PAM King knows the local velodrome, which is named after her late husband Ron, isn't the most popular location in town.
But, that doesn't make Muswellbrook Shire Council's (MSC) decision to knock it down any easier to swallow.
The structure, which has been there since the 1940s and is managed by the Muswellbrook Cycle Club, will be removed as part of the Olympic Park Masterplan.
Believed to be the smallest in the southern hemisphere, it comes in at 166 metres per lap but is, and has been, used as a practice venue by professional riders.
"Being a tight banked track it is ideal for development for the skills and tactics needed to ride in the big 250m wooden track indoor velodromes like the Dunc Gray in Sydney or the new Anna Meeres Velodrome in Brisbane," according to MSC's website.
However, it would be demolished to make way for a third rugby league field if the masterplan goes ahead, following amendments from the 2017 draft.
In that version, there were in fact plans to not only keep the velodrome but add a new fence around the venue.
Concerns about its lack of use and cost of maintenance have reportedly been cited by MSC in regards to the decision.
Cyclists in the area have not been forgotten about though, as a criterium track around the perimeter of the fields is being floated as a replacement.
This has done little to ease the pain and concern of Ms King, however, who said that once it's gone then there'll never be another one built in town.
"I know it's about economics, but I can't take the emotion out of it," she said.
"The men I'm up against are just bigger than me, and I can't compete because I'm too emotional."
She is also disappointed at its proposed removal because it is something unique to Muswellbrook that other towns in the region do not possess.
The point was also raised that while it is not heavily used, there are still residents and groups that make the most of the facility.
It was made clear by the King Cycle Works owner that the council had been very accommodating to her and incredibly respectful in their handling of the situation.
She said mayor Martin Rush had personally assured her the King name would live on within the town's cycling community.
The Olympic Park Masterplan is on public exhibition and on the MSC website until December 16, and will go in front of council, along with any submissions, on Tuesday, December 17.
Community groups are believed to be rallying in support of of the current structure, and are looking to gather as many numbers as possible to add weight to their efforts to save the Ron King Velodrome.
Upgrades to roads and the rugby league precinct, and new carparking, lighting and a bridge are also part of the proposal. All interested parties are invited to inspect the exhibited documents and make written submissions.
They should be addressed to: The General Manager, Muswellbrook Shire Council, PO Box 122, Muswellbrook NSW 2333.
Alternatively, residents can send an email to council@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au, or contact council's manager of property and building services, Matthew Lysaught on 6549 3730.
Council was approached and is forming its response, with the comments to be published in an upcoming article.
