By JAMIE SHANKS, of the Weyburn Review
A group of local BMX enthusiasts are finally getting down and dirty about establishing a legitimate club in Weyburn.
After two years of waiting and planning, bicyclist Colton Tochor saw his dream of a custom-designed dirt track become reality this week on a patch of vacant city land at Signal Hill. Carved out of the ground on Friday morning with the use of a bulldozer provided by Dale Mainil, the track has effectively put an end to the days of prowling the city's streets for Tochor and his companions.
"We started trying in Grade 9 to get it going, but I guess we were too young and no one listened to us," said Tochor, whose group sent a letter to City Hall last year seeking support for their project.
Tochor and fellow BMX (bicycle moto-cross) rider Matthew Thomas-Blackmore are among a core of about 10 young cyclists who have been pouring their energy into creating credibility and a home for their sport in Weyburn for some time. They have taken a huge step towards that goal with the creation of the track at Signal Hill - a major improvement over the collection of a dozen makeshift jumps and holes they were previously using at the same location.
The new track, located just east of the Signal Hill Arts Centre, is roughly 30 yards wide, well over 100 yards long and will feature about 40 jumps of various sizes when completed.
First, of course, they have to decide what to call their club.
"We want a name that stands out," Tochor said, adding that they are considering something with local cultural or historical significance similar to the Tatagwa Parkway.
Ultimately, they are hoping to use club membership fees to build a shed for storing a first-aid kit and maintenance equipment such as plywood and a water tank for packing the dirt, he said. Some shovels and rakes have already been purchased and work has begun on a billboard sign recognizing their supporters as well.
Tochor said they hope to host an informal event at the track perhaps later this summer and by next year the club should be fully established in the provincial BMX community.
"We'll be contacting Regina and Moose Jaw to say we have something going," he said.
"There is a Canadian BMX association we'll have to get this totally done before we get into that."
Alderman Ray Hamm said the city is happy to have given the group a permanent home and is looking forward to the possiblity of future events that would promote tourism in the city.
"It's a program we think is good for the kids," he said. "We were quite willing to donate the land."
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the club can contact Tochor or show up at the track after 6 p.m. during the week and anytime on weekends, weather permitting.
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