The velodrome designer-turned businessman has learned the difference between chasing dreams and paying bills. Operating a $4.5 million, 64,000-square-foot venue solely with the support of niche bicycle racing fans just isn't viable.

"You have hopes and dreams, then you have what you consider the reality," said Hughes, 69, of Rochester Hills, who is executive director of the Detroit Fitness Foundation, the nonprofit operator of the velodrome. "We've done more than what we actually thought was gonna be our first year."

The reality is that from a financial standpoint, the velodrome fell short of expectations. The goal was $1 million in revenue. It achieved around $900,000, with operating costs totaling $950,000. So, it fell about $50,000 in the red — not ideal, but not unusual for a new business, especially as unique as a velodrome.

By other important measures — including attendance, community support and international interest — the enterprise has shown big potential.

An estimated 35,000 people went through the door last year. Athletes traveled from as far away as Germany and New Zealand to compete at the Detroit venue. Anywhere from 500-600 spectators showed up to monthly championship races at the 980-capacity venue, nearly a dozen races were aired on Detroit Public Television, and perhaps most impressively, each livestream of those races averaged 10,000-15,000 viewers from around the world.

"I think I can get a lot of worldwide exposure for Detroit," Hughes said, adding that 60 percent of those viewing races online are from outside the U.S.