More biking fun at every turn

Step-ups, doubles, table tops, asphalt turns and triples are just a few of the configurations bicycle motocross riders can enjoy at the 1,100-foot Tampa BMX Raceway.

The 34-year-old National Bicycle League sanctioned-track is situated within 600-acre Lake Park, which is off of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway. Three times a week the track is open for both children and adults to practice or race.

"There is a lot of nuances to riding in this track," said Art Heinrichs, president of the track, which is a nonprofit organization. "It (track) lends itself well to speed for good riders and it's also easy for the little kids."

The course caters to rookies, novices and experts and is one of about 20 Florida NBL-sanctioned tracks listed on the organization's Web site.

The track was rebuilt last year after nearly 15 years of having the same configuration. The remodeling came a year after Heinrichs took over as president of the track's board and decided to turn the raceway into a nonprofit organization.

"My mission is to bring it more to the community," Heinrichs said. "(It's) not a charity for me or people that come or a private club."

Heinrichs said his idea of making the sport more accessible will work out perfectly because of a NBL decision to waive the $50 membership fee for those 18 and younger living at or below the poverty level or youngsters living in state care.

Rider Stefan Clark, 18, said the lowered price can make a huge difference.

"It's such a great sport. Everyone should get to try it," he said.

Those wanting to practice or race on the track have to be NBL members. A 30-day trial NBL membership is $30. So for another $20 a rider can become a full NBL member. Other than the membership fee, riders must pay between $3 and $7 for practice and/or races. "Everything is dirt cheap," Heinrichs said. "Everyone has a good time and can still afford it."

He said that for youngsters using the track for the first time there is no charge. New riders may also borrow equipment and rent helmets for $1.

"This is a sport. We are trying to teach camaraderie and respect and keep them (kids) off the streets," he said.

All the proceeds from practice and races go back to track upkeep. The track has about 22 sponsors and on any given race night about half-dozen volunteers are need to help.

Heinrichs said if it weren't for sponsors and volunteers, projects like the track being rebuilt could not have been completed.

The track also hosts birthday parties as a way of raising money. It costs $100 to rent the track for three hours.

Ryan Halligan, 11, who has been racing for about a year, said what he likes about BMX is the adrenaline rush. "And the people that surround me are really nice. Everyone is helpful."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Tampa BMX Raceway

WHERE: 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz

WHAT: Practice sessions: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays. Races: 8 p.m. Fridays and 1 p.m. Sundays.

COST: between $3 and $7 to practice and/or race

CALL: (813) 265-1269 or visit www

.tampabmx

.com

BY THE NUMBERS

1976: Year Tampa BMX Raceway opened

9: Board members that manage the nonprofit organization

1,100: In feet the length of the track

4: Number of asphalt turns the track has

18 to 22 feet: Average width of the track

17: Number of volunteers needed during race days