What a difference a year makes.
This time last year, the 麻豆社国产BMX Racing Club was scrambling to save its competition season after an arsonist destroyed the group's moto shed and several thousand dollars' worth of equipment inside of it.
But, almost like a phoenix rising out of the ashes, the club has rebuilt and is now set to host a 2011 Canadian National Series race starting on June 10.
"It's really important for us in that we've been working for years to try to get to this point," said club president Vicki Schenk. "We're honoured that we've been impressing the BMX community and we're happy to be able to host this event."
Just over a month after the destruction of the old shed and supplies, a new building was constructed free of charge by RS Heating and Sheet Metal Ltd. with donated materials from Rona.
Schenk told The Chief that the 麻豆社国产and Whistler communities really rallied behind the BMX club with generous donations to get the volunteer-based club back on its feet.
"I think our community and the people in Whistler, I think they have totally rallied together and the support that they have given us has been huge."
In September 2010, the group hosted a provincial race and Schenk said the BMX community was impressed by the way the club handled everything in the face of lousy weather.
"We still get compliments from people about how much fun they had at that race," she said. "I think organizers knowing that we could pull it off and withhold that many riders in such bad weather was huge for us."
Another new addition to the club just in time for the nationals is a brand new starting gate. The club received $55,000 from the 麻豆社国产Sports Legacy Fund back in March and Schenk said the club put the money to good use.
"I think it's a lot better gate," she said. "The kids really enjoy it and it's a lot quieter than the one we used to have."
Schenk expects around 500 riders to descend on 麻豆社国产for the nationals and pointed out that the races kick off on June 10 at 5:30 p.m. They continue on June 11 and 12, starting at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively.
She said the event should be a big economic boon for Squamish, with hundreds of riders and their families coming to town. The group has put together several hundred rider packages with maps, information and other details about 麻豆社国产for visitors.
Schenk added that she wants to thank the community for their support and for all the assistance she has received from local businesses in helping to build the club up.
For more information on the club, visit www.squamishbmx.ca.
