KELSEYVILLE — A group of boys in Kelseyville who built a BMX dirt track at the Springer”s Pond property during the last several years recently have been asked to leave and find a new location.
“As a parent I have spent many days out at Springer”s, watching and capturing their accomplishments on film. The self-gratification that they feel when they have been able to perfect a trick they have been working on for so long, is priceless,” parent Dawn Smith, said.
The youth describe the art of the sport as an overwhelming rush of adrenaline coupled with satisfaction.
They take pride in the venue they created for the sport.
They said that moving the dirt one wheelbarrow drop after another never felt like work.
“Out there, these kids are learning to work together to accomplish a dream. As many of us know, there is not a lot for our children to do here in Lake County. Having a place where these kids feel accepted and be able to stay out of trouble is important to all the kids that have ridden this BMX dirt track for years. The older kids help teach the younger ones to conquer their fears and learn new things, and to believe in themselves. They believe in safety first. I have heard, on many occasions, ?where”s your helmet? Well, I will sit out for a bit. You can wear mine,”” Smith said. “When they have the idea to construct a new jump, it is done so with precise planning, workmanship and sincere drive. These boys took unused, stagnant, empty land and made good use of it. They harmlessly created years of fun and memories by doing something as simple as re-arranging dirt.”
The group of boys say the sport keeps them out of trouble and they learned to support each other.
“One of the boys told me, ?of all the ways for kids to get high isn”t ours the best? BMX doesn”t destroy brain cells and create addictions, just the addiction to obtain greatness,” Smith said.
Dan Springer said his family never gave permission to the group to use the property for any BMX-type activity.
“I was not aware of this until about six weeks ago, Springer said. “I told them they had to leave right away.”
The Springer family is in the process of restoring the hillside to prevent erosion and damage to the trees at the Springer”s own expense.
Smith said they leave without regrets because they know “that every second out there was worth it.”
Dirt freestyle BMX courses constructed by hand are common across the United States. There are many groups trying to find a place to call home for the sport.
“We would like to thank the Springer family for allowing them (the boys) to use this land for the past few years and for the $100 donation to the future BMX site. We look forward to what the future holds for this and the next generations of Kelseyville BMX riders,” Smith said.
To offer suggestions for a new location for the youth to build a new BMX dirt track, contact Valarie Sullivan at 533-3051, valariesullivan@yahoo.com or Dawn Smith at 477-4166, colorsplashphotos1@yahoo.com, facebook group page: Kelseyville BMX.
