Making a Method

We've started work on the first few prototypes of the supports that will fasten Cyclodrome's track into place. This kind of trial construction gives us valuable experience, teaching us which methods are most efficient and least prone to errors. We have enough equipment and labor for a large and complex building process, and so want to create the best process that we can. To help us develop our process, we opted to create a prototype of the most challenging part of the track - the transition between gently-sloped straight track and sharply-angled turns.

The characteristics of this part of the track are crucial to the success of Cyclodrome. If the transition from a gentle slope to the sharp slope of the turns is too long, riders could be guided over the turns instead of around them. If the transition is too quick, it could be very hard to transition from track to curve and back again. Some of the team spent some extra time double-checking our design calculations and refining the geometry of the track to ensure a balanced transition.

To prepare for the arrival of prototype sections and set the stage for final construction, another group has expanded on previous work to create a complete floor layout. When final construction of Cyclodrome begins, the position of every support will have been measured and marked on the construction site. We have likewise created a cataloging system to identify each and every unique support and track piece and match them to their position on the site for a smooth fit.

The supports themselves are made of 2x4 lumber, cut to fit precisely into whichever angle is necessary for their section of track. To ensure a strong and stable frame able to endure the intense pressure of racing bikes, the connections were held together with plates screwed in from multiple directions and further reinforced with heavy-duty wood glue. The result is a series of extremely sturdy structural members, able to take the forces that will be applied to the track. In the coming days we'll begin cutting the track itself for the first time, but for now we have a working method to support it.

Above: A finished support.