Very Sad State of San Jacinto Cycle Park

[MxMike393]

Mr Berg, I agree with you and howard and I really do hope the track comes back into good shape! I was just extremely surprised when I saw it is all.

[Miles711]

I for one want to thank the OP for posting this, regardless of how others feel. Whether or not the track will be in shape for the GMB, I am glad that I know the current condition of the track. I am planning to do a TORCs race there before the GMB, and was thinking of heading out there next weekend or the following (depending on when I finish putting my bike back together) to get back in touch with the track.

I now know not to head out to that track until I see some evidence that it has been worked. It would simply be a waste of gas.

I also don't think he should be shot down for posting this. The track is what it is at the moment, and this information is useful to me. I'm hoping its in great shape for both the TORCs race and the GMB as much as anyone, but it is nice to know that the track looks like this before I spend $60 on gas to drive out there and come home.

I have seen rumblings of another track being open in Splendora, and people talking about how nice it was. I am not sure if this is a private track or not. It is very sad that this track has been allowed to erode away like it has. I have faith that the track will be ready in time, but it is sad to see it as it sits.

[Motodad393]

I understand your suprise, but as I mentioned let's focus on the history of the current owners in making sure the track is in GREAT shape. They will continue to go a super job of making the track ready.

Rider Safety is paramount and is largely influenced by the choice of each rider. When races are to be held at Splendora, the track will be in "race quality shape - of this I remain confident.

Some things are best kept out of public forums until such time when one has all the facts. Drawing negative publicity to any track without knowing all the details is not a good thing.

[Miles711]

:

Give me a ring if you guys need any help!

[Motodad393]

I agree with the "call before you haul" comments! The VM of the track answering machine should reflect the current track status.

This however, is not an indication of what the track will be on any race day.

[yzernie]

As I read this thread over and over I think of Carlsbad Raceway. When the rains would come through that area the track was completely destroyed and looked somewhat similar to what Splendy looks like now. The jump faces were trashed and the straights and corners were almost non-existent. I can say the following with the experience of having run a tractor over the years at some race tracks...with just a few hours worth of dozer and tractor work the Splendy track can be looking good again.

As with any track, road or even a dirt field, if it is unused for a period of time then it will become overgrown, eroded and quite frankly look like he$$. If the owners have been gone for the last several weeks and left the track unattended then that explains (at least to me) why the track is in it's current condition. The inaccurate voice message is a completely different story but it sounds like Mr. Berg has addressed that issue with them.

If they are going to prep the track and be holding events prior to the GMB event then I am confident the track will look and be completely different than what the photos show. That will also give it some ride time to get 'broken in' again and to develop berms and lines.

The track was in fine shape for my first GMB in 2006 but the track is just a small part of why I came back the following year in 2007. In 2007 the rains caused havoc and I do not (nor should anyone else) hold the track owners responsible for the Mother Nature problems. Sans any weather issues I am confident the track will be just fine.

[KKXR400R]

Originally Posted by DRGSin393

Sam, I have thick skin so no feelings will be hurt on my part...and I have no probs with you making your opinions known, as long as you allow me to do the same. Although I can see your point of view, I disagree with it. Saturday was not a race day last year-it was an open practice so you wouldnt have gotten anyone showing up to race. Yes, those showing up to practice wouldve turned away but there isnt anything formal organized for that day. That did happen on Sunday, the actual race day and those people stayed, got a glimpse as to what it was all about and had a good time. Whether or not theyll be back remains to be seen.

Let me tell you how it went down on Saturday last year. Phone calls were made to Mr Berg, describing the track condition. It was explained to him that the track was in need of major work and that some people were thinking about riding elswhere. His response was-everyone stay put. We can have fun just hanging out and goofing around-its not about the riding.
One cant say its not about the riding then look for another track because this one may be too wet or too dry or too whatever. Can you see how your "jib dont jive"? Those that stayed last year, that Saturday, showed that it wasnt about the riding. Those that left to ride, showed otherwise. People stayed under the pretext that there wasnt going to be any riding. Trailers and motorhomes were hauled from across the country. Were they disappointed that the track was in disrepair? You bet! They stayed however and made the best of it, and in the process created memories that live on.

