Liberty opens new motocross track, dirt bike trails

Seated on two- and four-wheeled vehicles, riders recently hit the dirt, testing out Liberty University’s new motocross track. Nestled in LU’s Jack Mountain property, the wooded arena features numerous doubles, table tops, loops and off-camber turns.

Track architect Jonathan Wallace says the course is an ideal site for beginners, but he also plans on adding more technical jumps for experienced bikers.

“If students are into racing and they want somewhere to practice, it’s a good spot to get a workout,” he said.

Liberty junior and full-time racer Timothy Wamsley is also constructing a trail system that encompasses the track, giving riders even more room to roam. Comprised of tight single track, the new trails will maintain the land’s natural elements while offering bikers of all skill levels a place to enhance their technique.

“It’s going to be a great way to get more students coming into Liberty,” Wamsley said. “To my knowledge, I don’t know of any other school in the country that has a dirt bike track to offer the students.”

The new outdoor facility is just one facet of Ultimate LU, an initiative providing students with more extracurricular activities on campus. Other Ultimate LU facilities on Liberty Mountain include a 10-acre archery range, dual-field paintball complex and the Snowflex Center, the artificial ski slope slated to open in 2009.