4X in L.A. at Whittier Narrows BMX

[wnparkbmx.com]

Hello SCTR, my name is Robert Tombow I am registered as wnparkbmx.com. I am the track operator (T.O.) of Whittier Narrows BMX a BMX racing track sanctioned by the National Bicycle League (NBL) and located inside the Whittier Narrows recreation facility in South El Monte, Ca. I am currently tring to put together a Summer 4x series at the track and want to put the word out. Carter Holland (blkmrkt) was out at the track last night for practice and suggested I post here. I would like to get some input from riders interested, also we are looking for companies that my be interested in sponsoring the series. I can be contacted at wnparkbmx@gmail.com or 626-324-2473/909-841-4587. NBL = random gates! practice dates/times and info can be found at www.wnparkbmx.com

[denmother]

Thanks for the post. Many of us frequent the local BMX tracks and are looking forward to the possibility of some MTB races!

I checked out the website and was wondering if the schedule/calendar are actual current since it still has the race in April listed.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I will be in for the series, can you post up rules, single speed allowed ??

[2wheel_lee]

Thanks for coming here (and thanks to Carter!). There have been a number of us who have been recently going to Orange Y and Bellflower BMX, and there are a few of us who also race 4X.

I've heard that Whittier Narrows honors ABA memberships. Will that be OK for the 4X events?

What other rules would you have for the 4X races? I ask because I'm probably faster on most BMX tracks on my cruiser than on my 4X bike. Also, are singlespeeds OK?

[denmother]

And let's not forget Perris BMX and that some of us also race Dual Slalom!!!

[Dino Brown]

I will be stopping by next week.
My Brother visited the track last night- he was very impressed.

Questions:
1) What days are "we" open for practice?
2) On race days, are non-racers allowed to practice?
3) I presume a NBL membership is required.... Cost of membership/daily use?
4) How 'bout my ABA membership? If I show you the membership, will it entitle me to (1) free practice session at Whittier Narrows?

Whittier Local!

[denmother]

Schedule from the website:

New Schedule: Tuesday's are now practice nights! 6-9pm. Thursday practice 6-9pm. Saturday racing 4-6pm sign-ups

[Dino Brown]

I was more curious about practice on race days... Example:

Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY - PRACTICE AND PENNANT RACE #3
Bike Inspection 1:30 – 6:00PM
Pre-Race Registration 2:00 – 6:00PM
National Post Registration 2:00 – 6:00PM

Practice by Age Group:
2:00 – 3:00PM 15 & Over Practice
3:00 – 4:00PM 14 & Under Practice
4:00 – 5:00PM 15 & Over Practice
5:00 – 6:00PM 14 & Under Practice
6:00 – 6:30PM - Pro Practice
Friday PENNANT Pre-Race Starts 6:30PM ($15)

[2wheel_lee]

Dino, this schedule is for a special event last April. At many nationals, you only get two practice sessions of 20-25 minutes each for your class/age group!

Nonetheless, I like the normal track schedule! Practicing until 9:00 on Tuesday and Thursday is great for those of us with day jobs! And there are no other local tracks that race on Saturday afternoon/evening.

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

I was more curious about practice on race days... Example:

Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY - PRACTICE AND PENNANT RACE #3
Bike Inspection 1:30 – 6:00PM
Pre-Race Registration 2:00 – 6:00PM
National Post Registration 2:00 – 6:00PM

Practice by Age Group:
2:00 – 3:00PM 15 & Over Practice
3:00 – 4:00PM 14 & Under Practice
4:00 – 5:00PM 15 & Over Practice
5:00 – 6:00PM 14 & Under Practice
6:00 – 6:30PM - Pro Practice
Friday PENNANT Pre-Race Starts 6:30PM ($15)

[Dino Brown]

Thanks Lee
I was simply using the Friday schedule as an- example!
My question: Do tracks allow NON-RACERS to practice on "MAJOR EVENT" race days (i.e. Friday 2-3pm)?

[DISCO]

I doubt it, but only because we ride front brakes. Still dude has found the right forum to post.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

Thanks Lee
I was simply using the Friday schedule as an- example!
My question: Do tracks allow NON-RACERS to practice on race days (i.e. Friday 2-3pm)?

Uh...Dino...you usually practice at Orange and Bellflower on race days.

However, during major events, they often limit practice to the actual competitors.

Originally Posted by DISCO

I doubt it, but only because we ride front brakes.

Huh? What does front brakes have to do with anything?

[wnparkbmx.com]

Thanks for the response. To answer some ?'s. ABA members are lied to, treated like crap and asked to leave (just kidding, a little sanction humor for those unaware, we are ABA members too.) No seriously, ABA members get a free conversion, minimum 6 months or until your ABA membership expires (which ever is longer). All forms are available at the track during operational hours. Website is in need of an update but all times race/practice times are correct. On race nights there is open practice from 4-6pm during sign ups, at large events practice is only open to registered participants. We really don't have established rules for this series yet, one of the reasons I posted was to get some input. Here are a few rules that I came up with, let me know what you think.1. 4 race series with top 3 finishes counting toward overall (working on some really cool prizes for top 4) 2. bike must have either suspension or gears to qualify (i.e.: no singlespeed rigids) 3. gates will be assigned 1-4 or 5-8 (i.e.: no empty gates between riders)

[mfoga]

Sounds good hope I am healed up in time to race.

But to get straight in my head it would be raced on the BMX track but it would 26" bikes only?

[denmother]

Just curious why your track is NBL vs ABA (I am not familiar with the whole drama between the 2)? Many of us already have an ABA license and it seems like there are many more local ABA tracks in So Cal. It certainly wouldn't be worth it for me personally to convert to NBL

I noticed that a 1 month trail membership is $35. How much is a yearly license? Too bad there isn't a license that covers both!!!!

[2wheel_lee]

The best 3 out of 4, or whatever number is chosen is good for most people, since lifestyles often make it difficult to commit.

Suspension OR functioning gears sound like a good basic rule. Although there may still be some funny business...
hmm...where's that old 24" Answer Pro Forx for my cruiser...?

If this series is promoted through the right channels, it could really work out well. I've met many people who live in the LA area who want to race 4X, but don't want to make the trek to Fontana (I can't blame them - it's a long ways).

But back to that ABA vs. NBL thing...Aren't you kind of the red-head step-child, being the only NBL track in Southern California (ok, in this area)? J/K It would be nice if NBL grew in this territory. All of the future Olympic hopefuls will likely come out of the NBL.

Anyhow, it looks fun!

[riderofbikes]

Count 1 more... I'd absolutely be down for this.

[2wheel_lee]

So now that I think you've found interest in this crowd, any idea of when a schedule will be released?