On the Road for the Love of Cycling

KENOSHA -- Twice a week during the summer, the Bock family endures a monotonous 45-minute drive from their Muskego home to Kenosha.

The ultimate destination is the Washington Park Velodrome – the oldest operating bike track in the United States.

Constructed in 1927 and nestled in a bowl-shaped natural terrain, the track hosts American Track Racing Association-sanctioned races and training sessions from mid-May to late-August.

On Monday nights, Bruce and Kelley Bock and their four children – Peter (13), Franck (10), Emmett (7) and Ann (4) – take part in the stock bike program in which riders of all ages can learn to ride the famed banked oval using anything from Big Wheels to full size racing bikes.

On Tuesday nights, the competitive racing program is held in which riders of varying ages and levels using fixed-gear bikes (no brakes) have an opportunity to earn points and cash.

“It’s fun to come down here and socialize with people and talk to friends,” said Peter Bock, who will be an eighth grader at Lake Denoon Middle School. “I think it’s cool because it’s a living piece of history. It’s old. It’s something in the middle of the community. It’s a place where you can come down and race and have fun.”

On the drive from Muskego to Kenosha, time is passed by listening to books on CD.

“We turn it off three-fourths of the way there,” said Lake Denoon fifth-grader-to-be Franck Bock, “and talk about the races we are going to be doing.”

Judging by the current season point standings, the long drives have been worth it for Peter and Franck – two of the track’s top junior competitors.

Both strong sprinters, Peter ranks first in the 13-14 division, while Franck ranks second in the 10-12 division. Last year, the former state champions competed in the USA Cycling Junior National Track Championships in Trexlertown, Pa.

“They’re kind of fast learners,” Bruce Bock said. “They were off their training wheels early.”

Active in soccer when they aren’t on their bikes, Peter and Franck caught the racing bug from their father, who still races competitively.

Competitive cycling doesn't come without costs, however, and sponsors are key.  The Bocks are backed by Rudy Project eyewear and Kenda bicycle tires to keep them competing.

Six years ago, Bruce Bock started up the Muskego-based and United States Cycling Federation-sanctioned club V.C. Bikesport, which boasts a mix of junior and masters riders.

Since the racing season started, the Bocks have only missed a handful of dates due to soccer commitments and a family trip.

“They really enjoy it,” Bruce Bock said. “I gave them a little lecture the other night on the drive home about the fact that we’re very lucky that there’s a track nearby.

“I tell anybody that wants their kid to start bike racing that the track is the perfect place to learn. That’s where you really learn to race.”