About Western Cape BMX
A story of boom years, quiet years and the revival of BMX racing in the Western Cape.
The Early Years
BMX racing was introduced into the Cape in the early 1980s, with tracks appearing across the region. From Milnerton, Hout Bay, Sea Point and Aromaland in Brackenfell, to Vredenburg and Hermanus, BMX quickly became part of the local sporting landscape.
The Boom and the Decline
The period from 1982 to 1986 was the big boom for BMX in the Cape. In 1983, a major national event was hosted at the Goodwood track, showing just how strong the sport had become in the region. Towards the end of the decade, BMX began to decline. By 1988, only three tracks remained: Aromaland, Goodwood and Vredenburg, also known as Spioenkop. In 1989, both Goodwood and Aromaland received eviction notices. Instead of walking away, the two clubs combined their efforts to build a new track at the Kraaifontein Sports Ground.
The Quiet Years
Through the 1990s and into the early 2000s, BMX continued to host provincial and national-level racing. However, by 2002, the sport reached a difficult point when Kraaifontein BMX, the last remaining official track at the time, dismantled its club. There was still some underground BMX activity, but no official clubs or events operating in the region.
The Revival of BMX
In 2019, a new BMX track was built in Hermanus, not far from the original 1980s track. It took around two years to complete, but races were hosted, riders returned, and the fun came back. The Cape Town BMX community followed suit. A new track was built at Zone 7 next to the N7, the Kraaifontein riders revived the old Kraaifontein track, and Princess Vlei in the southern suburbs began rebuilding their old track.
Stories from the Track
The Legend of Aromaland
The Aromaland BMX track was situated right next to the Tygerberg Zoo. It was so close that there was a donkey near the staging area, and on more than one occasion it created its own share of attention. On one memorable day, the donkey bit the stager, Oom Deon Niewoudt, on the arm.
Goodwood's Indoor Legacy
In 1983, the Goodwood Showgrounds was used to build an indoor BMX track with wooden jumps for a two-race series. It remains one of the unique moments in Western Cape BMX history.
Today and Looking Ahead
Our history informs our mission: One Region. One BMX Community. We are dedicated to providing a safe, competitive, and inclusive environment for every rider who picks up a bike. The track is waiting.