News | Erik Goetzinger BMX

August 20, 2009

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:14:30 -0700

Well we beat the rain last night! We had enough racers show up to have 7 motos, which was great considering it was raining all around. Thank you to those who came out.

Next week is a Trophy race as it's the last race of the month.

Vancouver Island Challenge points are up through VIC #4. Have a look at where you stand by clicking on the VIC tab above. We will be holding the finals on Saturday, September 6, 2008 with signup from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Our season is quickly coming to a close and it would be great to finish with as many riders coming out as possible. If you know someone who hasn't been out in a while please invite them out. See you at the track.

August 18, 2008

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:37:18 -0700

I'm sorry it's take some time to update the site, but Summer has been a busy time and there has been a lot going on. Anyway, we only have a few more races left in our 2008 season and for those that have been racing on a regular basis, it's been a great Summer.

Our Vancouver Island Challenge race was a success with 13 motos and some great racing. I have the totals for the points heading into the finals so that riders can see where they stand. Remember you only need to race one qualifier plus the finals to be up for the award of Vancouver Island Champion in your age group, however the best three scores plus the finals will counted towards the totals. Fly Racing has stepped up by providing some back packs for the Vancouver Island Champions.

Last week we honored four young riders who have made it to the Intermediate level of racing. From left to right Dayton Raps, Silas Hole, Brodie Hay and Quinn Webber. Congratulations for earning the Intermediate title.

July 28, 2008

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:10:35 -0700

We we are at the end of July and that means it's time for another Trophy Night. Our race on July 29th will also be the 4th race in the Vancouver Island Challenge Series or VIC. The VIC is a fun race series that allows riders of all ages and skill level to compete toward earning the title of Vancouver Island Champion. You can find information on this series by clicking on the VIC tab above. The VIC is a regular local race so the price is the same and there is no "qualifying" that has to be done.

A couple of weeks ago the 3rd and 4th rounds of the ABA Canada National Series took place in Victoria and 8 Erik Goetzinger riders competed in the event. Alison Grecht, Aiden Grecht, Alex Grecht, Taylor Fretz Rayden Wickop, Levi Palmiere, Sheldon Trees and Gerald Trees made the trip down and all raced well.

Finally, Erik Goetzinger member Sheldon Trees just returned from the BC Summer Games in Kelowna where he represented Zone 6, Vancouver Island - Central Coast in BMX along with Nanaimo's Steven Creighton. This is the first year BMX has been included in the Summer Games and it was a success. Sheldon had a good weekend finishing 4th in the Time Trial event, just 4 tenths of a second out of earning a medal but made up for it in the race event taking the Bronze Medal. Creighton came home with the Gold.

July 11, 2008

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:05:16 -0700

Our firs race of July went very well, with 10 motos. We had a few riders from Nanaimo and one from Langley join us. It's always nice to have riders from other tracks join us as it gives the Erik Goetzinger BMX regulars a chance to race other people. Keep in mind that your license allows you to race other ABA tracks on the Island, the rest of BC and in the US.

Who ever came along and mowed the back sides of the corners, THANK YOU ! The track looks great thanks to who ever did this.

Our next race will be on Tuesday, July 15th and if you or your kids know someone who may want to race, invite them out to watch or even race. The cost to try it out is $7.00 (the normal race fee) as we have a "one time" license which the ABA. If they decide they want to join, even though it's mid way through the racing season, let them know that their license, when they purchase it, is good for 12 full months and not till the end of the year.

Have a great weekend and we will see you at the next race.

July 5, 2008

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:09:35 -0700

We are back racing on Tuesday, July 8th with the registration time being the same. 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Since our last race the first two rounds of the ABA Canada National Series took place in Prince George and Erik Goetzinger club members had a great showing. Young Aiden Grecht our 4 year old intermediate, took a 2nd on Saturday and 1st on Sunday. Brother Alex, came away with 4th on both days in the 7 expert class and sister Alison took 3rd both days in the 8 girls class. Gerald Trees had a crash in 1st round qualifying on Saturday but managed to make the main in the 41-45 cruiser class, finishing 5th. He was not able to qualify out on Sunday. Sheldon Trees took 3rd both days in the 15 cruiser class, and was the top Canadian 15 year old in that class and took 4th in the 15 expert class on Saturday and 3rd on Sunday. Congratulations on the great results.

On July 19th and 20th the 3rd and 4th rounds of the ABA Canada National series will take place in Victoria. Anyone is allowed to race this event and more information can be found at the ABA Website that can be linked from the Home Page. Even if you don't want to race, take the opportunity to drive down to watch at least one of the days of racing as the top Canadian and North West US BMX racers will be there. It doesn't cost anything to watch.

Notice! July 1st Race Is Canceled!

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:27:09 -0700

The race on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 has been canceled due to Canada Day! We will re-schedule the race for later in the year.