I specifically searched and posted the link to last year's pics because of the shot of you and Boyd by the memorial. To those not in the "KNOW", the memorial is located at the base of the tree which Garrett hit as he launched off a huge berm. The marks on the tree were still visible. Anyway, that snapshot was a very powerful image, yet not nearly as moving as if one actually stands there and experiences the emotions. Surely, you were moved during that moment. For me, visiting the memorial culminated in the reality of what this event is all about. You wont have that epiphany at any other track, period. As I stood by that tree and listened to Mr Berg's tale of the events as they transpired that fateful day, I was changed forever.

Will the day come that the event can longer be held at Splendora? Quite possibly. Will we have to move on? Sure. Will we lose something in the process? Most definitely. At that point, should it ever come, we will have no choice. At this point, we still have a choice and I vote it stay.

Last year was the first GMB for Tracy and I. At first glance the track was in bad shape but when everyone pulled together it came out pretty good in my book. The fact is the unification of everyone there in my opinion defined the moment for me. Along with getting the tractor rolling, shoveling dirt and having a translator for the track worker everybody had a great time. This is why I consider ATM a family and not just a bunch of faceless people on the internet. Experiencing GMB is like nothing I can put into words. The closest description would be:emotional, eye opener and uplifting all rolled into one. I spent quite a bit of time sharing expereinces with Mr. Berg and his family with alot of tears and embracing. Although Tracy and I will not be able to make it this year I will not forget the experience that was shared from last year.

On a final note...Don't worry about the track. It will be just fine and things will be worked out.

Here's some of the memorable pictures from last year.









-Kevin-

[Grieby54]

Sin, very excellant points. My referance to it not being about the riding but that a better track would help were not about those of us who already know what the event's all about. My referance was simply stating that if I were coming to a GMB for the first time -- I'd roll in Saturday to practice, see that the track was a disaster, and not bother to come back Sunday. Obviously, since I knew better I returned Sunday, but there are plenty of first timers who don't know any better. I feel like there will be a lot of people missing out on this event (not the racing, but what the event really means) because of how the track is. They come to race, but then they figure out what everything's all about.

I will admit that I bailed Saturday last year, but I think I have a perfectly legit reason. My dad had flown down from Colorado to watch me ride. He's only seen me ride maybe a handful of times, and I didn't want to use his weekend down here to splash through puddles or flop around in mud. So we went to 3P so he could see me ride. If anybody thinks I'm a flake for that, so be it. But I was the one who took the sight laps last year for the event. When Mr. Berg and Howard asked me what I thought, I said "Let's do it." So if anyone thinks I'm not committed to this event, they're sadly mistaken.

[nw0rbrolyat]

I still think they need to update their answering machine and website status, so people don't waste their time and expensive gas hauling their machines to this track to find the gate locked up and not a person in sight...And I am sure they can update their status online while on the road.

[DRGSin393]

True NW, thatd be easy to do and perhaps this can help them to realize and correct that short coming. Nothing wrong with constructive criticism.

Sam, my intentions werent to question your decision, just wanted to point out the fact that Mr Berg has already made a ruling on the track. Now, with his post, its official.

[Grieby54]

Originally Posted by DRGSin393

True NW, thatd be easy to do and perhaps this can help them to realize and correct that short coming. Nothing wrong with constructive criticism.

Sam, my intentions werent to question your decision, just wanted to point out the fact that Mr Berg has already made a ruling on the track. Now, with his post, its official.

Oh no, I know. Sorry, I didn't aim that at you. I just meant it in general.

And absolutely. Mr. Berg made the decision and it is what it is. I'll probably be out there.

[Motodad393]

Normally, we do not allow religious/political discussion on ATM - which I agree with. It just keeps everyone from being hurt and prevents arguments that need not occur. I posted the comments below in the Moderator forum as it relates to this particular thread. I post this here NOT TO START a huge discussion, but to serve as how I view the conditions/events with the weather last year and what it personally meant to me and the Annual Garrett Berg "Remembering Those Who Rode" Memorial Race.

For me in the "flesh" looking back on the track conditions on Saturday last year - I felt a bit down-hearted. I did however, immediately stop and reflect that perhaps the Almighty was trying to show that our "flesh" if often secondary to an actual perception of what an event should be in a spiritual sense. Often times the actual spiritual existence of a physical event is "clouded" by our physical self - IE: our Ego's and perceptions. This is not a criticism, but rather my view of life. We begin as "spirits" in harnony with our Creator, ended up in a physical, fleshly body that fails (ages) and we return to that which we began - "spirits" if you will.

