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COVID-19 Updates

The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is following all local and national government recommendations and guidelines related to Coronavirus COVID-19 in the interest of everyone’s safety. Please find ongoing updates on facility and program status here on our COVID-19 Update page.

Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

As you have all undoubtedly seen, the COVID-19 landscape changes almost daily and has made long-term planning at the track challenging to say the least.

We are fortunate to have great partners in the form of Valley Preferred, LVHN and Lehigh County who are helping us navigate the constantly moving landscape of what it means to be open for business during these times. 

The staff appreciates the support and positive feedback from the racing community we’ve received to date. With so many races being cancelled we have received many positive messages expressing thanks for providing a venue for racing and training. Like most, we had hoped that moving into the “green” phase of re-opening would mean a return to something more like a traditional summer at T-Town. I want to thank all of you for embracing the new normal along with us and being patient and cooperating with the new policies.   Because of evolving COVID case numbers, stronger requirements on mask wearing and the changing nature of the situation we are going to continue operating under limited our of operations until further notice. 

Regarding policy – in the last week our Governor has implemented new mask policies for the State of PA.  For those who have not seen the specific language pertaining to sport: 

Does the Order apply to athletes and sports activities? 

Yes. Everyone must wear a face covering, such as a mask, unless they fall under an exception listed in Section 3 of the Order. Coaches, athletes and spectators must wear face coverings unless they are outdoors and can consistently maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Athletes are not required to wear face coverings while actively engaged in workouts and competition that prevent the wearing of face coverings, but must wear face coverings when on the sidelines, in the dugout, etc. and anytime 6 feet of social distancing is not possible.

We have confirmed with USA Cycling that this mandate will be enforced at Bike race events – making mass start racing very challenging in the heat of summer particularly inside the velodrome where the temperatures are routinely ten degrees higher inside than they are in the parking lot.  What this means for us is that currently we are planning on moving forward with racing events that can be run TT style – one rider on the track at a time – but introducing some hopefully fun new formats such as team sprint competitions and team pursuits all run relay style. Unlike the last few TT events we will have prizes for the winners.  We want to keep the fun of competition going as safely!  So start thinking about teams and check back for updated racing schedules.

We will also ask that athletes attending training sessions make every effort to consistently maintain 6 feet of physical distance when training and wear a mask when it is not possible. Masks should be worn at all times when not on track.  We believe that because of the limited numbers of athletes training in each session this should be extremely manageable for all to accomplish. As has been the case all along – coaches, staff and volunteers are required to wear masks at all times. 

Other recent developments resulting from the Government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis include the Governor’s newly implemented recommendations for a 14 day self-quarantine for individuals who have visited and or traveled from the following states:  

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah

We will add this question to our screening questions upon entrance to the venue and ask that everybody give serious consideration to whether or not they should race or train around others. We cannot enforce the quarantine but we do ask that you act as good citizens of the cycling community.  For more on whether you should participate in group training or racing activities please see USA Cycling Guidelines for resuming group rides available here  and here.

Finally, our partners at Lehigh Valley Health Network have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 for months. We are incredibly fortunate to have their support during these challenging times. They have provided us with the following:

Local COVID-19 Health Care Resources
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and its subsidiary, Populytics, provide a range of services for the community related to COVID-19, including the following:

Testing and more through LVHNFind information on pre-screenings, video visits, test locations, treatment, and clinical trials

Return to work services for employers and schoolsFind information on diagnostic/antibody testing, COVID-19 evaluations, counseling, and long-term well-being

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

Track Announces Re-opening Dates, Policies and Procedures

To Our Cycling Community:

First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding while we navigated the uncharted territory of a global pandemic, business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders. We are still navigating and ask for your continued understanding and cooperation.

We’ve all been touched by this crisis in some way. We’ve lost people, missed our friends, training, competition and riding together but we did the hard work. Now our job is to move into the next phase safely – and that requires acting in compliance with all state and local regulations. 

We’ve been working with Lehigh County on what re-opening in “yellow” will entail and we have followed guidelines provided by the W.H.O., CDC and USA Cycling to develop a structure that will enable us to do this as safely as possible.  Following these procedures is mandatory for us to re-open. 

Please note that what follows WILL change as we progress through the phases of re-opening and we will update procedures as the County provides us with guidance. We have been asked to re-assess operations and policies on an on-going basis in conjunction with the County so understand that restrictions may ease or tighten in observance of what is happening county-wide and within our own community. This evaluation includes both our willingness and ability to operate within these guidelines. Failure to comply could result in full closure until “green”. 

We ask that you review operating procedures carefully and comply with them fully. We have provided links to source material so you can make informed decisions about your own risk tolerance.

Foremost, in order to open in yellow phase, we are required to control access to the venue at all times.  We are subject to both guidelines for business and social gatherings.  This means there will be limited hours at the track and limitations on the number of people in the venue until we move into green. With that said:

We will re-open for training on June 8th, 2020.

