Bicycle Racing at the ol’ Velodrome

This weekend heralds the beginning of 2008’s racing season for the Kissena Cycling Club. Founded in 1963, the club bills itself as New York’s “premier cycling club” (who am I to argue?) and hosts races at the Kissena Velodrome (Queens), Prospect Park and Floyd Bennett Field.

Festivities kick off Saturday with a race at Kissena. Unlike some of the tours mentioned earlier, this one isn’t strictly for fun. That’s not to say it won’t be fun, but your idea of fun would have to be racing a track bike against competitive riders.

There’s always watching–unlike say, the Tour de France, the advantage of a velodrome is that the cyclists are always in sight (think NASCAR). Plus, spectators get the added bonus of knowing where the track is in case they ever want to scale the fence for a moonlight ride. (Which would be illegal, by the way. But not unheard of).

Kissena has a fact sheet on the upcoming race. Unfortunately it’s in PDF. The pertinent info:

Saturday April 26 (1 pm), Sunday April 27 (12 pm). Riders must pre-register by Friday, April 25 (no day-of registration). Entry fees are $15 for riders in all classes.

You can swim in the East River! Kind of…

You might not be able to swim in the East River, but you can swim on it, thanks to a floating swimming pool spearheaded by Ann Buttenwieser.  Two decades after she conceived of the notion for a floating pool, her dream was realized–with the help of $4 million in fundraised dollars.

The pool is a barge that’s been adapted for the unique use.  Last year, Brooklynites were able to use the facility, which was moored near Brooklyn Heights, for free.  Though the website isn’t yet updated for this year, Ms. Buttenwieser confirms that the pool will open around June 27, when the other public pools open in New York.  It will be anchored off Baretto Point Park in the Bronx.  Not quite as convenient for Brooklyn residents, unless they have a boat themselves.

According to a Times article, Buttenwiser’s project was inspired by dozens of floating bathhouses that New Yorkers once used to keep clean.  One presumes that the bathhouses were displaced by internal plumbing, but the concept–bobbing in a floating pool with unobstructed views of the city–is still sound.

Update: Coney Island Roller Rink open

Gowanus Lounge was on hand for the opening of a new roller rink in an old Coney Island building, and were thrilled at the public reception.

To see the Childs Building alive with music and fun and smiles after a half-century in hibernation is a spectacular thing. (The gentleman who own the building for fifty years–and is now in his nineties–was even on hand on Saturday night.

Coney Island Roller Rink

Rollerheads rejoice. Coney Island will be home to a temporary roller rink this summer, said the Brooklyn Eagle. The rink, said the Eagle, will be seaside near the boardwalk, and feature a paved or linoleum surface? Who cares, as long as we get to skate, right? Right?

Well, to be honest, I never understood the appeal of roller-skating, but I’m sure someone will like it.  Exact details on the location and opening date aren’t available yet, pending an official announcement.

Floyd Bennett Field: Abandoned hangars, broken runways and…camping?

In addition to its disused flight facilities, Floyd Bennett Field also boasts an enormous sports facility and…camping. Who knew? (Probably the million people who visit Floyd Bennett annually)

Open since late 2006, the facility, made of four restored hangars offers rock climbing, ice skating, and court sports. Outside, there’s too many activities to count (listed in a downloadable PDF), including camping. From the facility FAQ:

Yes, there are two campsites, Tamarack and Goldenrod, open to the public by permit. Call the Ryan Visitor Center for more information at (718) 338 5094.

Shuffleboard!

Are bar sports really sports? How does one win at shuffleboard? Find answers over a pint at The Dram Shop, a newly opened bar in Park Slope recommended by Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn and my friend Meg.

Google Map It.  Or just go to 339 9 St between 5 and 6 Aves (R train to 9 St)