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Building a regulation size NBL BMX track, one that is challenging enough to provide safe competition, will require attention to the following key areas:
 Dirt: 2000 - 3500 yards of dirt (150-250 dump truck loads)
Length of track: 800 - 1500 feet (measured from center of track)
Width of Start gate: Minimum of 28 feet
Height of start hill: Variable elevation levels (consult NBL)
Width of track - 1st Straight: Minimum 28 feet to first obstacle
Width of other straights: 25 feet for second straight, 20 feet for rest of track
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HELP IS ON THE WAY
THE NBL WILL HELP YOU
WITH TRACK DESIGN,
CONSTRUCTION, AND
PROVIDE PLANS TO HELP
YOU BUILD AND INSTALL
THE STARTING GATE.
- Prepare an overview of the track and amenities. Include space for parking, spectator seating, restrooms, buildings and proper rider flow.
- Arrange for the dirt to be delivered or stockpiled on site.
- Arrange for the delivery and usage of machinery and volunteer labor.
- Clear the land and make sure it is level and free of debris.
- Use a measuring tape, marking stakes, string, and bright paint to mark out the area for the track and amenities.
- Begin construction and monitor issues with drainage and alignment.
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HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED? 7-10 days From design to race-ready, a track can take as little as 7-10 days to build if all requirements are fulfilled.
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DIRT REQUIREMENTS:
The number and size of jumps and berms and the elevation of a track will determine how much dirt is required. Indoor facilities will typically use less dirt due to cost and availability. 2000 yards will build a small track, but to build a national caliber track, you will need up to 3500 yards.
Finding the right dirt involves patience and time. Dirt from an excavation site can typically be re-routed from construction sites where a company would save time and money by dumping the dirt at a site closer than their original plan. At last resort, there are companies who sell dirt but try to get it at no-charge before committing to this option.
An unlevel site may contain suitable material and a slight grade or hill that can be graded down to provide a good quantity of start-up material. If you require dirt to be brought in, it should be free of rocks, should pack properly and be smoothed easily with a hand rake and shovel.
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Track Construction (con’t)
The ideal mixture is 80% clay and 20% sand. A BMX track surface can be made up of many different soil compositions. As an example, clay will give the best compaction with the least amount of maintenance and soil erosion. River silt, various mixes and other finer materials may also be suitable.
Material should be free of rocks, debris and compact with a packer or heavy machinery. Drainage is very critical whenever using clay. Any soil composition mixed with clay will provide a good surface, but make sure there is effective drainage in place.
In many cases it’s challenging (or expensive) to find high-quality soil so the track may require two types of soil in different layers. Normal (clay mixture) soil used for the basic shapes (start hill, jumps and turns), and thereafter a 3-4 inch thick top layer of high-quality soil that packs properly. The top layer of dirt on the track should become very hard after being watered and packed in.
To create a fun and competitive track, the top soil must allow for very fast riding (hard-packed) and provide maximum traction.The quality of the riding surface is of the utmost importance for the reputation of the track and the success of competitions. It must be permeable and insensitive to water and frost.
The surface must be applied with a thickness of around 6 inches prior to compacting. Allow larger volumes at the top of obstacles to compensate for compaction. Use water to help the material pack faster. Compacting will be carried out by a vibrating roller. An ATV or golf cart can be used to pack many of the smaller jumps and the berms.
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| Equipment: |
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BASIC SET: 
Front End Loader (no IT units) with large bucket (no teeth) Caterpillar 924, 928, 938, 950; John Deere 544 or 644
Skid-Loader with rubber tracks For shaping and fine details Bobcat T250 or 300; Cat 247 or 277; John Deere 270
Smooth, 40-48” double drum, vibrating roller To pack the track after it has been raked and the surface is smooth. A truck can be used to do initial packing.
Rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows To shape jumps, berms and small work around site.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Bulldozer or grader To clear and level the building site.
- Small Roller for packing
- 4 wheel ATV or golf cart to drag and roll the track for smoothness
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