Hard work pays off for BMX club

Young riders from the Stellenbosch-based Songe BMX Club putting the track to the test at Sunday’s official BMX track opening at Princess Vlei Eco Park. Picture: Fuad Esack

BMX enthusiasts from across the city, especially the little ones, could hardly wait to put their bikes and the track to the test, at the launch of the newly-refurbished BMX track, at Princessvlei Eco Park in Elfindale, at the weekend.

Alex Marikebu puts in the hard yards to make sure everything is on point ahead of Sunday’s official BMX track opening at Princess Vlei Eco Park. Picture: Fuad Esack

Work on the newly-refurbished BMX track at Princess Vlei started in November 2023.

“So it all started in November 2023 when we arrived with spades, rakes and lots of black bags to start clearing the track of weeds and unwanted stones and rocks,“ said Princess Vlei BMX Club chairman, Kurt Greybe.

He said the club was established in December last year to help grow the sport in the southern suburbs and to offer the children and adults from the surrounding communities an opportunity to develop new skills, ride their bikes in a safe location and become fitter.

Alex Marikebu and Princess Vlei BMX Club chairman Kurt Greybe putting on the finishing touches ahead of Sunday’s grand opening. Picture: Fuad Esack

An avid rider himself, Greybe said he got involved with BMX in an effort to expose his 7-year- son, who also loves his bicycle, to another form of cycling while including the competition aspect into his life which has taught the youngster many skills in the three years that he has been racing.

Young riders line up at the start during Sunday’s official BMX track opening at Princess Vlei. Picture: Fuad Esack

Finally, after many hours shovelling sand and gravel in the sun, club members now have a track they can call their own.

“We are hoping to attract more young people by having more open days and using social media to show how we have progressed as an NPO while also sharing the benefits of BMX riding or racing. It’s important to state that not everyone has to race,” Greybe said.

Western Province BMX chairman chairman Rickus Muller keeping an eye on the youngsters out on the track at Sunday’s official track opening at Princess Vlei. Picture: Fuad Esack

He said although the track has been around for many years, approximately 15 to 20 years, there has never been an official club based at Princessvlei.

“We started our first clean-up session in November 2023. We needed to pull our families onto the track to help us maintain it,” he said.

Although happy with the fruits of their labour, a few obstacles remain, he said.

“We have had challenges with water supply as the taps are very far, we have had guys riding 4X4s and motorbikes on the track soon after we had it rebuilt, he said.

“Drainage is a challenge so after heavy rains we have quite a lot of work to do. Safety is an issue at the track so we need a fence of some sort to ensure we can ensure that riders are safe while riding. Lights would be a real blessing as it’s really great to ride at night,” said Greybe.

From left are, Western Province BMX chairman Rickus Muller, Princess Vlei BMX Club chairman Kurt Greybe and WP BMX vice chairman Francois Bosman at Sunday’s official track opening at Princess Vlei. Picture: Fuad Esack

As is the case with many NPOs, one of their biggest challenges is a financial one he said, as it requires quite a bit to maintain the track and to get it up to standard to host major events.

“We would love to have an official race event later this year, in an effort to be added to the race calendar for 2025,” he said.

“Funding is a key need. We need a start gate that is a mechanical gate with a start timer and start lights that riders stand behind in order to start the race, he said.

“This is a very expensive piece of equipment that requires lots of funding. We also need to buy maintenance equipment like rollers, compactors, water supply, lights, fence and pay for the monthly salary of the maintenance team.”

The big boys of BMX riding take to the air at Sunday’s official track opening at Princess Vlei. Picture: Fuad Esack

The newly-refurbished BMX track at Princess Vlei is not quite competition-ready as it still needs a mechanical start gate with a start timer and lights. Picture: Fuad Esack

“We need security on the days of events. We would also like to invite children from surrounding communities to run training camp days during school holidays and weekends. We want to ensure the site gives back to the community as it has so much to give,” he said.

For more information about Princess Vlei BMX Club, call 071 689 5723 or visit the club’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Young riders from the Stellenbosch-based Songe BMX club kick up dirt on the bend during Sunday’s official launch of the refurbished BMX track at Princess Vlei. Picture: Fuad Esack

Young riders could hardly wait to put their bikes and the track to the test during Sunday’s grand opening. Picture: Fuad Esack

Pictured are members of Songe BMX Club. It is hoped more youngsters from surrounding communities will take to the track at Princess Vlei. Picture: Fuad Esack

Bicycles only... Princess Vlei BMX Club invites anyone interested in riding, to visit the track but no 4X4s and motorbikes are allowed. Picture: Fuad Esack