BMX group seeking support from Gilroy community to build a ‘pump track’

Fundraising dinner will be held Nov. 14 at Hecker Pass Winery

By Staff Reports

Garlic City BMX is organizing a fundraiser that will help bring a BMX pump track to Gilroy.

A pump track is a track where bicycle riders can ride at their own leisure, as opposed to a racing track with weekly events. It has hills and jumps for the rider to practice their bike skills that might be used in racing. The facility planned to be built at Christmas Hill Park near the Police Equestrian Facility. If built it will serve the South Bay area in providing a place for people to enjoy the Olympic sport of BMX.

Join the nonprofit group for a spaghetti dinner at Hecker Pass Winery from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. The event will include raffle prizes and a silent auction. A no host bar will serve wine and beer. Tickets range from $10 to $35. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GarlicCityBMX.

BMX is a bicycle sport modeled after motorcycle moto cross. Riders race one another on a track in organized races according to age and ability. Athletes range in age from 2 to more than 60. Most participants are youth. Competition can be on the local, state, national, international and Olympic level. The organizers have more than 30 years’ experience operating BMX programs.

“Garlic City BMX has submitted finalized plans to the city to build a bicycle skills area that is called a pump track,” said the nonprofit group’s president and volunteer Mary Garcia. “A pump track is used by cyclists at their leisure, during regular park hours, as opposed to a racing track with scheduled events.”

If the city council approves the project, it will include a toddler track and a track for older youths.

“This project will provide the youth of Gilroy and the surrounding communities another healthy, outdoor, recreational activity,” Garcia said. “We will hold community educational events several times a year concerning bicycle skills, bicycle safety, bicycle maintenance, and healthy living.”

Riders and their families from surrounding communities will come to enjoy this facility and they will eat at our restaurants, buy gas, and perhaps stay overnight to enjoy other amenities of Gilroy, she said.

The nearest pump track that riders enjoy is located in Watsonville at Ramsey Park.  Garcia said it is very popular.  The nearest racing track is located in Prunedale at Manzanita Park.