Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

If the term “history repeats itself” is true, then the new KV Bike Park in Kernville should have no problem succeeding in all future endeavors.

The Kern Valley has a rich history of both youth and adult bicycle racing, both BMX and mountain bike, hitting its heyday from 1975-1978. The Kern Valley featured three different tracks at Uffert Park, Boulder Gulch, and Dinky Golf, located where the Wofford Heights Post Office now sits.

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With the help of Gary Littlejohn, of Mongoose Bicycles, valley residents Steve Greenburg, Varda Greenburg, and Eileen England began holding the races as something for kids to do. It grew quickly with anywhere between 45 and 60 adults and children participating in the races.

“If you’re appealing to outdoor tourism [bicycle races] are the greatest thing that can happen,” said Steve Greenburg, “this will give our local kids a great thing for kids to do.”

Now, more than 30 years later, valley residents are reviving local bicycling racing with the KV Bike Park in Kernville. With the assistance and donations from local residents, the hope is to begin holding races at the KV Bike Park in June.

Chris Brayman, who ran as Turncoat Chris for Whiskey Flat Mayor, saw the opportunity to assist with the park, “In BMX there are not tryouts, and kids don’t sit the bench,”said Brayman, “all the boys and girls can ride together.”

With the help of Kernville Chamber President Jill Thurman, Greenburg, Brayman, as well as many other gracious community members, the hope is to provide needed extra-curricular activities for valley children.