Turning a passion for dirt bikes into a business by building your own track sounds like a dream for many enthusiasts. However, the reality of creating and running Dirt Bike Tracks is significantly more complex and costly than many imagine. Before you jump into this venture, it’s crucial to understand the multifaceted challenges involved.
One of the first hurdles you’ll encounter is liability. To protect your personal assets, establishing a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) is essential. This legal structure shields you from personal lawsuits in case of accidents on your property. Imagine the scenario: a rider sustains a serious injury – without an LLC, your personal assets, including your home, could be at risk in legal proceedings.
Beyond legal structures, safety and emergency preparedness are paramount. For any event or even regular track use, having an ambulance with paramedics on-site is often a requirement. This isn’t just about providing medical assistance; it’s a significant operational cost. You’ll typically need to pay for their presence for the duration of any organized activity.
Track maintenance is another area where costs can quickly escalate. While farm equipment can handle much of the upkeep, specialized machinery like dozers are necessary for constructing jumps and other technical track features. Watering the track is also critical, especially in drier climates, to control dust and maintain optimal riding conditions. A 4,000-gallon water truck might seem sufficient, but consider the track layout and accessibility. Alternatively, investing in a well-based sprinkler system with large capacity tanks (at least 30,000 gallons for a substantial track) offers a more permanent solution, but with higher initial investment. Keep in mind that a proper MX track should ideally be 1.5 to 2.25 miles long, requiring significant watering resources.
Regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity. Zoning laws, noise ordinances, and potential complaints from neighbors regarding dust and noise pollution can create significant roadblocks. Even if you believe you’re in compliance, neighbor disputes can be time-consuming and often favor the complainants. Environmental impact assessments and county regulations are further considerations that can add to both the timeline and expenses of your project.
Then there’s the unavoidable cost of insurance. Adequate insurance coverage is non-negotiable to protect your business from unforeseen incidents and liabilities.
Considering all these factors, the financial investment is substantial. Realistically, you’ll need at least six figures to cover annual maintenance and operational costs, and that excludes land acquisition, equipment purchase or rental, and essential infrastructure. Think about necessities like bleachers for spectators, fencing for track borders (especially where spectators will be present), and other site improvements.
In conclusion, while the vision of owning and operating dirt bike tracks is appealing, it’s crucial to approach it with a realistic understanding of the challenges and costs. Unless you are prepared for a significant financial and logistical undertaking, exploring alternative ventures, as the original author humorously suggests, like opening a Subway franchise, might be a more financially sound and less demanding path. Building dirt bike tracks is far from a simple endeavor and requires careful planning, considerable resources, and a robust understanding of the commitment involved.