June 22, 2008

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:52:54 -0700

This is just a reminder that this coming Tuesday, June 24th will be a trophy night as it's the last race of June.

June 19, 2008

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:25:48 -0700

Well our Race For Life is in the books and thank you for everyone who came out to race and help out at the track. The event was a success. For your enjoyment we've posted a few photos from the race on the Photos page. Captions will be updated later this week so enjoy the photos.

June 15, 2008

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:02:21 -0700

I hope you dads had a great Fathers Day and that your kids did something nice for you considering everything you do for them.

Last Tuesday evening we had the largest moto count this year for Tuesday night racing with 13 motos! This wouldn't happen without the work our volunteers put in to make all of this possible, including those who stand on the corners and at the start and finish line each race night. It also wouldn't happen without new racers being invited out by their friends. Keep inviting your friends out to give it a try.

One way to get someone involved in racing and do some good at the same time is to invite someone to come and race in our Race For Life on Tuesday evening. You don't need a license to race this event. If you do invite someone out they will need a bike, long pants and a long sleeve shirt and a helmet. It will cost $20.00 and $10.00 will go to Children's Hospital.

The Race For Life is a double points race so we will be operating under the ABA transfer system, which is different then what we do on most Tuesday evenings. Gerald Trees will be available to answer any questions when the moto sheets are posted and at staging as well. Come out to support the Race For Life and Children's Hospital.

Bike Check!

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:51:47 -0700

If you haven't checked your bike in a while, it's time to do it! A check list has been posted on the Bikes section of the site so check it out and make sure your kids bike is safe and ready to race.

June 4, 2008

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:22:33 -0700

First, a big thank you to all the parents, volunteers and riders who came out last night despite the rainy weather. The racing was fast and close and we had a couple of our young 1/2 trackers make the decision to race the full track and did a great job.

The Vancouver Island Challenge points have been updated through round #2 in Victoria. Round 3 will take place on Sunday, July 13th at the Coal Hills BMX track in Cumberland. Remember all a rider needs to do is race one of the qualifiers plus the finals to be eligible to be awarded the Vancouver Island Champion in their age group but that their top 3 scores plus the finals will count towards the final total. With two more races left there is plenty of opportunity to move up in the standings.

On Tuesday, June 17th we will be holding our annual Race For Life. Every track in BC holds a Race For Life event and pledge drive, with the money going toward the BC Children's Hospital. In 2007 the tracks raised over $23,000.00. Last year Taylor Fretz was our top fund raiser and represented Erik Goetzinger BMX last weekend at the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, along with representatives from other BMX tracks in BC. The race is a double points event and the cost to race is $20.00, with $10.00 being donated to the BC Children's hospital. If you have anyone who would like to race please bring them along as you don't need a license to race this event. Only a bike and the race fees. We also have donation envelopes that your rider can use to collect money. We will collect the envelopes at the end of June.

If you have any questions about the Race For Life please send an e-mail or talk to Gerald Trees at the track.

May 30, 2008

Fri, 30 May 2008 08:18:40 -0700

We are finished with the first full month of racing at Erik Goetzinger BMX and thanks to our volunteers, parents and riders who have made the month of May a success. To finish out the month we held our first trophy night of the season and recognized Kade Baillie on winning his 25th race as an intermediate and earning the right to race in the expert class. Congratulations Kade!

May 21, 2008

Wed, 21 May 2008 16:53:50 -0700

Round 1 of the Vancouver Island Challenge took place on Sunday, May 11, 2008 in Nanaimo. Click on the VIC tab to look at the points standing after VIC #1.

May 19, 2008

Mon, 19 May 2008 20:30:42 -0700

Another week of racing has come and gone at Erik Goetzinger BMX and it was a busy one. On Tuesday, May 13th we raced our third event of 2008 and for most of the day the weather was wet and windy. There was a discussion as to if we should call of the race or not but Mother Nature was on our side and we raced 10 motos without any rain falling. Prior to racing Ayden Holme was recognized for wining his 8th race as a Novice the week before and earning Intermediate status. Congratulations Ayden on your accomplishment and good luck in the Intermediate Class.

On Sunday, May 18th Erik Goetzinger hosted their Provincial Championship Race qualifier. Under sunny skies, for the first time in 5 years, we raced 16 motos with riders from all over Vancouver Island and a couple from the Langley area. The competition was stiff and the local riders that participated did very well.

We will be racing this Tuesday, May 20th so we will see everyone then.

May 10, 2008

Sat, 10 May 2008 21:00:47 -0700

The second week of racing at Erik Goetzinger BMX went a little better then the first weather wise and we again had 12 motos. We had a larger then normal cruiser class as a couple of riders brought their Mountain Bikes out, which is legal in a cruiser class. If you know of someone who wants to race their MTB's, have them come out to give it a try.

