BATHURST’S $5 million bike park on the Vale Road is taking shape.
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There has been a frenzy of activity on the site since Bruce Goddard’s EODO Pty Ltd started on the project last month.
The initial earthworks program has transformed the site, giving local cycling fans a glimpse of things to come.
A massive cut and fill operation has given a clear view of where the velodrome will sit as stage one of the project moves into overdrive.
Mr Goddard said about 30,000 tonnes of soil had been moved in the cut and fill operation to make the most of the topography of the site, which sits in a valley.
This will allow the clubhouse component of the venture to overlook the velodrome.
“It’s really moving ahead now,” he said. “People can now start to see the shape of the track. The next thing we’re doing is putting in the services and then the lighting.
“Really, we’re right on track. It’s all going very well. All the stormwater drains are in and the earthworks are shaped up. The subgrade is completed, which will be followed by some roadbase.
“The last thing to be done with the velodrome is the sealing with bitumen and hot mix and we expect that to be scheduled around September.”
Mr Goddard said the surface of the velodrome would be similar to a track at Coffs Harbour, which used hot mix asphalt.
“It will measure exactly one third of a kilometre,” he said.
Other work on the site includes mapping out the mountain bike track.
It is expected stage one will cost $1.28 million and it is hoped this initial phase will be completed by the end of 2013.
Cr Greg Westman said an education centre would be located in the centre of the velodrome.
“It’s a teaching facility which is a bit like a mini-roadway where handling skills and road safety can be taught to juniors, as well as being available to the schools,” he said.
Cr Westman said the development would be rolled out over three, or possibly four, stages.
Stage two will be the addition of a kermesse course (road racing track covering 1.2km) and the start of the mountain bike course.
“Stage three is for a BMX track, the completion of the mountain bike course and the finalisation of the car parking area,” he said.