With a bang and a roar, a new age of BMX biking got underway at Brennan Park Sunday (Aug. 12). The bang came from the mechanical starting gate and the roar came from the crowd that had gathered to witness the grand opening of the town's new BMX track.
Riders of all ages stepped up to show their skills on the step-ups, whoop-de-doo and burns. Already the new track seems to be a hit with local riders and is sure to attract cyclists of all levels.
"I think it's going ignite the fires around town. It'll encourage a lot more people to get out and ride," said long-time rider Shane Aseltine.
Aseltine said he used to ride the same dirt back in the 1980s when the old BMX track existed.
A constant mountain biker, Aseltine said it's been years since he's ridden a BMX, and had just put his bike together the night before the grand opening.
"I knew as soon as that track opened I would want to be there," said Aseltine. "It's an excellent facility for the community."
Aseltine said the success experienced by local riders in other disciplines should flow into the sport of BMX.
"With the high caliber of riders we have in town, I can see some of the younger kids going to the Olympics."
The 2008 Beijing Olympics will feature BMX biking and Aseltine said he believes the sport will stick around because of its exciting, spectator-friendly atmosphere.
"It's non-motorized so it's quiet, and it promotes safety," said Aseltine. "You have to wear long pants, long sleeves and a full helmet if you want to compete."
It's also a great family sport, said Aseltine, which was evident at the grand opening by the presence of parents with their kids, many of whom were riding bikes with training wheels.
One of those young riders was four-year-old Logan O'Sullivan.
O'Sullivan was one of five under-five age group riders entered and said he loved riding on the new track.
"I like to go fast over the hills and bumps," said Logan. "I fell last time but that's okay."
Logan said it helps to have the support of family members when just staring out.
"My dad has to follow me sometimes and help me up if I fall," said the pint-sized peddler. "My baby sister yells 'go go go' when I'm riding. I can't wait to race with the other kids."
Aseltine, who competes in events such as Gearjammers and the Test of Metal, said the grand opening was one of the best riding events he's been to in long while.
"The amount of work that the community put into has surpassed anything you could dream of."
Local bike shops provided maintenance support and showed off demo bikes while an announcer kept the energy flowing between heats - or motos - giving the event a world-class feel.
Aseltine said he appreciated seeing the riders come from the Vancouver area and Nanaimo, some of the more experienced riders even gave Aseltine some tips they had pick up from competing professionally.
