Jim Walker

I was reading the current issue this morning and read this Under the O'Grady awards:

ALL THE COMMUNITIES THAT SUDDENLY "NEED" THEIR OWN VELODROMES. C'mon, guys, there are, what, like three track racers in the United States? An uptick in fixies sales does not a track resurgence indicate. Instead, think clueless 20-something fashionistas doomed to challenge the laws of physics by trying to share the same space and time with cab doors, absent-minded pedestrians and truck bumbers while frantically squeezing brake levers that aren't there. Chasing a velodrome is an exercise in futility on par with opening a Boca-burger- and chai stand at the Daytona 500. You want the gift that keeps on giving, build a crit circut enclosing a 'cross park, a BMX course and a brewpub.

I’ve never written a letter to the editor before, but I felt compelled to say something. I don’t expect it will be published, but I do suspect it will be read by a few folks in their office. Hopefully others will speak out also.

I sent them this response:

Dear Mr. Baughman:

After reading O’Grady’s award for: “ALL THE COMMUNITIES THAT SUDDENTLY “NEED” THEIR OWN VELODROMES. C’mon, guys, there are, what like three track racers in the United States?”, I have a professional obligation to inform Mr. O’Grady that he is clearly suffering from a nasty form of rectal-cranial inversion syndrome. He should seek treatment as soon as possible before he infects others and suffers further synaptic degeneration. After he has recovered, have him visit Portland and we will teach him how to ride the banks. Riding at the velodrome is truly one of God’s greatest gifts to cyclists.

Dr. Jim Walker
Portland, Oregon