We also had a couple of certificates to hand out to two very dedicated young men. Aiden Grecht (on the far right) won his 8th race as a Novice on April 7th in Nanaimo and raced his first race as an Intermediate at our opening race on April 30th. Aiden's older brother, Alex (in the middle), won his 25 race as an Intermediate on May 4th in Nanaimo and raced his first race as an Expert at our 2nd race on May 6th. Moving up to the next level is something that every rider works towards and is something to be proud of.

Congratulations Aiden and Alex.

Welcome to the 2008 season at Erik Goetzinger BMX

Mon, 05 May 2008 22:16:59 -0700

2008 Erik Goetzinger BMX News Letter #1

Welcome to the 2008 season at Erik Goetzinger BMX. Our first race was a great success as we had 56 riders, many of who were new to BMX. As the 2008 season is still new, there are a few things we need you to know.

ABA Rules:

Each parent should go over the ABA rulebook especially the rules of racing. We have ordered a few of the books and will be available at no charge when they arrive. You can also access the rulebook online at HYPERLINK "http://www.ababmx.com" www.ababmx.com. If you have any questions please don’t be afraid to ask. There are a couple of rules you do need to be aware of so here they are.

Only riders who are 5 and under can be helped on the gate by a parent or anyone else for that matter.

This isn’t a new rule, but those new to the sport need to be aware of it.

Your child’s number plate number must match what’s on the moto sheet. If it doesn’t they will not be scored at the finish line.

Our scorers do not have time to ask a rider who’s number is wrong or missing who they are as the next moto is coming. It is your responsibility to make sure their plate number matches what is on the moto sheet. If it doesn’t, then they won’t be scored at the finish line and will be awarded last place.

You must keep track of your child’s wins and move them into the next category when they have reached the appropriate number. 8 wins to move from Novice to Intermediate for boys and 8 wins from Novice to Girls for girls. After 25 wins as an Intermediate you must move up to Expert class.

If you don’t move your child up the ABA will notify the Track Operator and your child will not be awarded points for the races they raced “out of class”. If you have any questions on the number of wins your child has let Gerald Trees know and he will contact the ABA to check the number for you.

A rider cannot impede the progress of another rider by moving over in the first 30 feet of the track or in the last straight away. If they do, they may be disqualified.

This is a new rule for 2008. We have not had any problem with riders doing this in the past and I don’t anticipate we will this year. If one of the track officials see this occur we will speak to the rider and parent as a warning before we begin disqualifying the rider. Again I don’t anticipate this being an issue.

Track Rules:

Sign up is from 6:00 to 6:30 pm unless otherwise posted. Even though we may still be entering riders into the motomaker program past 6:30 pm we will be cutting off registration at 6:30 pm in order to allow us to get racing as soon as possible.

Only track volunteers are allowed to bring their vehicles up to the track. Please park your vehicle in the parking lot and walk up the access road.

Smoking. We would please ask that if you are going to smoke, please don’t do so around the registration area or on the starting hill where children are present. Please be considerate of those around you, especially the kids.

Please ask your kids not to throw trash in the porta-potty! This is provided by the city and can be removed if we don’t use it for what it was intended. In that case you will have to walk over to the recreation centre to use their facilities.

Volunteers:

We are always looking for volunteers to help on the track during race nights. Erik Goetzinger BMX is a non-profit society that is ran by volunteers. Other then getting to park our car’s at the track the Executive and regular volunteers are not compensated for their time. We do this simply because we want to provide a place for our children and yours to ride and race. If you are asked to help please say “yes” and if there is something that you would like to do to help make our facility and services better please let Gerald Trees or Scott Baillie know. We won’t turn you away. Also, please invite your kid’s friends out to try BMX. If they want to try it, but don’t want to pay for a full license we have a free one-race license, which allows a new rider to race once for just the race fee of $7.00.

Upcoming dates in Vancouver Island:

Saturday, May 10: Work party at Erik Goetzinger BMX starting at 10:00 am.

Sunday, May 11: Vancouver Island Challenge (VIC) Series Race #1 at Nanaimo BMX. Sign-up from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The VIC is a great series as you don’t have to leave the Island and everyone, including Novice riders has a chance to become Vancouver Island Champion. New for this year, a rider only has to race one qualifier plus the finals to be eligible, but their best three scores plus the finals will be used. The format and schedule can be found on HYPERLINK "http://www.erikgoetingerbmx.net" www.erikgoetingerbmx.net, under the VIC tab.

May Long Weekend: The Vancouver Island let of the Provincial Series will be held this weekend. Our race will be on Sunday, May 18^th with sign-up from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Other tracks on Vancouver Island to race:

Nanaimo BMX will be racing on Wednesday evenings, sign-up from 6:00 to 6:30 PM and on Sunday’s from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Coal Hills BMX in Cumberland will be racing on Saturday’s for the month of May with sign-up from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.

Your full ABA license allows you to race at all these tracks.

