Hello Fellow Thumpers!!

Heres the situation.....

Basically, I have the amazing opportunity to build a Motox part/Track somewhere around Cookeville TN, Which has always been a dream of mine as a Mx fanatic!!!

Being from England I have Little to no idea about the motocross scene in Tennessee and what you American Dudes enjoy about your favourite MX tracks and what you don't , and most importantly what sort of track to design and build that everyone would enjoy! other small minor things such as.... if there is a big enough market to invest lots of effort into this massive But possibly rewarding dream.

unfortunately I have to be Adult about the situation my do my research.

So I'm looking for your Knowledge help and enthusiasm, and if you local to Cookeville.....BONUS.

Any info from how big or small the Motocross community is there, to track ideas and riders expectations of a sick track!


Ride on!

English Josh.

Hello Josh,

I actually live in Cookeville for school. I'm not really sure what the moto community is like here. There is a KTM shop that seems to be doing pretty well as far as MX bikes and stuff go...they are a little more geared towards the GNCC type racing though from my impression. As far as I know, Meadow Creek is one of the fairly local tracks that is regularly active. There is also Thunder Valley, but I think they are only open a few weekends a year for big races.

I don't know how many riders in Cookeville ride MX, however, I see at least a few times a week, people with bikes in the back of their truck. Also, you have a big university in Cookeville, so the demographics are there in terms of young people. If you are planning on holding races also, it may be something fun for students to go check out on the weekends (which translates into a little extra revenue).

I will be in Cookeville all summer, but I will be graduating in August and will likely not be sticking around afterwards (hoping to relocate out to Arizona or Colorado). However, up until that point I can try and help in any capacity I can.

Feel free to send me a message if you want to talk more.

Hey!

Definitely sounds like this could be a possibility, its difficult for me to know just how big or small MX is in the area without being there so thanks for your help. Cant wait to get down there and check it out!

Im not to clued up on GNCC racing, but after a few youtube videos I'm guessing its simular to enduro racing? But the fact that there are local MX dealers sounds very positive.

Also with there being a University in town is very promising, like you say. With that in mind I'm thinking also a bmx/mtb track may be another cool idea that could possibly work, maybe A few FMX ramps. What are your thoughts on that?


Not to sure when I'm going to travel down to Tennessee but if its in the summer il be sure to give you a shout, If not all the best to the future wherever it maybe.

Thanks.

Id X the FMX ramps. Build a smaller MX track, see if it is bringing crowds - then expand

jhatfie4, on 04 June 2012 - 06:24 AM, said:

This^^ but GNCC racers are very prominent, GNCC is like a "sprint version" of enduro, while it's still 2-3 hours of racing, it's not all day....Making a track, and trails attracts MANY MANY people, I know this, becuase the place I normally ride at, is just like this...Good Luck!

Thanks for the feedback dudes!

So about this GNCC racing, I possibly have 60 acres to play with.... would that be enough?

dont know anything about GNCC....

When you look for the lot to build your track on, look for dark moist soil - add stuff like sawdust or mulch to make it hold moisture even better.
Don't allow 4 wheelers - if you do they will blow out the dirtbike lines.
Clearly let people know when you are open/practicing/racing.
Put lots of big tabletops so that all skill levels may be entertained.

Thats all I can think of for now, but i'll try to add more suggestions.

I haven't checked out the plot yet, all I know is that its fairly hilly terrain which i like in a MX track any, it allows you to be creative and flat can be/get boring.

I would accommodate four wheelers but on separate days, but the vast majority of time it would be open to dirt bikes only.

I would definitely start a FB page and website to keep riders informed on track info and practise sessions/events ect.

It needs to accommodate all levels I totally agree, but it needs to be kept fun and challenging for the advanced riders to, and to encourage beginners to advance, after all theres no better feeling than nailing that jump you have been working on all day.  I plan on having the help of local riders who are still unknown to me to help with track design.

Its a way off yet to be honest, but again the research has to be done.

Also does anyone know of any local track builders or know how people that could help with the construction, because although I have ridden lots of tracks I have yet to build any and I'm guess shaping and calculating distances doesn't come easy.

Thanks Guys, much appreciated!