Straying cows are damaging Dundee’s BMX track, which has been carefully developed by former Springbok rider, Grant Dekker.
A flattened fence allowed the livestock to wander in to the property that was formerly the Lions Clubhouse on Excelsior Road.
“There are smaller jumps for the beginner riders and larger ones which are of national standard. However, a herd of cows can easily cause widespread damage,” said Grant.
His BMX track has had several homes in Dundee. At his house and then on Tandy Street, adjacent to the Tennis Club, where a leaking sewer pipe finally put paid to the idea.
Six months ago he had the opportunity to use the old Lions Club house. As the last Lions Club President in Dundee, Grant was only too pleased to ensure that the Clubhouse and property would be used to benefit the community.
“We have a group of youngsters who came down every weekend from Glencoe and then there is my group of five or six lads.”
Grant likes nothing more than ‘taking kids off the streets’, giving them a BMX bike and seeing any potential.
“It’s healthy and it gives them a place of belonging. We have also set up a gym in the clubhouse, which is open everyday from 5pm to 7pm and is free. The emphasis is on youngsters but not necessarily only BMX riders.”
Grant’s only rules are ‘no cellphones in the gym and obedience at home’.
“I want the kid to be up to date with their homework and then come down here. It is safe and a healthy environment.”.
While there is no signboard (yet) at the Club, Grant is calling it the ‘One More Club’ – referring to one more kid off the street.
He is also spreading the message of BMX riding to neighbouring towns and hopes to make Dundee the centre. “In future we can host big race meetings here that will attract up to 150 riders which can only be good for the town.”
BMX riding has been close to Grant since the early 1980s when he entered his first race and his dad was a race marshal in Pietermaritzburg.
Hi son, Justin (14), is also a passionate rider and has set his sights on representing South Africa in the 2020 Olympics.
So if you are passing Excelsior Lane on any given weekend, pop in and see the BMX riders do their stuff. For more information contact Grant 0837594384.