Again, if you have any questions please ask.

BMX Provincial Qualifier & Track Work Party

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:10:04 -0700

On Sunday, May 18th Erik Goetzinger BMX will be holding a Provincial Qualifying Race. The sign-up for this race will be from 10:00 - 11:00 am, with racing beginning ASAP. This is a double points race with medallions being presented to each participant and the fee for racing will be $15.00 with no family discount. Each ABA track in BC holds a qualifier, which is open to all ABA members regardless of them competing in the series or not. To be a Provincial Champion you must race at least three qualifying races plus the finals. Over the long weekend each track on Vancouver Island will hold a race (please see the master schedule for dates, times and locations) so you will be able to get in all three qualifiers without leaving the Island. The finals will be held in Penticton in September.

In advance of our Provincial qualifier we will be holding a work party on Saturday, May 10th, beginning at 10:00 am, to make sure the track and grounds are in the best condition possible prior to the qualifier. The more people we get out the quicker the work will be done. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

First Race Report

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:19:17 -0700

The first race at Erik Goetzinger BMX is now in the books and despite the rain and the time it took to enter all the new and returning riders into the Moto Maker computer program the race was a success. The first race stats included 13 motos and 56 riders, not including a good group of ½ track racers. This is one of the largest first races at Erik Goetzinger in a number of years.

A big “THANK YOU” to all the volunteers who jumped in to help with registration, on the start hill and on the track. Without our volunteers, the kids wouldn’t be able to race. Also a big “THANK YOU” to those who invited friends out to race. The Grecht family has been a big part of this by getting information about our track in the Parksville school news letter and arranging for a reporter, James Clark, from the Parksville Qualicum Beach News to do a story on the track and a few of the riders. Click on BMX Story to read the article.

Between now and next race we will be doing a little adjusting on the track to make it a little easier for the younger riders to get over the jump at the end of the 2^nd straight and more packing will be done as well. Overall the returning riders liked the new track design.

Next week will go much smoother as we have most people in the computer but please remember sign-up will close at 6:30 PM. Also, you must be running your current number next week and you will be responsible now for your own number plate. The club has a good quality plate for a cost of $6.00, which is less then half the cost of what most plates cost. Numbers will also be available for a cost of $1.00 each. If you are not running your proper number you won’t be scored at the finish line. If you are un-sure of your number please send an e-mail to gtrees@shaw.ca. A list will also be posted at the track and on the website.

Riders Clinic Report

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:19:37 -0700

The 2008 season opening Riders Clinic is now in the books. Mother Nature gave us a bit of a scare as it was raining up to the time the clinic started. In spite of the weather we had 28 riders out with 11 being new to the sport of BMX. Local instructors / riders Sheldon Trees, Troy Parsons, Darcy Mackenzie, Tom Zanchetta and Gerald Trees made sure everyone had fun and got around the new track safely. For the "veteran" riders it was a chance to ride the new track and get some pointers on how to do it better and faster. Check out some photos from the clinic on the Photos page.

Remember that tonight is our first race of the season and that signup goes from 6:00 to 6:30 PM. As this is the first night it will likely take a little longer to get going as we have to make sure everyone has their new numbers in place and get the new riders into the system so please be patient.

April 27, 2008

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:04:37 -0700

We are on the eve of the 2008 BMX season at Erik Goetzinger BMX and it looks like mother nature will cooperate with OK weather for our clinic and good weather for our first race. Remember to invite anyone you know who may be interested in racing to attend the clinic and the first race.

If you have any questions please e-mail gtrees@shaw.ca, otherwise we look forward to seeing everyone at the track.

Clinic and first race of the season!

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:39:20 -0700

OK, we are just over a week away from racing at Erik Goetzinger BMX. On Monday, April 18th we will be holding our new riders clinic. The clinic is open to anyone who wants to try BMX, or who wants to get on the track before the first race. The cost of the clinic is $10.00 and includes the clinic and a chance to race the next night. Here are the times to remember.

Clinic: April 28th, 2008. Registration from 5:30 PM to 6:30 with the clinic from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

First Race: April 29th, 2008. Registration from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, racing to follow.

See everyone at the track.

April 14, 2008

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:58:16 -0700

The count down is on. We have only two weeks to go before the opening race at Erik Goetzinger BMX. With this in mind, this installment of the News will concentrate on BMX racing and what it takes to stay safe while racing. What prompted this was an editorial in the May 2008 edition of Transworld Motocross titled "Did you know that riding dirt bikes was dangerous?" Fortunately BMX doesn't carry the same risk as motocross does, not even close, but it does carry some risk and as the editorial summarized in it's last paragraph, "safe sports don't require helmets". Anyway, the focus of the editorial was not on the dangers of riding dirt bikes, but on the importance to do everything possible to reduce the risk, namely using the best safety gear possible. Anyway here is my BMX version .

