Karratha BMX Club unveils new starters hill

It casts an imposing figure in Karratha, the BMX club’s new five-metre start gate appearing as a new hill in front of the Baynton Hills.

The gate was opened at the weekend, attracting about 100 riders to come out and test the new hill.

Karratha BMX Club president Kate Taylor says club members and the community have gone above and beyond the call of duty to build a new hill and starting gate.

“The team of guys that worked on it, there were 10 of them, they probably did about 2000 hours between them which we estimate to be about $80,000 of donated labour,” she said.

“On top of that we have had some fantastic funding partners ... and companies donating products, heavy discounts and actually bringing their whole team in to manage parts of the project for us.”

Ms Taylor said the new ramp had created a buzz around BMX in the Pilbara.

“All of our riders now have an opportunity to ride on something they will face if they travel to State and national titles,” she

“We have been having conversations with BMX WA about the potential to hold state rounds.

“We would also love to host state titles here.”

The opening of the new starting gate coincides with bike week, running from March 16-25.

Events in the Pilbara include a skills clinic from 7am on March 17 with Burrup Mountain Bike Club, and an interschool competition in Tom Price on March 21.