Sam Van Schie
Black Press
The Kootenay Motocross club gave its track a complete overhaul this spring.
Located between Castlegar and Salmo, the track was redesigned to be safer and more enjoyable for all levels of rider, particularly new riders.
Club president Jason Larson said it took two full weekends of work by three professional excavating contractors who donated their time and equipment to make the new track.
“If we had to do it ourself, we’d probably still be out there moving dirt around,” Larson said. “It was a huge job.”
The new track has table top jumps where there used to be double jumps, removing the gap that could cause trouble for new riders. Other problem areas were also smoothed out.
As well, all of the track is now visible from the viewing area, where previously there used to be parts where riders couldn’t be seen.
Larson said the track still offers plenty of challenges for experience riders.
“There’s always the race against the clock, seeing if you can get through it faster than last time,” he said.
The changes seem to be well received, Larson said, citing increased numbers of riders coming out to the Wednesday and Sunday open track times. On Sundays, for example, he’s regularly seen 12 to 18 riders sharing the track, where last year there were sometimes as few as eight.
Riders are often divided into two groups based on ability, and they take turns on the track.
The course can easily hold 20 riders at a time, and it’s not uncommon at busy tracks to have four ability groups rotating onto the track.
With so much potential to grow, Larson said his club is focused on developing new riders.
This Saturday, June 23, there will be a Cones and Corners event for riders aged 16. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch provided, and will cover bike handing and maintenance, while also giving the kids a chance to race around the course. The cost is $50, and registration is available at Mainjet Motorsports, Playmor Power Products and at the track on the day of the event beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The Kootenay Motocross track is open twice weekly throughout the summer, Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. to dusk and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Day passes are $20 and a season membership is $100 for adults, $75 for ages 16 and under.
For updates on the track, including upcoming events, join the Kootenay Motocross group on Facebook, or visit kootenaymotocross.com.