Did you know you can get hurt racing BMX? Lets see, bicycles, dirt, racing, obstacles. Of course you can get hurt. If you race or ride long enough you will crash. It's part of the sport. Fortunately serious injury racing BMX is rare, but there are a few things that can be done to reduce injury in the case of a crash and in some cases avoid the crash all together.

The first, and most important thing to do is invest in a good helmet. One that is full faced and preferably new. Helmets are designed to protect your brains in the event of a crash and the better the helmet, the better the protection. To be effective the helmet must fit comfortably snug and be buckled. Don't purchase one that a rider can "grow into". Safety is a "now" thing, not a "when the kid grows into the helmet" thing.

Second, is clothing and gloves. Jeans and a long sleeve shirt work, but motocross pants and jersey are better. It's all about preserving skin. The ideal protection in this area would include knee and shin pads along with elbow pads. Gloves are another issue. A few riders don't like to wear them, but skinned hands hurt! It also takes a long time for them to heal. Gloves may be hot in the summer and a pain to put on, but you only have to have them on for a few minutes. It can take weeks for flesh and skin to grow back.

Third, is your bike. Yes, your bike. Now your bike can't protect you in the event of a crash, but it can be the cause of a crash. A well maintained bike is less likely to break during a race, which can cause an unexpected crash. If the bike hasn't been maintained over the winter it would be a good idea to have it looked over at your local bike shop, unless you feel comfortable doing the work yourself. If the bike has been maintained, that doesn't mean that it's set for the season. The bike needs to have some areas looked at before every race to make sure it's working properly. For more information on what needs to be checked on your bike take a look at our BIKES section.

April 12, 2008

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:42:55 -0700

What a beautiful day to work on the track. Today we had a good crew out to help finish spreading the crusher fines on the track and pack it out. Robert Grecht and the rest of the Grecht family, Alex, Alison Aiden and Trisha were out to put in another days work on the track. Joining them were Gerald and Sheldon Trees, Troy Parsons, Leanne, Dannielle and Darcy Mackenzie and one of Darcy's friends.

As of now, the changes to the track are finished for this year, however there will still need to be a little work to finish packing the track and getting it race ready. Gerald Trees will be out on Wednesday about 10:00 am to do some work and would love to have anyone come out to help. We will also try to organize an event work party to finish things off and will let everyone know when that will be.

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to come out and work on the track and get it ready for racing. Remember we have our riders clinic on April 28th and our first race the next evening on the 29th.

Take a look at the 2008 Track Photos in our photo section.

April 10, 2008

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:50:34 -0700

The 2008 ABA Canada Master Schedule has been added to the Schedule page. It is a link that will download the calendar and show you the regular schedule for each ABA track in Canada along with the National, Provincial and multi-point races. There will be hard copies available at the track.

April 7, 2008

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:56:05 -0700

Weather permitting we will be holding a work party on Saturday, April 12th beginning at 9:00 AM. We need to finish putting the top layer on the last two corners and the rhythm section, which will go quickly the more people we have. Once that project is complete we will be able to pack the track and let it settle prior to our clinic and first race.

If you have any questions please send out an email to gtrees@shaw.ca.

March 30, 2008

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:34:47 -0700

The second day of work on the track was derailed by Mother Nature and her dumping of snow. Anyway, we will be holding a work party on Saturday, April 12th beginning at 9:00 am. We need to finish raking the final two corners and the rhythm section and then pack them down. Once that's done the track will have a couple of weeks to settle before our first race. If we get a good crew out it shouldn't take too long.

A few more photos have been added so check them out, along with the snow on the Photo Page.

March 29, 2008

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:00:10 -0700

Well a small group of volunteers put in a a good 10 hours of work today on the track. A huge thanks to Chris Lane and Scott Baillie who worked the excavator and Bobcat and completed most of the shaping of the track. Another huge thanks goes out to the Grecht family, the rest of the Lane family, Troy Parsons and Sheldon Trees who raked, packed and removed rocks from the track. With their help we were able to get a lot of work done. Take a look at picks from the track on the Photo Page.

We could use some help tomorrow, Sunday the 30th, to finish off the track. Scott will be there at 8:00 am to finish putting fill on the track and we could use some help raking the track before packing. A 2nd group will start about 2:00 PM.

March 26, 2008

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:21:13 -0700

We will be working on the track this weekend. We will be reworking a couple of the corners and making changes to the rest of the track. Chris Lane and Scott Baillie will be running the excavators and Nick Goertzen, the 2007 ABA Canada #1 Pro will be over to help with the track design along with input from Erik Goetzinger's own Sheldon Trees, the 2007 ABA Canada #1 male cruiser champion. We could use some help picking out some of the big rocks that are in the dirt and raking an packing once the changes have been made. We will be starting on Saturday at 8:00 am, however we will be needing help a little later in the day, say 10:00 am, as the excavator work will be done first. If you have any questions send me an e-mail at gtrees@shaw.ca.

