Bartow MX is closed for good - BUMMER

flarider
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flarider
Edited Date/Time 2/24/2022 7:53am

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flarider
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flarider 2/21/2022 9:10am
2/21/2022 9:10am
Sorry, this is Central Florida
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flarider
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flarider 2/21/2022 9:16am
2/21/2022 9:16am
I do not know, but willing to bet Renner does
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Grouper
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Grouper 2/21/2022 9:29am
2/21/2022 9:29am
It's looking more and more like having your own track is going to be the best way to ride. that sucks.
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The Shop

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motoxxx599 2/21/2022 9:30am
2/21/2022 9:30am
I loved that track. Used to ride their night practices every week.
Shenzi
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Shenzi 2/21/2022 9:54am
2/21/2022 9:54am
always sad to see tracks close and further more in FL where we dont have much riding areas.
Motogoof
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Motogoof 2/21/2022 9:55am
2/21/2022 9:55am
Shit !!!
That’s a regular stop for us on our winter Florida trips. Always had a good vibe there . Love to know why.
Grouper
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Grouper 2/21/2022 10:03am
2/21/2022 10:03am
Shenzi wrote:
always sad to see tracks close and further more in FL where we dont have much riding areas.
I think Florida is ripe for another quality facility like 74MX just in a different location, maybe around clewiston or west of stuart. We don't need anymore $50 dollar entry fee tracks either.
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plowboy
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plowboy 2/21/2022 3:15pm
2/21/2022 3:15pm
I was born poor white trash. We moved every time the rent came due. As a kid we lived in Bartow, Mulberry, and right on the lake at Sebring. I loved Florida except for those monster sun spiders. I'm retired now and been thinking about retracing my childhood travels. Something to do.Wink
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Renner153
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Renner153 2/21/2022 3:53pm
2/21/2022 3:53pm
flarider wrote:
I do not know, but willing to bet Renner does
From what I got of it, sounds like they sold it.
1
NorCalRedRyder 2/21/2022 4:34pm
2/21/2022 4:34pm
plowboy wrote:
I was born poor white trash. We moved every time the rent came due. As a kid we lived in Bartow, Mulberry, and right on the...
I was born poor white trash. We moved every time the rent came due. As a kid we lived in Bartow, Mulberry, and right on the lake at Sebring. I loved Florida except for those monster sun spiders. I'm retired now and been thinking about retracing my childhood travels. Something to do.Wink
Same here. I grew up in a wealthy family,, but I'm over Cali and moving back to Pittsburgh. Cost of living, housing costs, over population, traffic etc. are all contributing factors. Oh ya and Cali has to have the biggest cry baby's out of any place I ever lived. It's just become unbearable the last couple years.
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Rickyisms 2/23/2022 7:15am
2/23/2022 7:15am
The two rumors going around are that he sold it to a development company (apparently had been trying since 2017) and the other is that the same people who opened Motobros MX bought the property as well as the sandlot property (Florida Tracks and Trails) and are maybe planning a revamp. Don’t know how much water either of those hold, but Bartow was always a great track to go scoot around at.

Seems like Tampa MX will be the next victim. Mosaic bought the property and their lease is up in 2 or 3 years…
chasetwo79
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chasetwo79 2/23/2022 9:26am
2/23/2022 9:26am
This is brutal. It’s also why I never buy all the talk about Florida being the capital of Moto now. There isn’t near the amount of recreational riders there that we have in California. Florida may be great for a handful of pros and other aspirational riders, but the tracks keep closing there and developers keep buying more raw land due to the influx of people going there.
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Grouper
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Grouper 2/23/2022 9:49am
2/23/2022 9:49am
Rickyisms wrote:
The two rumors going around are that he sold it to a development company (apparently had been trying since 2017) and the other is that the...
The two rumors going around are that he sold it to a development company (apparently had been trying since 2017) and the other is that the same people who opened Motobros MX bought the property as well as the sandlot property (Florida Tracks and Trails) and are maybe planning a revamp. Don’t know how much water either of those hold, but Bartow was always a great track to go scoot around at.

Seems like Tampa MX will be the next victim. Mosaic bought the property and their lease is up in 2 or 3 years…
MotoBros is making a run at a handful of tracks. This is the correct reason.

