Bicycle association raises concern over velodrome future

  • 2019-09-15
The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) is concerned that the recently announced pending sale of Alpenrose Dairy to Smith Brothers Farms, based in Kent, Washington, will eliminate access to the velodrome, which is on the dairy’s property.

Bike Portland reported that OBRA’s director, Chuck Kenlan, said the velodrome, a cycling track arena located on the Alpenrose Dairy’s property, is the sole such arena in Oregon. Moreover, it is one of only 18 in the United States. Kenlan was further quoted as saying it may put the future of the Annual Cross Crusade weekend in doubt.

Banner printing is widely used to promote events large and small, regardless whether they are a one-time deal or an annual event, and to raise awareness when venues are under threat.

Great-great-grandchildren of Florian Cadonau, Alpenrose’s founder, have said that they made a $7m offer to their cousin and the dairy’s president, Rod Birkland, which was rejected. Carl Cadonau III, Cary Cadonau, and Tracey Cadonau McKinnon have filed a lawsuit, and OBRA has engaged a lawyer so as to join them in the suit.

A baseball field, 4-H farm, and theater are on the Alpenrose Dairy property along with the velodrome, and the Cadonau siblings claim Birkland is planning to shut down all events.

Apprehensive about the sale of the dairy, community members launched a crowdfunding campaign that has garnered $15,500. Additionally, more than 14,000 names are on an online petition blocking Alpenrose’s sale to Smith Brothers Farms.