March 25, 2008

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:13:25 -0700

Spring break is coming to an end and we are getting closer to race season at Erik Goetzinger BMX. Nanaimo BMX has been holding gate practices on Sunday mornings for the past two weeks and their last Sunday practice will be this weekend at 11:00 AM for those who want to get early track time.

For those who want to get ready for the season and improve their racing Pro BMX Supercamp will be holding a two day clinic in Kamloops on April 19 and 20, 2008. Burlin Harris and his crew put on first rate BMX training for riders of all levels. More information on the clinic can be found at Kamloops BMX.

March 12, 2008

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:27:10 -0700

Racing season is quickly nearing and for those who want to get out on their bikes Nanaimo BMX will be holding 3 gate practices in the month of March for those who want to get an early start. The practice dates are Sunday, March 16th, 23rd and 30th, weather permitting. The practice will start at 11:00 AM. For more information click the Nanaimo BMX link on our Home page.

Now for Erik Goetzinger BMX. We are tentatively going to be working on the track on Saturday, March 29th and Sunday, March 30th. Our goal is to re-build the majority of the track before the start of the season and we hope to get much of the work done on these two days. Keep checking for updates.

March 5, 2008

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:03:40 -0800

Erik Goetzinger BMX is gearing up for the long anticipated re-build of our track. We will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, March 11th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will take place at the IRIS Optometry office located at 674 Primrose St. in Qualicum Beach, across the street from the Qualicum Beach post office.

We are looking for help in moving dirt and getting the grounds ready for racing at the end of April. If you can't make it out to the meeting please send an e-mail to gtrees@shaw.ca if you can help out when the work starts.

February 29, 2008

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:12:21 -0800

It would be that this information comes out on a leap day. Many of you may not be aware that Greater Victoria BMX did not know if they would have a place to race this season. Without going into the politics of what was taking place Greater Victoria BMX will be racing at their site at the Juan de Fuca recreation complex for another season. Greater Victoria BMX will be holding the ABA Vancouver Island Nationals over the July 18th through 20th weekend and hopefully they will be able to secure a long term location before the end of the season.

Congratulations Greater Victoria BMX and have a great 2008 season.

February 24, 2008

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:53:48 -0800

If you are planning your 2008 BMX race calendar, consider participating in the 2008 Vancouver Island Challenge Series or the VIC for short. The VIC is a fun series that has been around for many years and is designed to allow a rider to participate in a series and race for a title without too much travel or expense. Each Vancouver Island ABA track will host a race and points will be awarded toward the overall title. The format is also designed to give each racer from novice to expert a chance to win the VIC title for their age group.

The tentative VIC Schedule:

Nanaimo BMX: Sunday, May 11^th, 2008. Signup 10:00 – 11:00 am

Greater Victoria BMX: Friday, May 16^th, 2008. Signup 6:00 – 6:30 pm

Coal Hills BMX: Saturday, June 28^th, 2008. Signup 11:00 – 12:00

Erik Goetzinger BMX: Tuesday, July 29^th, 2008. Signup 6:00 – 6:30 PM

Campbell River BMX: TBA

VIC Finals will be held at Erik Goetzinger BMX on Saturday, September 6^th, 2008 with signup between 10:00 – 11:00 am.

The full format will be posted once the schedule becomes final.

February 16, 2008

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:32:30 -0800

Take a look at the Erik Goetzinger BMX number plate that will be for sale at the track this year. The plate was designed and will be produced by Eric Oyen of Kelowna BMX. The price of the plate hasn't been set but it will be no more then $10.00. Click on the plate for a larger picture.

Eric Goetzinger Number Plate

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:34:45 -0800

February 15, 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:37:07 -0800

February 15, 2008

I know it’s still early to be thinking about BMX and racing, but the way the year is flying by it won’t be long for the racing season starts. To start getting everyone in the mood, I’ve added a few more pictures for your enjoyment. Thanks to Leanne Parsons for sending along some photos of our first "new riders" clinic in 2006 along with a few others she has from last year. Again, if anyone has photos to share please send them along and they will be posted.

For those that have a burning desire to ride, the track is in good shape. It is a little soft in spots, but still great fun, especially on a mountain bike.

The schedule for the Provincial Series and the Vancouver Island Challenge Series should be posted soon, for those planning their race season. I will also post the dates and the locations for the ABA Canadian National Series, which can also be found on the ABA website at www.ababmx.com.

February 8, 2008

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:20:13 -0800

February 8, 2008

Hi everyone and welcome to 2008! As you can see the new Erik Goetzinger BMX website is up and running and we will try to keep adding content to make it worthwhile to keep coming back for a look.

