Drizzly weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of Sunbury’s BMX Club‘s members at the official opening of its upgraded Cornish St race track on Saturday morning (11 May).
Under an overcast sky, and with more than 100 riders raring to go, the town’s MP Josh Bull stood behind the club’s new $60,000 roll-down starting gate to thank those who helped funded its construction.
The club’s new track, with its 2.5mtr starting hill (previously 1.5mtr), has already led to an increase in riders using the facility. New floodlights mean the club can stay open into the evening too.
Club president Russell Hocking says the club’s facilities are now the best this side of Melbourne.
“We have a track that challenges the older kids, but there is plenty the little kids can ride on too,” says Mr Hocking.
“Parts of the track are good for elite riders, and there are other section that’s good for the smaller riders – we cater for all age groups.”
On Sunday 23 June the club is hosting a State (series 7) event, something the club has not been able to do until now. Mr Hocking says it will be a big event.
“With all the upgrades, other clubs are asking to hold events here,” says Mr Hocking. “Riders from the other side of town are coming here to practice on our track aheads of the State series.”
In 2020 a $100,000 grant from the Government’s 2018-19 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund was used toward building a new pavilion at the club.
Sunbury BMX Club has 120 members, but Mr Hocking says more members would be welcomed.