Week 11: Keirin State Championships s/b George Garner Cyclery Team
Photo by Matthew Reschke
For George Garner, growing up during the Great Depression in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California with his three siblings, held no hint of his future lifelong obsession with all things bicycle. However, from 1939 on he raced bikes around dirt tracks and over the Hollywood hills, losing his front teeth and breaking a few bones along the way. George served with the Marine Corps in World War II and witnessed the landing on Iwo Jima and the occupation of Nagasaki. George's love of the bicycle continued into adulthood when he opened his first bike store in 1947. In 1953, George and his friends helped build the Encino Velodrome in Encino California, nearly overturning a steamroller on themselves in the process. George's relationship with the great Schwinn Bicycle Company grew and in 1965 he moved to Northbrook, IL. Sales awards from Schwinn weren't enough. George built his family like his business, with love and dedication, profiting in the form of three sons and five grandchildren.
George never forgot his first love, the bicycle, spending hours and quite a few dollars supporting another area velodrome, this time in Northbrook, as well as winning many more accolades along the way. Before Father Time took away his ability to pedal, George spent every morning riding a Schwinn Airdyne to the tune of thousands of miles. And for those reading this who never had the chance to know George, you just might learn what really made him tick, by getting outside and riding a bike.
Racing starts promptly at 6:45 pm
USA Cycling license required
Registration online only at:
registration.erv.veloreg.com
2025 racing fees
Adults: $30
Masters 40+ race: Additional $10 (must register for category racing)
Juniors: $15
Juniors: Additional $5 to race in category
2025 Membership Vie13 cloth numbers: $30
2025 State Championship Schedule*
July 24: Keirin featuring George Garner Memorial Keirins
July 31: Scratch Race featuring DeLanghe and Neimanas Trophy Races
August 14: International Omnium
August 21: Points Race
August 22-23: Sprints and Timed Events
August 28: Madison
*All events include Junior and Elite State Championships with the exception of the Keirin and Madison