Sylvie Paillard
[email protected]
Squamish may be adding another notch to its belt as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada.
Squamish Dirt Bikers Association (SDBA) spokesperson Andrew Lurbiecki said the organization is well on its way to having its own motocross track, and the ramifications could be substantial. The sport of motocross has a tremendous number of fans across the province and the country, said Lurbiecki, and since the Squamish track would be built to sanction, it could lure events and races that could see thousands of spectators stream into town.
"It could be a huge boost to the economy," he said.
The track, which is tentatively proposed for an area near the Squamish airport, would also provide a place for motocrossing youth who might otherwise use trails designated for non-motorized vehicles only, said Lurbiecki.
"We'll get them off the dikes and trails and get them to come here and ride to their heart's content without bothering anybody," he said.
The SDBA along with the District of Squamish, the Squamish Trails Society and the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) hashed out a trails agreement in June 2005 that delineated trails to each user group. That agreement has kept the peace among users, said Lurbiecki, but sometimes young, unknowing or uncaring dirtbikers can end up on the wrong trails. In an effort to further educate the sporting community, the SDBA has hired a mapping company to draw up trail maps for dirtbiking visitors and locals, which they hope to provide as leaflets anywhere riders congregate. They are also placing comprehensive maps on the SDBA website. Lurbiecki said he wants open dialogue with all trail user groups and compels anyone with complaints of dirt bikers in Squamish to contact the association at www.squamishdirtbikeassociation.com.
"Our number one goal is to promote off-road sports in Squamish and to take care of any problems of user groups on trails," said Lurbiecki.
The motocross track proposal carries the approval of the District of Squamish, MLA Joan McIntyre and the Squamish Trail Society, said Lurbiecki. But there is still some discussion surrounding the track's proposed location.
"If this property doesn't pan out, we'll keep looking," he said.
The association also has a lot of support in the community, said Lurbiecki adding that the fact was proven throughout the month of February when association members sold $800 in lottery tickets to raise funds. They also sold more than half of 5,000 raffle tickets offering donors a chance to win a 2006 Yamaha dirtbike, full riding gear, including helmet, boots and leathers, a propane heater or a gas powered weed wacker.
The SDBA is holding another fundraising event at the Oceanport Hotel Saturday March 25 to help offset the cost of applying for the Crown land and building the track. Initial estimates for cost of the track range around $50,000 just for starters, said Lurbiecki.The event is $15 per person, $20 per couple and includes the price of a barbecue dinner and door prizes.
"Ride or not, you're all invited," states the event's promotional poster.
