Chesterfield BMX club raring to go ahead of £150,000 track reopening event

As previously reported, the track’s berms and turns have been almost completely rebuilt thanks to the volunteer fundraisers at Chesterfield BMX Racing Club and particularly generous support from Chesterfield Borough Council, which leases the land to the club.

First opened in the 1980s, and thought to boast the first purpose-built asphalt corner in Europe, the track has a reputation as one of the most unique and exciting rides in the country but it gradually fell into disrepair in the 21st century and was shuttered on safety grounds, forcing the club to move its training base to Rotherham.

A new era begins on Sunday, July 26, with a free event from 11am to 4pm, featuring professional demonstrations, have-a-go coaching for all ages and ability levels with equipment provided, plus music, food and other entertainment.

Head coach Libby Hawkins said: “It’s not quite sunk in yet. If I get through the opening day without breaking into tears it will be a miracle. I’m so incredibly proud of our team that there are no words for it really.

“Then the real joy will come when we start running our sessions here again – to see what it gives to young people in terms of confidence, friendship, life skills and breaking down barriers, which they haven’t been able to access while cycling’s not been here.”

Volunteers have been holding community work parties across the last two weekends on the finishing touches, from signage and railings to the installation of the starting gate, which has been designed by club members to bring it in on budget.

Libby said: “The final few weeks have been really good with lots of people rallying around to get everything finished. We had a visit from the British Cycling facilities team, measuring it all against race specifications, and they were extremely happy with the track.

“We’re waiting for the complete feedback but at the inspection they were blown away by what we have managed to achieve, and commended our passion for the sport and especially the support we give to young riders.”

She added: “The track feels beautifully smooth to ride. It’s a little try at the moment until we get a permanent water supply in. We’ve brought a few jet washers in to create a mist while we keep whackering the surface down.”

After a setback due to riders on electric cycles and quad bikes tearing up the track in early June, further incidents of vandalism have been relatively minor, perhaps thanks to a more visible police presence.

However, the club intends to continue fundraising on Sunday and beyond to install hip-high fencing around the track, maintaining public access while deterring inappropriate vehicles.

There has been more good news on the funding front too, with a grant from the London Marathon Foundation for an outreach programme of training sessions involving four schools this autumn.

The weekly ‘gate’ sessions – a tradition stretching back 40 years – will return from 6-8pm on Wednesday, July 29, again open to anyone who wants to come along a try the track.

From Saturday, August 1, the full coaching schedule resumes with sessions from beginners’ balance bikes all the way up to national competition level.

For more information, go to facebook.com/chesterfieldbmxclub or email [email protected].