Alright, so now that track season is 50 day away, and I've noticed quite a lot of question revolving the track, I figured I'd create a little FAQ.
Feel free to post any and ALL question you might have revolving Alpenrose, track racing in general, or any other track racing related question in here and I'll do my best to answer.

1) Our track is called Alpenrose. It is located at 6149 SW Shattuck, in the middle of the Alpenrose dairy. It is 268.43 meters long (exactly 1/6 of a mile) and has banking in the turns of 42° to 43°. The radius of the turns is 16.6 meters. The shape is described as an "extreme cigar". Aka it has very long straights, and very tight, short turns. It is one of the steepest in the USA. It's nationally known for being one of, if not the hardest track to ride due to its shape and rough concrete construction

2) These are all the written rules of Alpenrose:
-The velodrome is open for riding during daylight hours when there are no other scheduled sessions. Sessions are scheduled by contacting Mike Murray, 503-661-5874, mike.murray@obra.org.

-During scheduled sessions there will be an established program that will be set by the individual or group that has scheduled the session. Riders on the track during those sessions will adhere to this program and follow the direction of the person in charge of the session. Riders that do not follow the program and/or do not follow direction will be asked to leave the velodrome until the session is completed.

-Riders must wear helmets while riding on the track.

-Riders must always ride in a counterclockwise direction.

-Track bikes will generally be used. Road bikes may be used for specific sessions but will not be ridden while track bikes are on the track. Mountain bikes, BMX bikes or other types of bicycles will not be used.

-Motorized vehicles are only to be used with prior permission for specific motor paced events.

-Skates and skateboards are not to be used on the track surface.

-Minors must always have adult supervision.

-Glass containers are forbidden.

-Climbing on the track rails or sliding down the track surface is prohibited

4) Etiquette: (Copied and Pasted off of OBRA):
Before getting on the track:
A few simple rules that make everyone's day a little safer. The primary rule is to always look where you are going and know where other riders are and how fast they are going. Riders at speed can cover half the track in less than 8 seconds so watch out. Once down to the infield (never cross the track during a race) test out your bike on the apron (during general warm-up) or warm-up circle (during a race) before going on the track. This means making sure your front wheel is on good, rear cog will not come loose, handle bars and seat are in tight, all other parts are attached and your bike feels ok.

Warming up before a race:
Once you get ready to get on the track during general warm-up take a few laps on the apron first. Then look across the track to see who might be getting ready to do a fast lap then look over you right shoulder and if it is clear go up track to above or near the blue line. Remember to keep your arms loose, try not to death-grip the bars and look beyond the wheel in front of you when riding on the track (These all help reduce the chance that you will over-react to a situation). You should always enter and leave the track at the start of the straights to give yourself time to get up to speed and slow down. Only if you want to get up to speed or get in a pace line should you venture down near the black line. The red line to the blue line is usually reserved for riders who are passing or pulling off of pacelines so try to keep above or at the blue line when going slower on the track, or just ride on the apron.
Never go very slow (under 15 mph) while warming up as you could slide down track taking out a paceline or two along the way. Listen for things like "stay", "stick" or "hold", and don't go up track if you here this even if it is your turn to pull up track. While faster riders do get the sprinters lane it is the rider who is passing that needs to pay attention and go around the slower riders who are also in the sprinters lane. Remember the important thing is to be aware, ride a straight line and look first. If there is a crash or mishap, the riders involved will "use" gravity and go down track, so you should always attempt to ride above them and go up track. Riders with a mishap should head towards the apron or infield and never go up track as this may just make it worse (gravity).

During a Race:
Attempt to ride as close to the main group as you feel possible. Remember that the sprinters lane (between the black and red at the bottom) is the fastest line, so use it when possible, especially if off-the-back. It is fine to pass around the top or underneath as long as you have room. (Do not pass underneath riders that are already in the sprinter's lane.) Always give yourself room when passing as other riders may choose to pass at the same time and may not notice you from behind. When being passed by faster riders always hold your line. While it is better to be high on the track when the group passes, both to allow the faster riders to race and give you a chance to use gravity to get back up to speed, do not attempt to go up track at the last second and make the faster group go even higher to try and pass. As long as you pay attention to the other riders you should be fine.
The basic rules always apply. Communication is important; always let people know anytime you are doing something that may catch everyone else by surprise. You must always wear a helmet whenever you are on your bike at the track. Do not try to ride the track when wet, you will fall. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Ride counter-clockwise only. Glass containers are bad. No swearing. Have fun. Play hard. Smile big.