It gave me time to focus and view it as a "Lets let G_d be G_d" and control that which all of us in the flesh view as something we control. For me, the power and value of last years "Remembering Those Who Rode Memorial Race" came in that which I believe was G_d's will - to have the race. Sure, all the help and assistance from many people helped, but those who saw the track - and witnessed the sunrise and the event coming to fruition and a be a huge success - was clearly a "G_d Thing." IMHO

Just my thoughts. Comments are welcome, but lets not turn this into a religious debate. This is meant as "fruit for thought" if one so chooses.

[cowboyona426]

The GMB is more about the people than anything, that and getting together to support a cause. I was at the GMB2 thanks only to the good graces of a former ATM member going out of his way to help my wife and I get there. I got to stand by "the tree" and listen to Mr. Berg's story, travel to the track with Mr. Berg and Shannon listening to Garrett's favorite song, ride Garrett's 450, and meet a whole lot of great people I never would have met otherwise. It's something I think about a lot and will never forget for sure, hopefully I can make it again someday. That's what makes the GMB what it is, it's not just another day of riding.
I'm glad the situation/status of the track has been cleared up, thanks to Mr. Berg for all his insight and thoughts on the track and the event.

[MotoSis393]

Originally Posted by DRGSin393

I realize 3P is a much better track, from what Ive seen, but screw that. I think that this event needs to stay here as long as the management allows us to use the facility and are willing to let us get it in shape for the event. Drive up to the grounds and glance at your right where the memorial is. Then gaze up at the tree of impact THEN tell me the track has nothing to do with it.

this pretty much sums it up for me.

[Freak]

I really don't have any right to post in this thread, but a bull dozer and some time and that track would come back to life pretty quick. just my 1/2 peso.

[MotoSis393]

Coming from someone who knew Garrett best. IF he were here and saw the track in this condition. He would not run the other way. My brother LOVED that track, he'd be out there with a shovel and he'd most likely try to fix the tractor. If you were at the race last year that's exactly what we did. Now i dont get on here much, but I know Garrett. This race started because his death, and sadly others have passed too.. After his death I never even thought about quitting the sport.. because in the back of my mind I knew he wouldn't want me to quit. Don't give up on the track.. Don't give up on GMB.

I'd love to see the day that track could be owned by this event. Where we ALL pitch in to help, because everyone knows the story, the background. Where it can remain a memorial and a reminder that safe riding should be the only kind of riding.



Sam and MxMike, Thanks for the concern and watchful eye!

[Motodad393]

Originally Posted by MotoSis393

Coming from someone who knew Garrett best. IF he were here and saw the track in this condition. He would not run the other way. My brother LOVED that track, he'd be out there with a shovel and he'd most likely try to fix the tractor. If you were at the race last year that's exactly what we did. Now i dont get on here much, but I know Garrett. This race started because his death, and sadly others have passed too.. After his death I never even thought about quitting the sport.. because in the back of my mind I knew he wouldn't want me to quit. Don't give up on the track.. Don't give up on GMB.

I'd love to see the day that track could be owned by this event. Where we ALL pitch in to help, because everyone knows the story, the background. Where it can remain a memorial and a reminder that safe riding should be the only kind of riding.

Sam and MxMike, Thanks for the concern and watchful eye!

That's My Girl!

[MxMike393]

I would GLADLY help with the track. That is and always will be my favorite motocross track. It always felt right just being there, (EVEN IF I WASNT RIDING). Hence my concern for it's condition. I'm glad I could help some, sorry I offended others...it is what it is. Thank you

-Mike

[Macho393]

I come there to race only!

[Macho393]

Sorry guys and girls I come for one reason. The Bergs. Mike's hip better be good enough for me to follow him around the track or I will be pissed,pissed,pissed,pissed,pissed ! For me to be able to follow him around the track and reflect, gives me a renewed outlook on life. I do not even care if he knows I'm back there. To see Shannon each year makes me smile like I'm her dad. Yes its about the track, yes its about Garrett....for me. Some folks......alot of folks don't think like me. But if you know me, you know I don't follow another very easily. That hopefully shows the love and respect I have for that ole FART! and his family. Sam and Mike, I'm proud to see you two have compassion about Splendora and the GMB. Keep caring and you will have done good in all things.