Building Motocross Tracks - How To And What To Look Out For
There's a few things to keep in mind when building motocross tracks of any sort. My goal for this page is to get you to think carefully about the location you intend to design a motocross track on, before you jump in the bobcat and waste your precious time.First of all, when I talk about building motocross tracks I'm not talking about designing and constructing the latest circuit for the AMA series... I realize not all of us are lucky enough to have 20 acres of private undulating land that we have permission to carve up with a D6 Bulldozer (oh how good would that be?!). So, if it's just a couple of jumps and a berm or two that you have room for, then this info will help you too. The first track I helped build was with my brother on our ol' mans property. It consisted of a step-down, a step-up and a table top that we gradually built up as we gained confidence.
The small section we had to use was a flat paddock with about a 5 meter bank that dropped into another paddock. We had a lot of fun on this even though it wasn't a fast track. And we increased our jumping skills quickly due to being able to alter the jumps as we got better. One thing we didn't do was ask Dad for permission first! Initially he threatened to tear it down, but he did get over it eventually. Good luck to you if you're seeking permission from your folks to rearrange their backyard.
I managed to find these crusty old pics of the beginning stages of our track...
This story brings me to a list of things that you need to consider before you build your own motocross track... Permission, Permits & Neighbors: We all know of someone who has poured in the time, money and effort to build a motocross track, only to have ridden it a few weekends before the neighbors kicked up a stink and had the local council shut it down. Believe it or not, some people don't enjoy the exhilarating sound of half a dozen dirt bikes screaming around a track on a Sunday morning. And how can they not like the large clouds of dust swamping their back deck, blocking out the sun? Location is very important. Think about where the noise will travel. What are your neighbors like? If they all own bikes then you're in luck! If not, it may pay to talk to them first. Compromise with them by designating certain days you will ride. What sort of soil will your track be made out of? Think about 'the dust factor'. If you live way out in the wops then you don't have to worry about coating your neighbors cereal. But, if you ride upwind near some houses, you will probably end up with a bullet through your petrol tank from Grandpa Larry, or the local council issuing you some forms to close the place down. So, think carefully about your surroundings before you go building motocross tracks of any size. Get it right from the start and save yourself a few tears. Have you got a good location ready to build on? Click through to
MOTOCROSS TRACK CONSTRUCTION
for the how to's...
Motocross Track Design & Layout
For those of you that ask for motocross track designs and layouts, I've found a few tracks that have aerial photographs taken of them. As I find more I will be sure to upload them for you. Hope this helps!
Washbrook Farm

Duns Track

Burnt River Offroad

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