Fingers crossed they don't do to any more what they did to the okeechobee property with all the clay.
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chasetwo79
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chasetwo79 2/23/2022 9:57am
2/23/2022 9:57am
Rickyisms wrote:
The two rumors going around are that he sold it to a development company (apparently had been trying since 2017) and the other is that the...
The two rumors going around are that he sold it to a development company (apparently had been trying since 2017) and the other is that the same people who opened Motobros MX bought the property as well as the sandlot property (Florida Tracks and Trails) and are maybe planning a revamp. Don’t know how much water either of those hold, but Bartow was always a great track to go scoot around at.

Seems like Tampa MX will be the next victim. Mosaic bought the property and their lease is up in 2 or 3 years…
Grouper wrote:
MotoBros is making a run at a handful of tracks. This is the correct reason. Fingers crossed they don't do to any more what they did...
MotoBros is making a run at a handful of tracks. This is the correct reason.

Fingers crossed they don't do to any more what they did to the okeechobee property with all the clay.
My dad went and rode it as he lives about 45 minutes from it. He said they have done great work. But for the life of me, I don’t see why they hauled in all the clay and changed what the track was. The sand there was a killer consistency and the jump faces held up pretty well considering. Going and shredding the sand when I visit my dad was the only reason I liked to go there when I’m back east.
Grouper
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Grouper 2/23/2022 10:49am
2/23/2022 10:49am
Rickyisms wrote:
The two rumors going around are that he sold it to a development company (apparently had been trying since 2017) and the other is that the...
The two rumors going around are that he sold it to a development company (apparently had been trying since 2017) and the other is that the same people who opened Motobros MX bought the property as well as the sandlot property (Florida Tracks and Trails) and are maybe planning a revamp. Don’t know how much water either of those hold, but Bartow was always a great track to go scoot around at.

Seems like Tampa MX will be the next victim. Mosaic bought the property and their lease is up in 2 or 3 years…
Grouper wrote:
MotoBros is making a run at a handful of tracks. This is the correct reason. Fingers crossed they don't do to any more what they did...
MotoBros is making a run at a handful of tracks. This is the correct reason.

Fingers crossed they don't do to any more what they did to the okeechobee property with all the clay.
chasetwo79 wrote:
My dad went and rode it as he lives about 45 minutes from it. He said they have done great work. But for the life of...
My dad went and rode it as he lives about 45 minutes from it. He said they have done great work. But for the life of me, I don’t see why they hauled in all the clay and changed what the track was. The sand there was a killer consistency and the jump faces held up pretty well considering. Going and shredding the sand when I visit my dad was the only reason I liked to go there when I’m back east.
I thought they had the best dirt ever. firm enough for ruts and jumps, soft enough for berms. It was perfect. Now its every like other track in the southern states, but with a nice new fence.
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FOSSILMOTO
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FOSSILMOTO 2/23/2022 11:07am
2/23/2022 11:07am
I was riding at Bartow MX this past Saturday and they were hauling stuff away. My girlfriend said "it looks like they're
closing shop." This track being 15 min. from my house is the main reason I started riding again @ 62.
Kawboy14!
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Kawboy14! 2/23/2022 5:15pm
2/23/2022 5:15pm Edited Date/Time 2/23/2022 5:16pm
Sadly Bartow was ruined by hauling in a bunch of hard packed dirt a couple years ago. It was great when it was sand
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Pit Row