In order to do so safely: 

Re-Opening Operating Procedures:

  • Limited, controlled hours only. The track will NOT open for general public hours until we are “green”.
  • Days of operation:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
  • Closed: Friday and Sunday
  • Locker Rooms will remain closed (inability to maintain one-way traffic) 
  • Restrooms will be opened with an increased cleaning schedule, with signage and floor markings establishing one directional traffic. 
  • NO TOUCH: All activity including training sessions will require online registration and online signature on waivers. Number pick-up will be set-up to maintain one directional traffic and social distancing. 
  • No cash or credit card transactions will be made at the venue
  • Hand Sanitizer will be available throughout the venue
  • No communal water will be provided
  • Sharing of equipment is prohibited and riders are required to bring all tools they need to be self-sufficient
  • Use of the track’s bicycles will not resume until we are green. Helmets will not be provided
  • Infield will be reconfigured to maintain six-foot social distancing by closing off alternating pens and establishing one-way traffic patterns and right of ways. 
  • Staff will be present at all times to control number of people inside the venue at one time 
  • Number of people in venue shall not exceed 25 – which includes staff, athletes and coaches
  • Masks will be required for all adults while in the venue and infield (per Governor’s Guidelines masks are not required for younger children participating in Camp programming) If 6’ distance can be maintained on the track, masks will not be required
  • Bleachers will be closed off and spectators will not be permitted
  • Temperature Checks will be taken upon entrance to venue
  • Screening questions will be asked upon arrival
  • Entrance through the main gates and access to the track via tunnel.
  • Exit from track over the bridge and out the athlete gate
  • Track office will be closed to the public and staff will work on shift basis in order to comply with business guidelines for returning to operation
  • Additional cleaning equipment and cleaning crews deployed for venue cleaning

Because we do not know when Lehigh County will enter the green phase, we are opening with the following, limited schedule. This will carry us through the end of June OR until we enter green and will be updated accordingly. Please continue to consult the calendar on our website as schedule is subject to change. 

Registration for training sessions: $5.00 per session OR with purchase of annual training pass. All will be managed at BikeReg.com/vpcctraining

Athletes who register for training time slots but fail to show up for reserved slots more than three times will not be allowed to register for future time slots. This is designed to prevent abuse of pre-registration and enable as many people access to the track as possible. 

Athletes are strongly encouraged to warm up outside venue prior to entering track for their scheduled training time in order to maintain social distancing. (And keeping in mind that anything brought in via tunnel will be taken out over bridge)  They should also leave ample time to passing through screening/temperature check point at entrance. EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER ONCE AND TO EXIT ONCE — THIS MEANS YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO PERSONALLY CARRY ALL ITEMS IN WITH YOU THROUGH THE TUNNEL AND OUT WITH YOU OVER THE BRIDGE. 

All efforts should be made to maintain social distance when entering and exiting bike barns. 

Monday, June 8th:  Training only.  

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Amateur Training / Motor-pacing allowed-  Cat 2/3 Only. 

Tuesday, June 9th: Training only.  

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

8:00am- 10:00am:  Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Amateur Training Only. 

Wednesday, June 10th:  Training Only

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Rental  Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Women’s Training Time

Thursday, June 11th:  Training Only

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

8:00am- 10:00am:  Team Track Reservation Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Reservation Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Amateur Training/ Motor-pacing allowed Cat 2/3 Only.

Friday, June 12th: CLOSED

Saturday, June 13th: Training only.  

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

8:00am- 10:00am:  Team Track Reservation Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Reservation Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

Sunday, June 14th: CLOSED

Monday, June 15th:  Programming re-introduced. 

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

6:00am – 7:30am:  Adult Fitness Cycling

8:00am – 10:00am:  Youth Programming

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor-pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Amateur Training/ Motor-pacing allowed Cat 2/3 Only

Tuesday, June 16th:

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

6:00am – 7:30am:  Yoga for Cyclists (limit 10)

8:00am- 10:00am: Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Amateur Only. 

Wednesday, June 17th: 

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

6:00am – 7:30am:  Adult Fitness Cycling

8:00am – 10:00am:  Youth Programming  

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Rental Time Slot  (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Women Only Programming

Thursday, June 18th:

Pre-registration for all time slots required. Limited to 25 to include staff, coaches, athletes

6:00am – 7:30am:  Yoga for Cyclists (limit 10)

8:00am – 10:00am:  Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

10:30 am – 12:30pm:  Elite Only. Motor Pacing allowed. Category 1/2 riders only

1:00pm – 3:00pm:  Training All Categories

3:30-5:30:  Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

6:00pm – 8:00pm:  Amateur Training/ Motor-pacing allowed Cat 2/3 Only

Friday, June 19th: CLOSED

Saturday, June 20th:  Begin Amateur Programming

Pre-registration for all time slots required. 

For TTs Riders will be assigned start times and will be brought into the track in groups of ten at a time (to accommodate staff requirements) Warm-ups to be done outside of venue and properly socially distant. 

9:00am – 2:00pm:  Amateur Time Trials (one rider on track at a time)  All results provided electronically and emailed to participants. No paper posting of results.

For TTs Riders will be assigned start times and will be brought into the track in groups of ten at a time (to accommodate staff requirements) Warm-ups to be done outside of venue and properly socially distant.

