WHEN it rains, it pours – and the new track at Redlands BMX Club has taken a beating.
Just as the season regained momentum after extended wet weather, the track has been torn up by dirtbikes.
But, if there is one thing BMXers are known for, it is riding through rough terrain.
Recently, the club was able to secure a State Government grant through former State Member for Capalaba Don Brown to resurface their BMX track, Redlands BMX Club vice president Jamie Gard said.
Mr Gard said the track sustained considerable damage from electric motorbikes a few weeks ago, just a number of days after the finishing touches had been made on the $30,000 facility upgrade.
While Mr Gard can only hope a similar event does not happen again, “the problem keeps arising from e-scooters and other motorised vehicles due to the track being open to the public”, he said.
Mr Gard is hoping a fence will be built around the track to prevent further unauthorised usage.
“Council have been informed and have been very proactive in helping the club over the last 12 months,” he said, adding that Cr Jason Colley had helped the club.
The club has adjusted some of the features along the track after receiving feedback from riders.
Redlands’ racers have a presence in some of the top BMX competitions in Australia, with several scoring highly in the recent state and national championships.
Notably, budding youngster Penni Allen claimed the Queensland State Championship in Nerang.
Mr Gard said numbers at the BMX Club had been steady, but “at this time of year after State and National Championships we see a little decline due to it being a long year for everyone”.