Our AGM was held on February 3^rd with 8 people in attendance. Not a great showing, but about normal. Gerald Trees, Scott Baillie and Leanne McKenzie have returned for another year on the executive. Our big goal for 2008 is a re-build of the track prior to the start of the racing season. We will probably begin this big project in March and as with last year we will need help getting the track ready. We will post the dates we need help on the website and calling people for help.

If you have any photos from last year please e-mail them to gtrees@shaw.ca and we will get as many posted as possible. This is a club website and we want everyone who visits to get an idea of what it’s like to race at Erik Goetzinger BMX.

2007 Canadian ABA Grands Report

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:04:43 -0700

Round 7 of the ABA Canadian National Series and the Grand Finals took place over the Thanksgiving weekend with 8 riders from the Erik Goetzinger BMX Club participating and coming home with good results.

The Grecht family was in attendance with Aiden, Alex and Alison taking part. On Saturday Aiden took 4^th in the 5 and under novice class and improved his performance by finishing 3^rd in the finals on Sunday. Alex had a tough go in the 6 intermediate class on Saturday, failing to qualify to the main but he turned things around in the finals on Sunday taking 4^th. Alison competed in the 7 girls class and competed very well finishing 6^th on Saturday and improving her performance by finishing 4^th on Sunday in the finals.

The Baillie boys, Kade and Austin were in attendance as well. Kade competed in the 6 intermediate class, finishing 5^th on Saturday and in the finals on Sunday. Austin, a new 10 expert, was in a tough group and failed to qualify both days, but raced well in a very fast group.

Rayden Wickop competed in the 11 expert class and 11 cruiser class, which is usually full of fast riders from both Canada and the US. Rayden raced well and with style, but failed to qualify to his main in the 11 expert class both days. In the 11 cruiser class, Rayden made it to the main on Saturday, finishing 4^th. He failed to qualify to the main in the cruiser class on Sunday.

Gerald and Sheldon Trees made the trip over and at least one of them had a good weekend. Gerald crashed in practice on Saturday and had it tough in both the 36 expert class and the 41-45 cruiser class. He failed to qualify both days, being beat at the line for the final qualifying spot both days in the 36 expert class. Sheldon, on the other hand had a career weekend. Sheldon made the main in the 14 expert class on Saturday and finished 7^th after a crash in the final corner while fighting for the 3^rd position. He finished 1^st in the 14 cruiser class. On Sunday Sheldon had a better race in the 14 expert class finishing 4^th and again finished 1^st in the 14 cruiser class. With his performance in the 14 cruiser division he not only won the 14 cruiser title, but also came home with the overall national men's cruiser title.

2007 Year End News Letter

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 20:48:55 -0700

2007 Year End News Letter

Well it’s hard to believe that our season is over with for 2007.

First off I would like to thank all of those who put time in to make this season a success.

Trent Lemke, who spent time and his own money to help get the track in shape for the beginning of the season. Trent wasn’t able to come out much this season due to work commitments, but without his efforts we wouldn’t have started racing on time this year.

Ken Lehman, who brought out his own equipment to help move dirt and shape the sections of the track we changed this year. During the two days we worked in April to get the track ready, Ken was there moving dirt and without his help racing would have started much later in the year.

Leanne Mackenzie, Tom Zanchetta, Lora Hastings, Bruce Perry, Mike Carter and Gerald Trees who picked up rocks, dug out weeds and smoothed out the track at the beginning of the year. They all played a big part in getting us racing on time.

To those who took “yellow” shirts each week to be track marshals, we wouldn’t be able to race without you.

Julie Trees, who was there most weeks to help score our races.

To Greg on the “mike”, who made sure that each racer got recognition during their motos and let parents know where their child was placing in each race. Thank you for putting in the time and stepping up to take on this important task.

Mike Carter, who was there every week to open the track, set up the generator and run the gate. Mike also did double duty as stager some nights as well.

Leanne and Jack Parsons, who for years dedicated their Tuesday nights and more to keep Erik Goetzinger BMX going. Thank you for staying involved and we hope to see you both back next season. You must bring Troy as well.

Ian Sisonenko, who made sure we had “stickie’s”, trophies, medals and medallions for our riders.

Maegan Brunt, who got us going this season by getting out information on the start of the season and our clinic. Maegan was there to help with registration when needed.

Leanne Mackenzie, who took on the task of treasurer this year and has worked to make sure the concession ran. She also took care of most of the correspondence with the ABA and made sure all the bills were paid.

Lisa Holland, who took on the task of putting our riders into the “moto maker” computer program that generates our race motos each week. Lisa was there even on nights that her son didn’t race to make sure everyone else could.

Scott Baillie, who stepped forward to be a part of the executive and who kept things moving on race night and more. It’s been great working with you this year and I look forward to next season.

Finally, to all the racers and their families, who came out every week to race and cheer on their riders and who pitched in to help when asked on race nights. This is what BMX is all about and I hope you had a great year. Thank you for coming out.

More BMX racing on the Island!