No spectators allowed. 

3:30pm – 5:30pm: Team Track Rental Time Slot (call office to reserve, group size restrictions apply)

Track will be CLOSED on  July 3, 4, 5 with hopes of entering Green the week of 6th at which point restrictions would ease.  We will adjust this schedule based on progression through re-opening timeline.

This schedule and venue restrictions will repeat as long as the county remains in YELLOW.

Link to USA Cycling Resource Documents: https://www.usacycling.org/event-organizer/covid-19-event-resources


Thursday, April 9, 2020

With the continuing national emergency, USA Cycling will extend its suspension of all issued permits for sanctioned events – including USA Cycling races, rides, camps, and clinics – through May 31, 2020.

USA Cycling is currently working with our stakeholders, event organizers, and medical experts to develop guidelines and best practices to assist in keeping participants, event staff, volunteers, and the communities where we hold our events as safe as possible once riding and racing resumes.

We continue to call on all event directors, clubs, coaches, athletes, and members to follow the guidelines and regulations issued by national, state, and local authorities on social distancing and prohibited activities. This includes forgoing gatherings such as group rides and any other group or team activities where people assemble.

Sincerely,

Rob DeMartini
President and CEO
USA Cycling

#COVID19 #coronavirus #stayathome


Monday, March 30, 2020

Per Governor Tom Wolf order, “All stay-at-home orders are now extended through April 30.” The velodrome facility will continue to be closed through this order.

Read the full statement on the Governor’s website: https://buff.ly/2WX5oJk

#COVID19 #coronavirus #stayathome


Wednesday, March 19, 2020

Valley Preferred Cycling Center Temporarily Closed

In accordance with Governor Wolf’s declaration of a State of Emergency requesting that all non-essential businesses including; public-facing industries such as entertainment, hospitality, and recreation facilities, including but not limited to community and recreation centers; gyms, including yoga, barre and spin facilities; hair salons and barber shops, nail salons and spas; casinos; concert venues; theaters; sporting event venues and golf courses;  the Valley Preferred Cycling Center will be closed until April 1stsubject to further instructions from the State.

This decision reflects our collective reality and we must do our part to mitigate this crisis and flatten the curve. We will re-open as soon as reasonably possible.


Tuesday, March 17, 2020

From our partner, Lehigh Valley Health Network:

During these unprecedented times, it is important that we work together for the health of our community. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is remaining vigilant and we are sharing important updates related to LVHN’s preparedness and response to COVID-19, which we want to distribute as far and wide as possible. We are asking you, as one of our trusted partners, to share this content through your own channels. This will help deliver clear direction to our community.

We have the following resources available to you:

We deeply appreciate all of the measures that our partners have already made to educate our community and limit the spread of COVID-19. If there are additional resources that you feel would be valuable at this time for your organization, please let us know. We will keep you informed as additional information and recommendations become available.

Brian Leader, Vice President
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Amy Nyberg, President
LVH – Coordinated Health


Friday, March 13, 2020

To the Members of the Valley Preferred Cycling Center Community:

As we look forward to the 2020 racing season, we are confronted by the very real threat that the COVID-19 outbreak poses to society.  USA Cycling has suspended all permits and recommended canceling all Club/Team Group Rides/Events/Meetings through April 5th.  The newly released CDC guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html ) have expanded their guidelines for gathering for the next 8 weeks.

These facts, combined with President Trump’s declaration of a National Emergency and the closure of the PA Schools we feel strongly that it is our responsibility to do our part in support of limiting opportunities to spread illness through social distancing. Therefore, we are canceling all spring programming – while fully intending to run our normal racing and community programming come June.

The events that will be impacted are: Spring Bicycle Racing League driven by Schearer’s Sales & Service, Team T-Town Practices, April Try the Track, Women’s Wednesdays Session One, PeeWee Pedalers/Squirts Weeble Wobbles Session One and Spring VeloFest. Registrants in all of these events/programs will be given the opportunity to roll their registrations forward to the next session or receive a refund.

People wishing to receive a refund for BRL Registration or VeloFest should email Info@thevelodrome.com and request their refund.  We will process requests as they are received.

These cancelations will take us through mid-May.  We are optimistic that we will kick off our normal Tuesday/Friday/Saturday racing calendar come the end of May/early June as scheduled.

Session Two of all Air Products Community Programming begins in June and we anticipate they too will run as scheduled.

We have closed the Velodrome offices, requesting all employees to work from home as they continue to work hard on creating the high-quality community programs and racing experiences that our customers have come to expect from the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Please follow our social channels or TheVelodrome.com for any updates.

We remain deeply appreciative of your support of the Valley Preferred Cycling Center and for the support of our sponsors.  Your continued participation makes it possible for us to continue to offer the community programming, Friday night Pro/Am racing, as well as robust grassroots racing – and we are looking forward to continuing to serve our community in the summer of 2020.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we do our part to contain the spread of COVID19.

Rick Beuttel                                         Joan Hanscom
Board Chairman                                Executive Director