or velodrome bike) is a specialized bicycle designed for the velodrome. Unlike regular bikes, it has a fixed gear — the pedals move in sync with the wheel at all times, with no freewheeling. They’re lightweight, aerodynamic, and built for speed on smooth banked tracks. They’re also surprisingly intuitive once you get going.
Fixed gear
Pedals always move with the wheel. You slow down by resisting the pedals — no brakes needed on the track.
Lightweight frame
Minimal and purpose-built. No gears, no brakes, no extras — just a fast, responsive machine.
Clip-in pedals
If you have cycling shoes, bring them and your pedals. If not, no problem — rental bikes accommodate regular sneakers.
How it works
From sign-up to your first lap — 4 easy steps.
1
Pick a date
Sundays, 9am–11am. 10 dates across the 2026 season. Only 12 spots per session.
2
Show up ready
Helmet, comfortable clothes, water. We supply the bike. Cycling shoes are a plus but not required.
3
Ride the track
Learn mounting, balance, stopping, etiquette, and how to get on and off safely. Then get out there!
4
Register online
Pre-register at least one day before. You’ll need to sign a standard waiver — all online, no paper.
Location
Westshore Velodrome, Colwood BC
About 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. Located inside the Westshore Parks and Recreation Centre.
Getting here
Westshore Velodrome
1767 Island Highway
Colwood, BC V9B 1J1
Located at the Westshore Parks and Recreation Centre.
Free parking on site.
Questions?
Email our LTR director: ltr@gvva.bc.ca
General: info@gvva.bc.ca
Want to book the velodrome for a private event?
Contact Westshore Parks: sportbookings@wspr.ca
Ready to clip in?
10 Sunday sessions this season. Only 12 spots each. Pre-registration required — spots go fast.