The 500M sprint is comprised of two laps of the Encino Velodrome.  You will be held in position at the start line by an official.  Countdown to zero and you’re off!  The key to a good time is getting off the line and up to speed as fast as possible and then holding that speed for the next 35+ seconds.  You don’t have to be a trackie to get a rush from this experience and your standard road bike is just fine for this event.