West Kootenay BMX is ready to roll with opening day of racing on Saturday, April 30. The track has been overhauled like never before with huge jumps, widening, new dirt and surfacing. Kootenay riding is now not only about trails, mountain bikes, and dirt jumping.
A challenge is being put out to those who ride bikes on dirt to come to the races and see what BMX racing is all about and maybe include it in your bicycle diet.
A great little scene is developing here and is part of a thriving BMX province with 20 sanctioned tracks. Other mountain towns such as Squamish and Pemberton have tracks. Fernie is working on one and the new track opening in Whistler this year is going to be amazing.
The West Kootenay BMX track, located at the Salmo Ski Hill on the lower land below the parking lot, is now open twice a week with a race day and practice day. In the spring and fall, racing is Saturday mornings with 10 to 11 a.m. registration. In July and August, racing is Monday evenings with a 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. registration.
BMX races run with a smooth flow. It doesn't take long for a race to happen so don't worry parents, you won't be standing around all day, and you can race too. Practice nights are Thursday at 6:30 and this is the best time to renew or purchase memberships. BMX racing bikes are available through most local bike shops.
If you want to visit the track please do so when it's open for weekly races and practice. The track is only open for scheduled events. To keep up on what's going on at the track check out the Facebook page or call track operator Lyndon Schiewe at 250-357-2874. West Kootenay BMX is sanctioned by BMX Canada.