kveðja {norse - "welcome"}

I've been asked so many times by people who've never heard of Cycle Speedway "What is it?", and decided it's best NOT to use the "Speedway on pushbikes" analogy we've used since World War 2, because an awful lot of folk have never seen Speedway either, but rather to call it "pedal bike racing on a short oval track". So that's what I'm calling it here, you may prefer "Short Oval Racing", I would certainly prefer a name change for a new era - shame on me!).

You won't find shorter than this!

So now, visitor, you know what Cycle Speedway is from the photographs above. Those of us (probably the vast majority) who have it in their blood will describe it as being similar to Roller Derby on bikes, others maybe suggest Destruction Derby is closer to the truth, as a googlie at some CS videos on YouTube may suggest. However savage some of the "friendly" on-track conflict may appear, we love it, get loads of fun and plenty of laughs from it, make new friends, travel quite a bit and stick with it for ages. It is, of course, a great way to stay mobile and reasonably fit if you'd otherwise be using only your elbows to support a glass or a PS4 controller.

Come and have a go!

So, reader, now you know. With 2 or 3 metric dozen clubs around the UK, you can find one close enough to go take a look. You'll be made very welcome, you'll be loaned a bike and helmet, and you'll be shown the ropes by a track expert wherever you land, it's that kind of setup. We are waiting for you at Northumbria STRC (oops, sorry - CSC) but your first visit will prove fruitful whichever club you aim for. Use the links above or below to get in touch, or just turn up at the track when we resume serious Northern League Racing activities on 22nd March at 2:00 pm. Come and watch free, come and ride free. It's your move!