POSITIVE SPIN ENCINO VELODROME'S YOUTH PROGRAM A BOON TO EMERGING CYCLISTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

Byline: Christina Uss Correspondent

Jennifer Doublet still remembers the first time she discovered the Encino Velodrome. After attending a bike race in Carson, friends asked her if she'd ever visited the bicycle track at the end of her street.

``I thought they were joking,'' she says, but she found the unassuming Encino Velodrome right there on Oxnard Street, where the facility has been holding bike races for 41 years. Now her 12-year-old son, Oliver, is learning to cycle on Thursday nights as part of the track's free youth program.

One of just four velodromes in California (the others are located in San Jose, Carson and San Diego), the Encino track has been offering a free program for children ages 10-17 for the past 15 years.

Thanks to sponsorship from bike manufacturer Fuji America and velodrome supporters, the track recently acquired 25 sparkling new bikes, allowing it to provide free bike rentals to young riders. It usually costs $2 to rent a track bike and $5 to use the track.

On any given Thursday, as many as 25 kids may show up at the outdoor track to learn racing etiquette and practice riding the brakeless, fixed- gear bikes. Ken Avchen, former state champion in the Master's 30-and-over category, is the energetic youth coach and instructor.

``This track is very grass-roots,'' he says. ``We want kids and families involved to keep track racing alive.''

Aiming to do just that, the Encino Velodrome has been making major improvements to the facility for the past several years. The velodrome has already raised $250,000 and is actively seeking an additional $150,000 to build a smoother, faster wooden board track with more-steeply banked corners. The new track will ultimately be installed over the existing concrete track.

With the new track, ``We can continue to expand the programs we offer, giving our youth more national-level racing in their own back yard,'' says velodrome board member Carla Koehler.

Two earlier renovation phases, completed in 2002, made room for a warm-up track, podium area and grass-bordered preparation area. New stadium seating was added in 2003.

The site of national and international bike races in the '60s and '70s, the velodrome has retained its popularity by catering to bike lovers of all ages.

``The velodrome has this wide cross-section of people who call it home, from little kids just starting to ride bikes to national and Olympic champions, to retired people - all just riding a bike around an oval,'' Koehler says.

Unlike most other youth sports, young velodrome riders may rub shoulders with pro athletes, Olympic competitors, and state and national champion cyclists. On race days, 11-year-old amateurs prepare for their sprints next to Elite and Master level adult racers. It's like a Little Leaguer warming up next to the Dodgers.

Even the young riders at the Encino Velodrome display a wealth of talent: Many track regulars have won medals in state and national cycling races. But this talent doesn't make for an intimidating atmosphere. Experienced riders help ``newbies'' pump up tires and learn the ropes. Parents call out encouragement and help the coach clock riders streaking by, sprinting on concrete banked between 15 and 28 degrees.

Training can be a family affair, including kids of various ages and genders. All three of the 13-year-old Womack triplets of Santa Monica train here, and soon their 9-year-old twin brother and sister will be racing. One of nine kids, Sam Womack says his siblings who don't race bikes ``just aren't old enough yet.''

Kevin Perser, 16, of Canoga Park zips by during a 30-mph sprint while his parents cheer him on - then all three cheer his younger sister Beth as she races by.

Several parents who raced at the velodrome 20 or 30 years ago now bring their sons and daughters to enjoy the sport. Westwood resident Marc Karzen brings his son Kit, 13, to ride the same track where Marc won the 1975 state championships.

Shelby Allen, a 16-year-old from Cerritos, pedals the angled pavement her mother, Mary Harrell, trained on in the `80s.

``It's fun and good exercise,'' Shelby says.

IF YOU GO: Children ages 10 to 17 can ride free every Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Encino Velodrome, 17301 Oxnard St. Rental bikes are limited. Parent or guardian written permission must be submitted before youngsters are allowed to join the program. Check out www.encinovelodrome.org or call [phone] for more information.

Where to ride

Here are other locations that offer family-friendly cycling in and around Los Angeles:

PATHS:

Santa Clara River Trail, Santa Clarita 

Eight miles one-way. This well-maintained, essentially flat trail follows the Santa Clara River. START: One parking area is at the corner of Bouquet Canyon Road and Soledad Canyon Road, behind Chi-Chi's Pizza. See a trail map at www.scvresources.com/bicycling/trailmap.htm.

Chandler Boulevard Bikeway, Burbank

Four miles one-way. Newly opened three-lane trail winds along the middle of Chandler Boulevard. Completely flat and lined with grass and trees. START: Anywhere on Chandler, between Clybourn Avenue and Mariposa Street.

PARKS:

Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, Encino

Nine miles, both east and west of Balboa Boulevard. Marked bike path loops west along Balboa, Burbank, Woodley and Victory. Follow the path into the park to Lake Balboa. START: Balboa Sports Center parking lot at Balboa and Burbank boulevards.

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Three to 10 miles, depending on your stamina. START: Crystal Springs Drive just north of Los Feliz Boulevard, or Travel Town, where you can rent bicycles on weekends. See a park map at http://www.griffithobs.org/genGOMap.html.

- C.U.

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The Encino Velodrome has hours when kids can ride without charge.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News

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Where to ride (see text)