June 14, 2011 at 10:56 a.m.
Hodag BMX shifts into gear
Newly installed surface could translate to fewer rainouts
Hodag BMX shifts into gear
By Jonathan Bailey-
The Hodag BMX Club, which is a member of the American Bicycle Association (ABA) and is located at 995 Lynne Street in Rhinelander, took action on its track this past May after several race days were nixed in 2010 due to rainfall.
Club leaders are optimistic that the new surface will yield plenty more opportunities for fun and competition in 2011 and the years to come for individuals of all ages.
"Hopefully it's going to be better than last season," track operator Jason Lilligan said. "Last year we canceled many races because of the weather. We spent our whole summer down there fixing the track because of the rain so that we could race.
"The new clay surface should help the runoff and it should stay in place a little more," he added. "The clay that we had before had a little more dirt in it and this is pure clay that we mixed a small amount of dirt into it to make it more workable. It hardens up like concrete; it takes a lot of water to dissolve it."
Lilligan said that the new track will not only help in preventing some rainouts but will also allow riders to reach faster speeds because the surface is harder and there is not the loose dirt in the corners, allowing for better control of the bicycle.
It will also likely save the club money as on the old track, tractors would have to be brought in frequently to fix the racing surface.
A non-profit organization, the Hodag BMX Club paid for the new track surface with donations and raised money, as well as from race fees and concessions. The club also spent minimally the past few years, putting it in good position moving forward.
The 2011 Rhinelander BMX season began May 27, one week later than originally anticipated. Work began on the track May 6th and concluded two weeks after thanks to the help of numerous volunteers.
The season was delayed a bit due to a rough spring and the inability to get out there and work until early May.
Racing takes place at the track every Monday and Friday evening, with gate practice Wednesday evenings. One of only seven BMX courses in the state of Wisconsin, Lilligan estimates that on average 40 riders participate each race night, a number that he believes is on the low side because many people do not realize that the track is there.
Age classes range from five and under to 55 and over at the racetrack. Hodag BMX charges a nominal fee of $4 to $8 per race to cover rewards for races, track maintenance and fees owed to the ABA for sanctions and insurance.
A full or temporary membership to the ABA is required and can be acquired at the track. Everyone is allowed one free trial race at a single points events with no membership.
In addition to the typical single point races on Mondays and Fridays, the Hodag BMX Club also hosts a Race for Life double points event on July 30 and a double points state series race July 31.
The Race for Life event, which benefits the Leukemia/Lymphona Society of America, has been a staple for the club ever since they opened in 1999. In its 12th year, the event has raised more than $2,500 in each of the years.
The race track is always open to the public when racing is not taking place.
For more information on the Hodag BMX Club visit www.hodagbmxclub.com or contact club president Brian Sturtevant at (715) 362-7952.
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