Riders from age 3 to 60 participate in events at the track.
The track is professionally designed to test all skill levels.
The Hansen family (pictured is Nick Hansen) travels the country to BMX racing events. 20 • september 2013 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
business specializing in racing electronics – Miller and other volunteers maintain the delicate, professionally designed dirt course with the proceeds accumulated from sponsors and entry fees. Contestants who place first through third in the races are presented with either track credit (free admission points) or store credit (credit at local bike shops). Such spoils are guaranteed for all races. “One hundred percent of our money goes back into making the facility better and nicer,” said Miller, sitting on a picnic table near the track. “Nobody gets paid. We all do it because we love doing it.” Because of this devotion, families are given the opportunity to guide, coach and encourage each other from the gate of the starting hill to the finish line. Said Miller: “You will not find any other sport where you have 3-year-olds and 60-year-olds competing in the same event.” There are at least 15 different jobs involved with making the races possible. People are needed to run the gates and finish line, officiate, register riders, maintain sanitation and groom the course. Not to mention, there’s an on-sight medical staff for each day the track is open. Prior to 2007, the track was located on Stoltzman Road and was operated by Lynn Austin, owner of Austin’s Auto Repair Center Inc. of North Mankato. The track is now located on North Industrial Road, near the intersection with Lime Valley Road. Though Austin is pedaling into his early 60s, he still suits up his BMX uniform and hits the track with the mentality of a gung-ho 16-year-old. “There’s nothing else that makes my heart pump more,” explained Austin. “I spin to win.” Along with himself, his son Chris Austin, and his grandson Kyle Austin – who isn’t even 7 years old yet – they compete on a weekly basis. They’re, of course, commonly known around the track as the Austin family. They’ve been a part of the Mankato BMX community more than 30 years. Another devoted, well-known BMX family is the Hansens. Nate and Nicholas Hansen are two teenagers that have been coming to the track for quite some time, and apart from Chris Austin, are some of the faster riders on the course. On any given Wednesday night, it’s often Chris and Nicholas battling neck and neck for first place. Whizzing over jumps, hugging the unique asphalt berm turns, and overcoming the infamous “Quadzilla,” they take turns crossing the finish line for gold. With their enthusiastic mother cheering and coaching them from trackside, the Hansens have flown all over the country to