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chasetwo79
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chasetwo79 2/23/2022 5:38pm
2/23/2022 5:38pm
Kawboy14! wrote:
Sadly Bartow was ruined by hauling in a bunch of hard packed dirt a couple years ago. It was great when it was sand
I don’t understand why all the good tracks in Florida do this. I get they want to make it similar to a “national” style track which is ripped and rutted, but they end up making their tracks way less fun for the average rider which is basically the lifeblood of their business. Then they wonder where everyone is and why practice isn’t slammed day in and day out.
Ronix137
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Ronix137 2/23/2022 5:44pm
2/23/2022 5:44pm
Kawboy14! wrote:
Sadly Bartow was ruined by hauling in a bunch of hard packed dirt a couple years ago. It was great when it was sand
chasetwo79 wrote:
I don’t understand why all the good tracks in Florida do this. I get they want to make it similar to a “national” style track which...
I don’t understand why all the good tracks in Florida do this. I get they want to make it similar to a “national” style track which is ripped and rutted, but they end up making their tracks way less fun for the average rider which is basically the lifeblood of their business. Then they wonder where everyone is and why practice isn’t slammed day in and day out.
Florida is one of the worst states when it comes to bullsh#t lawsuits. It is tough to insure businesses like this in Florida. I’m sure this was a big factor
sandman768
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sandman768 2/23/2022 6:08pm
2/23/2022 6:08pm
I have been coming down to south Florida area for winters for over 15 years…Florida Cycle park, or Thundercross is one of 2 tracks close to me at 1hr away. When I heard last year it was sold, I was bummed because I love the sand. I was skeptical when I first seen the tracks, but after riding there several times already, I have to say what they did with that place is incredible…The main track has a great flow, safe jumps and it’s wide and long. The 2nd track is a good Vet/ novice type track for riders not ready for the big track, but is still a good little practice track for more experienced riders to work on flat hard pack turns & ruts. The facility is cleaner and more professional. Sign up kiosks with touch screen pads & they even take credit cards. Yes, it is 50$ to ride for the day but the owner is sinking some serious cash into the place. Every time I have been here it has been pretty busy, it is run very organized with loud speakers announcing who is up next and practice sessions every 15 minutes. The only thing I would like is longer sessions as 15 minutes is not long enough for me. Yes, Moto Bros is no longer a sand track, it is intermediate with 2 sand straights that do get rough. When I want to ride a real sand track I go to Mesa for the back track or Orlando Mx. If the guy that owns Moto Bros bought Bartow Mx, he will most likely make it better,but those improvements will come with a higher price tag. I have no affiliation with the owner of Moto-Bros……
2
lwtracer
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lwtracer 2/23/2022 6:32pm
2/23/2022 6:32pm Edited Date/Time 2/23/2022 7:30pm
sandman768 wrote:
I have been coming down to south Florida area for winters for over 15 years…Florida Cycle park, or Thundercross is one of 2 tracks close to...
I have been coming down to south Florida area for winters for over 15 years…Florida Cycle park, or Thundercross is one of 2 tracks close to me at 1hr away. When I heard last year it was sold, I was bummed because I love the sand. I was skeptical when I first seen the tracks, but after riding there several times already, I have to say what they did with that place is incredible…The main track has a great flow, safe jumps and it’s wide and long. The 2nd track is a good Vet/ novice type track for riders not ready for the big track, but is still a good little practice track for more experienced riders to work on flat hard pack turns & ruts. The facility is cleaner and more professional. Sign up kiosks with touch screen pads & they even take credit cards. Yes, it is 50$ to ride for the day but the owner is sinking some serious cash into the place. Every time I have been here it has been pretty busy, it is run very organized with loud speakers announcing who is up next and practice sessions every 15 minutes. The only thing I would like is longer sessions as 15 minutes is not long enough for me. Yes, Moto Bros is no longer a sand track, it is intermediate with 2 sand straights that do get rough. When I want to ride a real sand track I go to Mesa for the back track or Orlando Mx. If the guy that owns Moto Bros bought Bartow Mx, he will most likely make it better,but those improvements will come with a higher price tag. I have no affiliation with the owner of Moto-Bros……
i'd put money on Moto-Bros buying it.
His plan is to have 12 tracks in Florida. He already has 2 tracks (just bought sandlot)


Did I meet you at Mesa that day they were closed ?
1
Grouper
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Grouper 2/23/2022 9:02pm
2/23/2022 9:02pm
sandman768 wrote:
I have been coming down to south Florida area for winters for over 15 years…Florida Cycle park, or Thundercross is one of 2 tracks close to...
I have been coming down to south Florida area for winters for over 15 years…Florida Cycle park, or Thundercross is one of 2 tracks close to me at 1hr away. When I heard last year it was sold, I was bummed because I love the sand. I was skeptical when I first seen the tracks, but after riding there several times already, I have to say what they did with that place is incredible…The main track has a great flow, safe jumps and it’s wide and long. The 2nd track is a good Vet/ novice type track for riders not ready for the big track, but is still a good little practice track for more experienced riders to work on flat hard pack turns & ruts. The facility is cleaner and more professional. Sign up kiosks with touch screen pads & they even take credit cards. Yes, it is 50$ to ride for the day but the owner is sinking some serious cash into the place. Every time I have been here it has been pretty busy, it is run very organized with loud speakers announcing who is up next and practice sessions every 15 minutes. The only thing I would like is longer sessions as 15 minutes is not long enough for me. Yes, Moto Bros is no longer a sand track, it is intermediate with 2 sand straights that do get rough. When I want to ride a real sand track I go to Mesa for the back track or Orlando Mx. If the guy that owns Moto Bros bought Bartow Mx, he will most likely make it better,but those improvements will come with a higher price tag. I have no affiliation with the owner of Moto-Bros……
Are you okay paying $50 to ride every weekend? Really sucks for the locals, when it’s either that or no moto some weekends. Don’t bring your wife or it’s $65 now. It’s just out of touch.
2
Roczoff
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Roczoff 2/23/2022 11:17pm
2/23/2022 11:17pm
Kawboy14! wrote:
Sadly Bartow was ruined by hauling in a bunch of hard packed dirt a couple years ago. It was great when it was sand
chasetwo79 wrote:
I don’t understand why all the good tracks in Florida do this. I get they want to make it similar to a “national” style track which...
I don’t understand why all the good tracks in Florida do this. I get they want to make it similar to a “national” style track which is ripped and rutted, but they end up making their tracks way less fun for the average rider which is basically the lifeblood of their business. Then they wonder where everyone is and why practice isn’t slammed day in and day out.
Ronix137 wrote:
Florida is one of the worst states when it comes to bullsh#t lawsuits. It is tough to insure businesses like this in Florida. I’m sure this...
Florida is one of the worst states when it comes to bullsh#t lawsuits. It is tough to insure businesses like this in Florida. I’m sure this was a big factor
Based on what facts?

