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Photos by Sarah Finnegan.
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Brandon Pyper, right, discusses the layout of the track with his son Carson, 9, at a singles kids’ race. Opposite page: BMXers turn a corner during a race.
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A BMXer gets some air coming up over a hill during a practice run Oct. 1 on the Oak Mountain State Park BMX track.
Oak Mountain State Park is home to the oldest continually running BMX track in Alabama. Established in 1979 inside the park, the USA BMX-sanctioned track offers racing for kids ages 2 and up. Four of the riders from the track are heading to the Grand Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
While competing for their NAG (National Age Group), they will receive a special number plate. Sawyer Holly (13), Connor Gortney (12), Reilly Oberding (11) and Jarrett Smith (8) are all ranked in the expert class, having advanced from novice and intermediate classes.
Connor Gortney’s father, Jay Gortney, is in his first year as the track operator. He said the track is mostly self-funded through race fees, and the upkeep of the track can get expensive. Also funded partially through donations, the track receives additional help from Shelby County and the city of Pelham. The county recently provided the track with a brand-new gate, and the city helped with installation.
“We use the money we raise for items such as tools, rakes, shovels, dirt and heavy equipment,” Gortney said. “We have to roll the track with asphalt roller, bobcat skid steer. The county lets us use theirs. It’s been a great relationship with Shelby County.”
Track President Rich Bowman added they have a good partnership with not only Shelby County, but the city of Pelham, as well as Oak Mountain State Park.
“We maintain everything inside the fence, and they classify us as a partner because we draw people into the park. They work well helping us out with major events by maintaining the grounds outside the fence and cleaning up,” Bowman said.
Gortney said there are future plans that include a redesign of the track, which is over 90 feet, and also asphalting the turns.
"We want to take it to the next level, like the Olympic style,” he said. “All the tracks that hold national races are asphalted. We hosted a regional event [The DK Gold Cup qualifier] in July, which brought in 173 riders. People came from all over the Southeast. Those events are a huge help and are exciting for the kids and spectators.”
The four riders heading to nationals shared what they are looking forward to most. Gortney’s son, Connor, said his favorite part of BMX racing is getting to compete with other kids his age and riding a bike on obstacles.
“It’s a great experience. You get to meet people from all over the country and get to see older people race that you look up to,” Connor Gortney said.
Reilly Oberding said he enjoys nationals because it provides good competition.
“I like nationals because you’re racing a lot of people you don’t know, and some are faster than you, and you can get better at racing and see how fast they are, so at the next nationals you’ll be prepared to race,” Reilly said.
Sawyer Holly, the oldest in the nationals group, said he enjoys racing people from all over the country.
“I want to go back to see how much I’ve progressed and what I need to work on,” Holly said.
For anyone interested in getting into BMX racing, just visit the track on a Tuesday night or race day. The Oak Mountain BMX family is always willing to help inform anyone who has questions. After the race is completed, the track is open for anyone to ride. All that is needed is a bike, long pants, long sleeves and a helmet.
“One of the good things for the public is that the track is open whenever Oak Mountain State Park is open. A lot of people come and ride here and get the benefit from our labor,” Gortney said.
Although BMX bikes can cost anywhere from $100-$3,500, Connor Gortney says you don’t have to start out on an expensive bike.
“Just come out and start riding. You don’t have to be the best or be able to jump,” he said. “It’s all about fun.”
For more information, visit oakmountainbmx.com.