With cold winds from overnight snowfalls keeping a chill in the air, could there be a better way to stay warm then to pedal your heart out on the new Snowy Mountains BMX track in Jindabyne.
The first opening riding day of the track resulted in a great crowd turning out to watch lap after lap of kids and adults pedalling with fury. With legs absorbing the rollers, speed varying to the comfort of each rider, riders continued to churn out laps at this impressive new venue at the Jindabyne Sport & Recreation Centre.
Officially opened by the Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro in mid March, the new track was funded thanks to $250,000 from the NSW Government’s Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program.
“The Snowy Mountains has always been a must see winter destination but we know it has so much to offer all year round,” said Mr Barilaro.
“This new track will be a major drawcard for BMX enthusiasts from across the region as well as further afield, boasting large long straights, big jumps and a barrel start gate to cater for riders of all levels."
“BMX is becoming an increasingly popular global sport, making its Olympics debut later this year in Tokyo. This track will ensure our home grown talent is competitive on the world stage. “This is a world class facility in a world class location and I look forward to people enjoying all Jindabyne has to offer year round including this new BMX track.”
Local MLC Bronnie Taylor said the new track is a great addition to the Jindabyne community.
“Jindabyne’s Sport and Recreation Centre is the perfect location for this facility, which has been a long-time dream of the community,” said Mrs Taylor.
“The committee behind this project have done a great job bringing this vision to life, and I know the community will enjoy this track for many years to come.”
President of the Snowy Mountains BMX Club John Graham said the funding from the NSW Government helped build a track that can facilitate state and national level races.
“The BMX track has been designed and constructed by the best in the business,” said John Graham.
“We would like to thank Mr Barilaro, Mrs Taylor and the team at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre for their ongoing support to build this facility. There has been so much support for this project and I am pleased to see the track open and ready for riders to enjoy.”
Enjoying a few laps himself with the throng of other BMX lovers on the opening riding day, John said, he was very happy with the turnout.
“There are a lot more people than I expected which is great, and to brave the cold weather, so pretty stoked.”
"I think they are really enjoying it, its really good to see a lot of kids out here and support from other clubs as well.”
Joining in the fun and arriving early were the Vaccaiella brothers from Canberra who said it was pretty good, still a bit soft but flowy. It was pretty fun and pretty fast and said the rollers were good for gaining speed.
Riders enjoyed the track with plenty of smiles underneath the visors and helmets, with only a few crashes during the morning.
The Snowy Mountains BMX club formed in 2017 and has worked with the local community, Snowy Monaro Regional Council and the State Government to bring the track to life.