For those who can’t get enough of racing, Nanaimo BMX will be racing until the end of September. They race Wednesday nights; sign up from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Also Coal Hills BMX in Cumberland will be racing on Saturday afternoons for the remainder of September, sign up from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The Vancouver Island Challenge Finals will take place this Sunday, September 16^th, at Victoria BMX. Sign up from 11:00 AM to Noon.

Next Season, 2008

Now for some information about next season.

We will begin the 2008 season with a registration and race clinic on Monday, May 5^th, 2008. Registration will begin at 5:30 PM and the clinic will begin at 6:30 PM.

Racing will begin on Tuesday, May 6^th, 2008 with sign up from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. We will be available at 5:30 PM to help fill out registrations for the season.

Our goal will be to make further changes to the track and if time and weather permits we will try to re-build the whole thing.

Keep checking HYPERLINK "http://www.erikgoetzingerbmx.net" www.erikgoetzingerbmx.net for information through out the off-season.

Thanks you again for a great 2007 race season.

Gerald Trees

August 2007 Newsletter

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:29:47 -0700

August 2007 Newsletter

This is a reminder that sign-up is from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. If you arrive after this time you will not be able to sign up. As we get closer to the end of the year we need to get our racing started ASAP after 6:30 PM, as the days will be shorter.

Well we are entering into the final weeks of the BMX season at Erik Goetzinger BMX. The past few weeks have been busy for BMX on Vancouver Island.

From July 26^th through the 29^th the UCI BMX World Championships took place in Victoria, BC with 2,000 athletes from 39 countries taking part. Three Erik Goetzinger BMX members, Rayden Wickop, Sheldon Trees and Gerald Trees, qualified to be a part of the Canadian team and all raced well, but failed to qualify to the finals in their respective class. Canada collected three world titles, Parker Simpson (Kelowna, BC 9 boys), Tory Nyhaug (Coquitlam, BC 15 boys) and Peter Jensen (Maple Ridge, BC 45 and older male cruiser). Nyhaug is a multiple UCI World Champion as is Jensen. This was Jensen’s 3^rd World title in a row.

Over the August long weekend the ABA held the Harbour City Nationals in Nanaimo, BC. This event was the 3^rd and 4^th rounds of the ABA Canadian National Series. A number of Erik Goetzinger BMX members took part in the event, with good results.

Sheldon Trees, 3^rd in 15 Cruiser both Saturday and Sunday.

Sheldon Trees, 3^rd in 14 X on Saturday and 7^th on Sunday.

Gerald Trees, 2^nd in 41-45 Cruiser both Saturday and Sunday.

Gerald Trees, 3^rd in 36+ X on Saturday and DNQ on Sunday.

Austin Baillie, 7^th in 10 X on Saturday and 6^th on Sunday.

Kade Baillie, 2^nd in 5& under I on Saturday and 2^nd on Sunday.

Aiden Grecht, 4^th in 5 & under N on Saturday and 2^nd on Sunday.

Alex Grecht 3^rd in 5 & under I on Saturday and 1^st on Sunday.

Alison Grecht, 3^rd in 7 N on Saturday and 4^th on Sunday.

Rayden Wickop raced in one of the most difficult and largest classes this weekend that was loaded with talent. He raced well but didn’t qualify to the main event.

Congratulations to those who participated and represented Erik Goetzinger BMX.

Our next “big” race is on August 21^st. This is round #5 of the Vancouver Island Challenge series and it will also be our trophy night for the month of August even though it isn’t the last race of the month. Even if you or your child isn’t participating in the VIC Series you can race this event. It is a single point race and the cost $7.00 per rider ($6.00 per rider if there is more then one family member or if a rider is racing class and cruiser).

Our last race of the season will be held on September 11^th, 2007 and not on September 4th. We will be holding a year-end get together after the race and more details will be given as we get closer to this date.

Finally, please take a look at our website HYPERLINK "http://www.erikgoetzingerbmx.net" for any updates in the schedule and to read a copy of all the newsletters. The website still isn’t much, but it is updated regularly and has all the information about Erik Goetzinger BMX.

Bike Maintenance Tip of the Month:

It’s important to make sure that all the nuts and bolts on your child’s bike are tight. With regular riding they can come loose and cause a failure of the bike during a race, which could result in a crash. It’s also important to check the tension and condition of the bikes chain. The chain is the primary component of the bikes drive system and needs to be checked regularly. The chain should be snug, but not tight. It should also be cleaned and lubricated on a regular basis. Chain oil works, but in the dusty environment of BMX it also attracts dirt. The best lubrication is either a wax based lubricant that is available at your local bike store or a spray on silicone lubricant that is available at most auto parts stores. The silicone is nice in that it doesn’t attract dust and dirt, but it needs to be applied more often then the wax lubricant.

The chain should be replaced at least once a year, if not more, and it’s one of the least expensive parts on the bike, but one of the most important.