Kern Valley Sun
After months of planning and preparation, the community-built KV Bike Park held its grand opening Saturday afternoon.
A crowd of more than 400 people turned out for the “Double Point Grand Opening Race” at the KV Bike Park, located behind the McNally’s Rodeo Grounds. Local quartet Sierra Sound sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, Pastor John Carpenter of Christ Fellowship gave the invocation, and Supervisor Jon McQuiston was on hand to give the KV Bike Park some well-deserved recognition.
 As the starting gate falls, Scott Alten, Jeff Sherman and Ken Leslie, pictured left to right, begin the 40 - 44 Cruiser/45 - 49 Cruiser race at the KV Bike Park grand opening on Saturday. Sherman finished in 1st place, Alten finished in second and Leslie finished third. |
Since its inception, the KV Bike Park Board has been adamant about two things: it’s about fun, and it’s about the kids. “It’s a huge recreational interest for kids, giving them something to do” said board member Richard Rowe. “It was a huge, astounding achievement to get this thing built.”
The comical “Lil’ Homie Drive-by’s and Dollars Fundraiser Race” was truly a highlight of the event, according to KV Bike Park President Paul Ferguson. “The 24 participants raced the massive mountain bike pump track head-to-head on 16-inch wheel Free Agent Lil’ Homie Kids bikes provided by Ride KRV Bike Shop,” said Ferguson, “The only criteria was that you are at least 5’5’’ tall and pay a $10 entry fee. The race was one lap, single elimination rounds with an optional $5 buy in for another round if you lost.”
Local rider Jake Leathers took first place and $80, one-third of the money raised. Hannibal Carrol placed second. The KV Bike Park raised $160 from the race.
“Highlights of the race were Chris Whitley cutting the track and the hilarious battle between Scott Link and Kurt Evans and of course the final round between Jake and Hannibal,” added Ferguson.
You must be a member of the ‘National Bicycle League’ to participate in the races, however, anyone can get involved in the KV Bike Park, no matter what age. “Our goal is to give all kids a chance,” said Brayman, “We want to see kids progress. We’re going to be focusing on youth development. We are not turning people away.”
Race Results from Double Point Grand Opening Races at The KV Bike Park:
Moto 1, 16 Expert / 26-34 Expert / 9 Novice: 1st Place – Jimmy Leslie, 2nd Place – Cody Wilson, 3rd Place – Dylan Gong
Moto 2, 11 Girls / 12 Girls / 9 Girls: 1st Place – Mariah Carroll, 2nd Place – Randi Stackhouse, 3rd Place – Naomi (Dirt Princess) Mitchell, 4th Place – Allana Davis
Moto 3, 40-44 Cruiser / 45-49 Cruiser: 1st Place – Jeff Sherman, 2nd Place Scott Alten, 3rd Place – Ken Leslie
Moto 4, 13-14 Cruiser / 17-24 Cruiser / 30-34 Cruiser: 1st Place - Kenny Hudson, 2nd Place – Craig Harvey, 3rd Place – Austin Griffin
Moto 5, 17+ Rookie: 1st Place – Matthew Henderson, 2nd Place – Dustin Smith, 3rd Place – Shawn Randazzo
Moto 6, 12 Novice / 13 Rookie / 16 Rookie: 1st Place – Kurt Evans, 2nd Place – Jarod Phillips, 3rd Place – Curtis Randazzo
Moto 7, 11 Rookie / 12 Rookie: 1st Place – Robert (The Madman) Mental, 2nd Place – Jacob Smith, 3rd Place – Andrew Davis, 4th Place – Jonathan Montes
Moto 8, 10 Rookie: 1st Place – Kyle Gong, 2nd Place Darrell Riley
Moto 9, 7 Rookie / 8 Rookie: 1st Place – Trenton Richardson, 2nd Place – Gavin Navin
Moto 10, 6 Rookie: 1st Place – Duke Delgaudio, 2nd Place – Airian Navin
Moto 11, 5 & Under Rookie: 1st Place - Trenton (TJ) Sanders, 2nd Place – Daimon (Speeds McKing) Dedm, 3rd Place – Jake Hurley
There is still plenty of fun to be had at the KV Bike Park. The park will be holding races every Saturday beginning Sept. 4. The park features a mountain bike skills course, a pump track with wall ride, dirt jumps, a trials course, and of course, the BMX track.
For more information about the KV Bike Park, visit their website www.kvbikepark.com or call 760-223-6165.
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