WHERE IS IT?
The Park Orchards BMX track is situated in Stintons Reserve, on Commercial road (off Stintons Road between Tindals Road and Knees Road) in Park Orchards (Melway reference Map 35 B8). The track is fenced, however public access is possible from the car park at the rear of the track (between the track and the football oval).
WHAT'S IT LIKE?
The Park Orchards track is basically a “U” shape. The first straight runs south along the east side of the compound, with a sweeping right hand corner at the end leading into the second straight that runs north along the west side of the compound (the outer “U”). Another sweeping right hand corner then takes riders into the inner “U”, racing southward back down the west side of the track (the third straight) with a choice of a challenge straight for amateurs or a separate "Pro" section for highly advanced riders. Both options feed into a sharp left hand corner taking riders into the final straight, heading northward to the finish line beside the start hill.
Over the last few years considerable work has been put into a major renovation of our track. This has resulted in a track that is now amongst the best in Australia, but can also hold its head high in the international BMX arena.
Matt Dickinson is the track designer, and Rob Symmons is the cheese regarding track works. Both taken advice from a broad section of the riding BMX community and Matt has come back from the worlds with fresh ideas.
Some, but by no means all, of the riders who have given valuable input include:
Jhy Denholm, Andrew Howieson, Matt Dunsworth, Jonathan Hoare, Connor Hunter, Ben Price, Tony Harvey, Glenn Suridge, Adam Carey and Wade Bootes.
What are we trying to achieve:
We want a track that everyone from sprockets to elite riders can ride safely and be challenged to extend themselves. Pro section is for pros and challenge section is for amateurs. Our vision is to have a facility worthy of running National titles, and enough of a technical challenge to entice the high performance team to compete in Victoria.
These are the measures of success for the efforts we are undertaking:
- All riders from sprockets to elite riders find the obstacles challenging and races are decided by how well they ride the technical sections
- A new sprocket can safely get around the track, and the pros pucker up to get over the pro section.
- Competitive adodelscent riders are stretched by the size and timing of the rhythm sections.
- Our riders can go to National Championships, or World Championships and not be disadvantaged by “harder” tracks
If we pass all of these measure, all of the sweat and tears have been worth it and everyone who has been a part of it from all over the state can hold themselves proud in knowing they have made BMX in Victoria better.
Before track modifications.
March 2007 update: After modifications (except re-surfacing)
August 2007 update: A lot more soil has past under the shovel since these pictures were taken, so stay tuned for a big photo update!
The start hill is concreted over the first 10 metres and lanes are marked (8 lanes). The start hill is inclined at 17 degrees, which allows for a good start without being too scary for beginners. The start hill is fitted with a start gate which operates on club race days and training nights. The first half of the track (the outer “U”) contains all of the bigger jumps, with the second half of the track (the inner “U”) containing mostly smaller stuff (called the rhythm section), making this section a great place for young riders new to the sport to practice.
WHAT ABOUT FACILITIES?
The Park Orchards BMX club has a brand new club room as well as a commentary tower (both located beside the first straight) and several other storage buildings on site. On club race days a canteen operates on site (complete with BBQ) and public toilets are available. Drinking water is also available to re-fill your drink bottles. Parking is available in the car park located between the track and the football oval. Spectator positions are plentiful, however its BYO chairs if you want to sit down.
Note that on club race days bins are provided for rubbish, but at all other times please help to keep our track tidy by taking your rubbish home with you. Thankyou.
Why not visit the track and see them for yourself.
Over the Jan - March 2010, we have had a new start hill and 1st straight constructed. Check out the pictures in our gallery soon....stay tunes
