In the 1920’s, bicycle racing was America’s most popular sport. Professional bicycle racers earned more than baseball players, football players or any number of other sports heroes combined.  The Chicago races were jam-packed events and the Humboldt Park track was deemed so good it was the site of U.S. Olympic Team tryouts in 1940. Until it burned down in 1946, the Humboldt track was the biggest draw in the park during the summers. ” “But its most famous amenity was The Chicago Bike Racing track – a circular velodrome that ran around the outside before a 1500-seat grandstand and a walkway with standing room for another 4,000 spectators.

1879 – Chicago Cycling Club founded. First bicycling club in the USA.

1893 – First Track World Championship held in Chicago.

1890’s – Pullman Races attract 200-300 racers and over 10,000 spectators.

1895 – Chicago has over 500 cycling clubs.

1895 – Schwinn Bicycle Company founded in Chicago by Ignaz Schwinn and Aldolf Arnold

1896 – 100,000 people attend the third annual Cycle Show.

1898 – Chicago Bicycle Directory shows that two thirds of the countries bicycles and accessories were manufactured within 150 miles of the city.

1899 – Major Taylor sets world mile record at Garfield Park Velodrome.

1911 – 1957 50 Six-day races held in Chicago.

1987 – SRAM Corp. Opens first office/factory in downtown Chicago.

2001 – Bicycling Magazine honored Chicago as the “Best Cycling City in the United States.”

2006 – City of Chicago unveils their Bike 2015 Plan calling for over 500 miles of city bike paths (making Chicago one of the countries most bike friendly cities)

2011 – Chicago Velo Campus 166 Mt.  outdoor velodorme  open to training and racing (after a 65 year long “no velodromes” gap )

2014 – Chicago Velo Campus “The Big Picture” indoor complex with 250 Mt. wooden track will open to the public.