The Cortez Bicycle Motocross track is getting a new and improved look.
A brand new track design is scheduled for construction Saturday, April 23, and will take three or four days to complete for local BMX enthusiasts and the upcoming American Bicycle Association season.
A new 40-foot, metal storage trailer will also be put in place to accommodate concessions and registration as well. The metal trailer replaces the wooden shed that burned down last September. Windows will be put in place for concessions and wiring for the sound system will run through the trailer. All proceeds for the new track are privately funded by volunteers, many of whom are parents of BMX racers that also compete.
A private contractor has been brought in from southern Oregon to layout the new track, which is something that is typically done every three to five years, according to three-year co-track operator Mark Baxter.
Two reasons are, over time, when youre packing and rolling and packing and rolling, you lose height on the obstacles, and the sport changes periodically, Baxter said. In terms of keeping interest up and ready, you have to throw in a redesign to keep that interest level up.
The redesign will be significantly different, and it will offer new and exciting obstacles for the strong BMX scene in Montezuma County.
Last season alone, Cortez placed 23 in the Colorado state top-10 and produced three state champions in their respective age and skill classes.
The 2011 ABA season begins Saturday, May 14, with practice, and the first meet is the following Monday. The season concludes Saturday, Sept. 24.
After the completion of the redesign, the volunteers then have to make the track look presentable for the ABA season.
We still have to pack it, drag it, and make it look all pretty, Baxter said.
The track turns will stay the same, but a new concrete starting hill is in place. There will also be new trophies, plaques, hats and T-shirts given out this year because the old ones burned in the storage shed fire. Baxter was very appreciative of the community support after the fire.
We got a lot of help and support, he said. We got some financial donations from people. Weve got parents just hopping on and ready to try and help out.
Last season averaged 45 to 50 riders around the state per meet, and the new track is expected to bring in more people. There are age and skill classes ranging from 5-under to 60-older.
For more information about the new track and upcoming BMX season, log onto www.cortezbmx.org. Questions can be directed to cortezbmx@gmail.com.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.