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New BMX home brings excitement

Penticton BMX Club members talk about positives of track relocation to Munson Mountain
BMX provincial races
THE PENTICTON BMX CLUB will be able to attract bigger events and more riders when their track relocates from Lion’s Park to Munson Mountain. Penticton city council’s decision has members excited about the future.

The wait is over for the Penticton BMX Club.

Penticton city council approved the club’s track relocation to Munson Mountain on Monday in a 4-1 vote after the club waited over a year. The club had to wait for council to vote in favour of re-zoning the property to allow a track to be built.

“We’re elated. It couldn’t come at a better time,” said club president Andrew Bayston. “The entire club and the surrounding clubs are just as excited for us. They will all be supporting the track once it gets built.”

Among the supporting clubs is Vernon BMX, which stated its riders would make the trip to Penticton for races if the club was able to build a larger track. Bayston said a new track is good for Penticton and kids in the club.

Club track operator Len McLean said he was excitd about council’s decision.

“It’s wonderful for the club and the community,” said McLean, adding a larger track will allow the club to train properly and be ready on competition tracks.

This change will also help the club host BMX Canada sanctioned national races.

During last summer’s provincial qualifying race, which attracted 109 riders to Lion’s Park, member Al Box said the turnout was low. He blamed it on their current location.

“I really think that once we get a new track and facility, and a couple of years behind that, it’s going to draw much more,” said Box. “It doesn’t really fulfill a lot of racers’ needs. The sooner we find a solution, the better. It’s such a great family sport. I’d really like to see it pick up. Just get better for the town.”

McLean said “It’s a huge relief” to get this decision.

“It was kind of stressful for the volunteers,” he said.

Bayston said the club will meet with city officials in the next week for guidelines to configure the new track. They want to adapt to what is asked of them. Bayston said they want to fit in with the community.

“We want to mould into the community.”

When it comes to designing the new track, that responsibility falls onto the American Bicycle Association, which will do it to national standards. While the club has people who have reached out to help with building it, they will gladly accept more help. The club doesn’t anticipate moving to its new location until September at the earliest and have revamped the current track to be ready for a new season which began Thursday. The 34-year-old club is hoping to grow its current membership of 60-plus with lower fees set up through the ABA. The club has also lowered its race day fee to $5.

The club has its open house on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Burgers, chips and a beverage will be sold for $5 and the proceeds go to the club.

When asked what is was like to finally get the decision, Bayston said it is surreal.

“It’s gonna take our little club and make it recognized like soccer or hockey. It’s going to expand our club.”