Can you name any lawsuits against the track?

Can you quote any increase in their insurance premiums due to lawsuits?

Or is it just a "gut feeling"?

Sounds like it was just too profitable to sell the land -vs- run a motocross track, if history is any guide. But when you love motocross, it's almost impossible to believe that any track owner would 'screw' you by taking the profits...
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Motogoof
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Motogoof 2/24/2022 2:44am
2/24/2022 2:44am
sandman768 wrote:
I have been coming down to south Florida area for winters for over 15 years…Florida Cycle park, or Thundercross is one of 2 tracks close to...
I have been coming down to south Florida area for winters for over 15 years…Florida Cycle park, or Thundercross is one of 2 tracks close to me at 1hr away. When I heard last year it was sold, I was bummed because I love the sand. I was skeptical when I first seen the tracks, but after riding there several times already, I have to say what they did with that place is incredible…The main track has a great flow, safe jumps and it’s wide and long. The 2nd track is a good Vet/ novice type track for riders not ready for the big track, but is still a good little practice track for more experienced riders to work on flat hard pack turns & ruts. The facility is cleaner and more professional. Sign up kiosks with touch screen pads & they even take credit cards. Yes, it is 50$ to ride for the day but the owner is sinking some serious cash into the place. Every time I have been here it has been pretty busy, it is run very organized with loud speakers announcing who is up next and practice sessions every 15 minutes. The only thing I would like is longer sessions as 15 minutes is not long enough for me. Yes, Moto Bros is no longer a sand track, it is intermediate with 2 sand straights that do get rough. When I want to ride a real sand track I go to Mesa for the back track or Orlando Mx. If the guy that owns Moto Bros bought Bartow Mx, he will most likely make it better,but those improvements will come with a higher price tag. I have no affiliation with the owner of Moto-Bros……
Grouper wrote:
Are you okay paying $50 to ride every weekend? Really sucks for the locals, when it’s either that or no moto some weekends. Don’t bring your...
Are you okay paying $50 to ride every weekend? Really sucks for the locals, when it’s either that or no moto some weekends. Don’t bring your wife or it’s $65 now. It’s just out of touch.
On a Florida trip in December I went to Moto bros with my 12 year old son. At the last minute my wife and daughter decided to tagalong and hang out for the afternoon. It was $50 each to ride,and they charged me $15 each for the girls just to sit on a lawn chair. Although the tracks look great and the place is very professionally run, I was into $130 for 2 1/2 hours of riding. I thought 50$ Each was a little steep, but to charge me 15$ each for my wife and 9 year old daughter just to get in and sit in a lawn chair on a open practice day was pushing it. Personally, I liked it better with more Florida sand.
1
sandman768
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sandman768 2/24/2022 5:57am
2/24/2022 5:57am
Grouper wrote:
Are you okay paying $50 to ride every weekend? Really sucks for the locals, when it’s either that or no moto some weekends. Don’t bring your...
Are you okay paying $50 to ride every weekend? Really sucks for the locals, when it’s either that or no moto some weekends. Don’t bring your wife or it’s $65 now. It’s just out of touch.
I have no problem paying 50$ to ride there, I agree it’s a big increase from the norm down here. But, have you golfed or gone skiing recently? About the locals…. Most that I have spoke with seem to like the new track, maybe they are tired of deep sand tracks? I can tell you that for the last 5 years as a sand track, the turnout was nothing like what it is now… maybe the locals should have supported the old track better? Sometimes I would go during the week & there would only be 5-10 riders at best…. I always wondered how the owner could keep the gate open with such low turnouts…. I do agree with another poster about charging spectators on practice days, maybe they can come up with a family plan that is more affordable. I usually ride here once a week and then go to the other tracks for the sand… it’s better than being closed down and having nothing.
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lwtracer
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lwtracer 2/24/2022 6:05am
2/24/2022 6:05am
$15 gate fee for a practice day is unheard of BUT the owner is dumping money into the track. Tough one to take a side on.


