4-14-10

BMX racing returns to the Binghamton area.
by Chris Edwards

After a two year delay we are pleased to announce the opening of Grippen Park BMX located at Grippen Park in Endicott, NY. with the opening race Friday April 23rd. For over twenty-five years BMX racing has been in Binghamton, NY but when the group running Cheri A. Lindsey BMX decided to join the sanctioning body American Bicycle Association (ABA) to better suit its future growth and align with other tracks in the area it was determined a move was needed. The new location is the former Grippen Park ice rink in Endicott, NY which was damaged beyond repair in the flood of 2006.

The new track is located inside the former rink with a roof overhead eliminating any rain outs that occur during a racing season. This also allows for a longer race season and is more attractive for bigger race events to be held at Grippen. The track is run by a non profit group with volunteers. Racing will be every Friday night with registration from 6:00PM to 7:30PM and racing beginning as soon as possible. Tuesday night racing will also begin in the summer.

BMX or bicycle motocross racing now a Olympic event is done on 20" wheel bicycles around a dirt track having jump obstacles and turns with up to eight racers at a time in a one lap race. There are no age limits young or old and all family members can compete so "no one rides the bench" and riders are grouped by age and skill level. For more information or to contact the track director visit the track website at www.grippenparkbmx.com.

We had a problem with the gate be built. We have corrected the problem and the welder said he will finish it today (I hope) so we can have gate practice. The track is almost race ready but still needs some twiking and that is why tonight's paractice is FREE ! Once we see how all the jumps work we will know if any changes are needed.

We got a bunch done this weekend and if I say so the track looks GREAT ! Some of the older riders came and worked thier butts off tweaking and grooming the track and thier efforts show. The track has a good flow to it now that they started riding on it. This weeks schedule is as follows - Practice on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 9 PM and cost $5.00 per session. We are sorry for the cost but we really do not have a choise due to the high cost to run the lights which there are 50 above the track. First race is Friday with registration from 6 to 7:30 and racing as soon as the mottos are posted. And remember we race and practice no matter what the weather is like outside !