New BMX track set to open
Kamloops’ BMX community can thank six-year-old Nate Holly for the brand-spanking new track being built on the Kamloops Bike Ranch.
If it weren’t for him, his parents — Brian and Kylye — likely wouldn’t have undertaken the project.
“My son took a shining to this kind of riding and racing,” said Brian, a former professional BMXer.
“The track was deserted a couple years back. We decided we would take it over.”
And take it over they have.
The track — originally built in 2005 — has been flattened, leveled and rebuilt, with Cobra Contracting and Surfwood Supply lending the Hollys a helping hand.
“It’s a combination of step-ups, tabletops, some doubles and we’ve added a rhythm section this year, which is a real nice change for us,” said Brian, a Highland Valley Copper employee.
The River City’s recent inclement weather pushed the track’s scheduled completion date back about a month, but the project is now in its final stages.
It should be ready for action in time for the first Big Pine BMX Race Series event, which is scheduled for May 4.
The Big Pine series consists of spring and fall sessions.
Riders accumulate points and champions are crowned at the end of each session.
The Bicycle Cafe supplied gear for last season’s winners.
Log on to bigpinebmx.com to see the series’ complete race schedule.
The Hollys are doing their darnedest to have the track conform to Olympic specifications.
“This is a duplicate of national tracks that [Cycling B.C.] has been using,” said Brian, noting Big Pine is affiliated with both Cycling B.C. and the Canadian Cycling Association.
“We’re gearing up to run provincial- and national-level races and, hopefully, training in the future for Olympians.
“We’ve already been offered bigger events.
“All we have to do is finish the track and that’s what we’re working hard at.”
Riders as young as two and as old as 40 rode in the series last year.
“We definitely promote a lot of fun-first here, as well as strong, healthy competition.”
The younger riders made up the series’ largest age class in 2010.
“It’s two-and-three-year-old kids on push bikes,” Brian said.
“We run them down one straightaway.
“It’s one of the most entertaining things you’ll ever see.”
Kylye said there is a serious need for volunteers who can help out in a variety of ways, both now and when the season officially kicks off in May.
To volunteer, or for more information on Big Pine, call Brian at 250-819-9331 or Kylye at 250-819-9330.
The new track is located on Highland Road in Juniper, above the bike ranch.
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