In order to race: You HAVE TO TAKE THE TDCs. There is no set amount, but 2-3 is usually enough. If you are unsure, just ask your teacher. After that, you have to race 3 beginner races on Friday nights. After that, you can race whatever you want. Either sprints or the Thursday night mass start races. Or both. Doesn’t matter

OK. That covers most of the shit. I know I missed a lot, but I've been on a bike almost 16 hours today, and I'm bloody tired.

PLEASE ask questions. On whatever. It just makes me all fucking giddy knowing people here actually give a fuck about the track

thanks a lot, this is really helpful info.

white folks:

how do i use a disc as a jump ramp to wall ride on the wall of death like Nate does?

http://www.katu.com/home/video/25652879.html?video=YHI&t=a

Practice, baby, practice. Running out of options is also another way to accomplish this.

I'd like to add something VERY IMPORTANT to this thread : Riding on the track is cool. So is having a couple of beers, I've even known to have a indulge from time to time. However, the ENTIRE Alpenrose facility, not just the track is alcohol-free, and this is a serious, something they care about policy, not a "we needed to for legal reasons" kind of thing. This is not OBRA being dicks, this is a decision made by the owners of Alpenrose, as they OWN it. As such, they're kind enough to let us use it FOR FREE WHENEVER WE WANT. If you can't wait to have a beer until you get off of the track/Alpenrose campus, don't bother showing up. I've found beer cans by the lockers and down by the infield box from time to time, and if I lose the ability to use Alpenrose because of someone else's drinking problem, they will be a lot of pissed-off racers, esp sprinters. Trust me, the last thing I want to have to do on a regular basis is go up to Seattle to race.

So to recap: DO NOT DRINK at Alpenrose. I know, I know, you're saying "what? a guy on Team Beer saying this?". There are some things in life more important than beer. Wait 10 minutes until you can hit up Albertsons.

super good thread. thanks guys.

I'm just stoked Nate came in to answer Doug's question haha.

were talking russel crowe in the gladiator, not zztop

I want to "buy" one of the GT rental Track Bikes. Does anybody know how or if it's even Possible?

Cool Man,thanks for the word up. How do i get ahold of this guy?

Wo

stumptown:

try paging him on the OBRA list. no guarantees though, just a heads up that he'd be the guy to try out of anyone.

Word G !

stumptown:

Yo Jeff, talk to Luciano Bailey about it. Doug scored one from him on the cheap, though it had a tiny hairline crack that didn't seem to do anything from months of abuse.

I see Luciano downtown all the time. With that little poodle dog in his bag.

yo anyone care to explain how the hell Madison races work? It looks sketchy and awesome at the same time. I like that combo.

This should be stickied, yeah?

great thread thor.

cantstopwontstop:

This should be stickied, yeah?

that's not a bad idea: maybe combine this with track-specific discussion? what do you all think?

For the GT: You might email Mike Murry as well. He really is the head dude at the track. We sell them everyonce in a while, but he's know better

Madisons: They are stupid sketch. Also the most pain ive ever felt in a race. Jermey pretty much nailed it about how it happens, but they are usually more like 45 minutes long for the big boys. If you really like them, go watch the 6-day. Alpenrose is the only track in the country that still has a 6-day.

Beards wont affect you that much. At least nothing that will keep you from winning at this level. :)

grimm:

I would like there to be an FAQ section. Like a tab at the top. This thread, the what to do in an accident and forum guidelines can go in there. Maybe some other old very useful threads can be logged there too.

and how about a non-bike marketplace...

Thanks for the input Jeremy, just curious if I would be showing up and getting blown away. CAT 5 looks exactly where I should be right now, well once I go to classes :-)

I figured when Todd said sprinting, he meant ramping up the speed at the end of a mass start, as opposed to the match sprinting you speak of.

grimm:

scarface#1:

I want to "buy" one of the GT rental Track Bikes. Does anybody know how or if it's even Possible?

Beat Jonah up. He has the GT.

don't bother, i'm making my first payment this weekend

just went out today, had a blast. we should get some rides going there.

this all reminds me of being on swim team as a little kid lol, but seriously, thanks for the info and i'm sure i'll have a ton of questions in the near future (definitely at the track).

Not a problem. The track is my home. Hence why my appt is about a mile from the track :)

ians:

grimm:

scarface#1:

I want to "buy" one of the GT rental Track Bikes. Does anybody know how or if it's even Possible?

Beat Jonah up. He has the GT.

don't bother, i'm making my first payment this weekend

What the hell are you talking about?

its good for keeping my beers fresh, but i wouldn't trust it with my gin.