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BMX Track
(click to enlarge)The Track
Grand Traverse County BMX Raceway opened as a sanctioned NBL (National Bicycle League) track in 1999. A big Thanks to the Klingelsmith Family (which initiated and organized the project), all the volunteers, and the contractors that helped make it happen. Also the Northwest Michigan Fair Association for letting the track be located on their property. In 2004 the much appreciated Kingelsmith family was relieved of their generous duties running the track, and a new board was organized with Mike Litwiller at the helm. We have continued to grow through the years, averaging 80 riders per race day in 2007 making us one of the busiest tracks in the State two years in a row. BMX is fun for the whole family and in growing we have attacked some of the finest families to make one of the best family oriented sports around. The track and all events are run souly on volunteers, so if you are not into racing but would like to participate, we can oblige. This year will be the first year BMX racing will be an official sport in the 2008 summer Olympics!
Well First of all you need a bike. There are a few kinds of BMX bikes, like the BMX Dirt Jumpers which are made very strong for off road abuse and usually very heavy, then there is the BMX Free Style bikes usually seen with pegs on the wheels, and a gyro front brake for doing tricks on the flat surfaces and for use at BMX /Skate parks, these bikes are also on the heavy side, and then you have the BMX race bike made specifically for racing. Of coarse these bikes are preferred, but not mandatory. These bikes are made to be strong but also as light as possible, and come with components that are favorable for racing. There are two basic sizes used for BMX racing, the 20 inch which is most common, and the 24 inch which is called a Cruiser, generally used by older riders. The 20 inch comes in many different sizes to fit any size rider. All BMX bikes are single speed. If you have a bike, whether it's made for racing or not, bring it out and we can most likely make it work. Basically it needs to be stripped down to be legal, no chain guard, no fenders, no reflectors, no kick stands, and so on.
Now for personal equipment. The NBL only requires that you have a full face helmet, long sleeve shirt, and long pants, not to include sweat pants, wind pants, or anything similar. Good recommendations, once again not mandatory, but suggested, knee and elbow pads, chest protector, BMX style pants and jersey, and most of all gloves.
Who can Race, and Who do you race against?
Anyone that can ride a bike can race. Man, Woman, Boy, or Girl. We have had riders from three years old to Sixty years old. We have families that all race, Mom, Dad, and kids, some Mom or Dad, and the kids, and many, just the kids.
Races are determined by age and proficiency. Proficiencies are Rookie, Novice, Girl, Expert, and Elite (Pro). Most riders begin as Rookies, and then move up the proficience scale as their skills and abilities increase.The first age group starts at five years old and younger, from there races are made of each individual age up to sixteen years old. Meaning if you are six years old then you race six year olds, if you are ten years old then you race ten year olds. After sixteen years old races are made of multiple ages grouped together.