Detroit, MI – The Mad Track Arena, a community-focused cycling facility in Detroit, is fostering a new generation of bike racers and providing a vibrant gathering space, according to a recent firsthand account.
The author experienced the unique atmosphere of the Mad Track Arena, describing the exhilaration of cycling on the track and the potential for it to become an electrifying venue for races.Despite it’s modest facilities, built with affordability in mind, the arena is clearly cherished by its community. This affection is largely attributed to its founder, Hughes, a 75-year-old dedicated to the sport, and the commitment of young volunteers like 12-year-old Julian. Julian, who began racing at age 8, now volunteers as a coach at Mad Track to earn a pair of electric blue racing shoes.
Hughes’s dedication extends beyond nurturing young cyclists; he aims to cultivate Mad Track as a general community space.The author, despite a brief and physically demanding experience on the track, left feeling both exhausted and exhilarated, understanding Hughes’s passion and the appeal of the sport. The potential for a thousand spectators to experience the adrenaline of a high-octane event at Mad Track was palpable, suggesting it could become a significant attraction in Detroit.
Hughes invited the author to return for the fall races, an invitation that was accepted. The experience left the author with a profound appreciation for the sport and a personal connection, imagining how their own grandfather might have enjoyed the thrill of flying around the track.
contact Matthew Auchincloss at mauchincloss@freepress.com.
