Obviously, I realize that the National Sports Center is in Blaine, which for many is like coming up to a strange, far away planet. But the Thursday Night Racing series at the Velodrome is one of the most accessible, fun opportunities to check out bicycle racing in the Twin Cities.

Unlike some of the road races, you get to sit in stands, and you’ll see a LOT of racing. You’ll get to see some interesting race disciplines and get to watch the entirety of the tactical execution. Oh, and there are prize drawings too.

Recently, the Trinidad and Tobago National Cycling Team has been racing on Thursdays, and are resident at the Velo as a training camp. Other racers on the track are also international quality.

It starts every Thursday at 7. It’s free, although they appreciate donations.

Author: julie

Julie Kosbab is an online marketing consultant and active transportation advocate living in Anoka County, Minnesota. She was one of Minnesota's only League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors when certified in 2005. She is a past member of the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association. She has 2 children and 4 bicycles. Find her on Twitter as @betweenstations.