Introduction and location

Hanging sleepily off the corner of the H. A Smith Reserve, the Hawthorn Velodrome doesn't look as profound as it once did. With its fading painted markings and the overgrown vegetation sprawling out from it’s centre, it’s apparent that not much effort has gone into it’s refurbishment over the years. To its east stand two wonderfully maintained hockey fields. Creeping up its side is the vandalised underpass of the Monash Freeway – the velodrome ranks somewhere in between these two in terms of upkeep, as well as an additional bike path that touches upon edge of the velodrome. In 1956 it acted as a warm-up track for the Melbourne Summer Olympics – since then not much has been done to retain its image, much like the weathered lodging scattered around it – built to house the Olympians all those years ago. While the opulence and Olympic buzz has long since passed and while over the decades newer, more professional tracks have been built, this tired track has certainly not been forgotten.

The Hawthorn Velodrome is still enjoyed by cyclists – in fact, perhaps now more than ever. It’s enjoyed by families looking for an active family outing. It’s frequented by older folks, who have found a way of keeping healthy that isn’t so traumatic on their tired knees. Those in peak physical condition come here to train for larger events, those looking to get into peak physical condition give it a go out here too. There are smiles, dogs, trucks, thousands of dollars and equipment, crying kids and determination.

Those who come to the track may differ in almost all ways, apart from the fact that they obviously love to ride their bike, so we went down to the velodrome to ask people of all ages and backgrounds what it is they love about cycling, and what pushes them to keep up with it. What is it that keeps them coming back to the tired old track slipping off the side of the H. A Smith Reserve?