Racing begins at new Cross Creek BMX track in Fountain

Riders at Cross Creek BMX made a lap with the Stars and Stripes to open racing at the new Cross Creek BMX track on Friday, Sept. 23.

PHOTOS: Opening weekend at Cross Creek BMX
VIDEO: Riders charge around the track
VIDEO: Track operator Gerry Martinez talks about Cross Creek BMX

After three years of dreaming, planning and hard work, the Cross Creek BMX track is open for business in Fountain.
About 70 riders made their first voyages around the challenging track with two high-banked turns in the Cross Creek neighborhood on Friday and Saturday.
"Right there is the future of BMX," said track operator Gerry Martrinez as two young riders pedaled by.
The new facility impressed Shawn Richards, a restaurant owner and member of the Fountain Planning Commission.
"I knew this would be perfect for Fountain," Richards said. "There are a lot of kids here who are riding in the streets. This is something better, something positive for them."
Richards' 10-year-old son Landon raced for the first time on Friday at Cross Creek. He said the activity is perfect for his son.
"I like the competitiveness and camaraderie," Richards said. "Last night my son was racing neck-and-neck with another rider and tonight they're best friends."
One of the top young riders in the Pikes Peak Region, McKabe Talbot, hopes to compete in BMX in the 2016 Olympic Games. He couldn't believe it when the new track was built about two blocks from his Cross Creek home. He'll compete in the BMX Grand Nationals in Tulsa in November.

"It's pretty sweet," Talbot said. "It's a long track, good for endurance training. I think this will really help be get ready for Grand Nationals."
The racing continues on Saturday. Registration begins at 3 p.m. and all are welcome.

For more info, check out the Cross Creek BMX Facebook page.