I'm coming solo, so the $15 gate fee isn't as much of a sting. $50 is fine. Most other tracks are $35-40 so it's not that much of an increase over somewhere else if you're the one riding.

I do wish they would dig the main track deeper.
2
sandman768
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sandman768 2/24/2022 6:06am
2/24/2022 6:06am
Motogoof wrote:
On a Florida trip in December I went to Moto bros with my 12 year old son. At the last minute my wife and daughter decided...
On a Florida trip in December I went to Moto bros with my 12 year old son. At the last minute my wife and daughter decided to tagalong and hang out for the afternoon. It was $50 each to ride,and they charged me $15 each for the girls just to sit on a lawn chair. Although the tracks look great and the place is very professionally run, I was into $130 for 2 1/2 hours of riding. I thought 50$ Each was a little steep, but to charge me 15$ each for my wife and 9 year old daughter just to get in and sit in a lawn chair on a open practice day was pushing it. Personally, I liked it better with more Florida sand.
I agree with charging spectators on a practice day is overkill. If you want more sand, Mesa Park & Orlando Mx have plenty. It’s funny, everyone wants what they don’t have… if you have plenty of sand tracks you want hard pack.. and vice/versa. I love the sand, that’s why sometimes I will drive 2hrs to Orlando vs 1 hr to Moto Bros…
1
Rickyisms 2/24/2022 7:26am
2/24/2022 7:26am
Motogoof wrote:
On a Florida trip in December I went to Moto bros with my 12 year old son. At the last minute my wife and daughter decided...
On a Florida trip in December I went to Moto bros with my 12 year old son. At the last minute my wife and daughter decided to tagalong and hang out for the afternoon. It was $50 each to ride,and they charged me $15 each for the girls just to sit on a lawn chair. Although the tracks look great and the place is very professionally run, I was into $130 for 2 1/2 hours of riding. I thought 50$ Each was a little steep, but to charge me 15$ each for my wife and 9 year old daughter just to get in and sit in a lawn chair on a open practice day was pushing it. Personally, I liked it better with more Florida sand.
sandman768 wrote:
I agree with charging spectators on a practice day is overkill. If you want more sand, Mesa Park & Orlando Mx have plenty. It’s funny, everyone...
I agree with charging spectators on a practice day is overkill. If you want more sand, Mesa Park & Orlando Mx have plenty. It’s funny, everyone wants what they don’t have… if you have plenty of sand tracks you want hard pack.. and vice/versa. I love the sand, that’s why sometimes I will drive 2hrs to Orlando vs 1 hr to Moto Bros…
I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and will gladly spend an extra $10-15 to ride something that’s not sand or a sand/clay mix if I’m really craving something like that. When I go to Spyder MX I feel like I’m in another state, and I pass a good amount of MX tracks on the 2+ hour drive on the way there just because it’s that much better.
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Grouper
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Grouper 2/24/2022 7:40am
2/24/2022 7:40am
lwtracer wrote:
$15 gate fee for a practice day is unheard of BUT the owner is dumping money into the track. Tough one to take a side on...
$15 gate fee for a practice day is unheard of BUT the owner is dumping money into the track. Tough one to take a side on.


I'm coming solo, so the $15 gate fee isn't as much of a sting. $50 is fine. Most other tracks are $35-40 so it's not that much of an increase over somewhere else if you're the one riding.

I do wish they would dig the main track deeper.
I've heard the "he's spending money" thing alot so I'll just ask this..

Does the money being spent that you are providing increase your enjoyment out of the facility two fold? Does sitting next to a new fence and and locked bike wash stations you have to buy a pass to use justify the extra money? If it does then by all means enjoy.

I am not a fan of the commercialization of moto. I liked when it was thundercross and it was a bunch of families and rad dudes in pickups. That's moto to me. Hundreds of RV hookups and paywalled everything is really in vogue but it's not for me. I've said it before but with 10,000 dollar bikes and ~100 dollar entry fees, the working man is getting priced out of moto and it sucks.
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