06/09/2021 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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"If you want to race bikes in the winter, you come to Rehbein's," Knollmaier said. "We have full-sized obstacles at a smaller venue just like outdoor tracks." The 450-foot course is about half the size of an outdoor track, so ridersmake two laps to complete one official lap. Knollmaier said he sees riders of all ages from the five-state area participate in weekend races. Children as young as 3 can participate in Tuesday and Friday practice sessions. "We get 3- and 4-year-olds all the way up to 50," said Knollmaier, 44. Many riders make their weekly visits to Rehbein in an attempt to gain more victories. ABA riders start as novices but move up to intermediate status upon winning eight races. Once a rider achieves 25 wins, he or she reaches the expert level. Some go professional, but Knollmaier said it stays pretty quiet at Rehbein, as the bleachers aren't exactly swarming with scouts and sponsors looking for young new talent. Rehbein Arena was built by current owner Don Rivard's father-in-law Tim Rehbein in 1971. It was initially used as a horse barn and indoor riding facility. It was also a popular venue for rodeos up until 1992, when Rivard was approached by the ABA to convert the barn into a racetrack. "The horse market and economy fizzled," Rivard said. "So we gave BMX a try and we're still doing it.' Knollmaier, a White Bear Lake native, raced BMX in his younger days. He said a minor revival is taking place among, people he raced with in the '80s. These days, he maintains the track with two other staff members. Once obstacles are built, maintenance doesn't become too major, he said. The clay track is watered every night to keep track structures hard. "The sport keeps kids in shape," he said. "I have people come out for a cardio workout. It's not like just riding around the street, because you'll know it when you've gone around the track (once)." Occasionally, Knollmaier hosts pro-am races with entry fees paid by BMX hotshots from Illinois, but most weekends provide friendly confines for parents to watch their children motor around the course. Knollmaier said riders can pay a reduced $30 fee that covers practice on Friday and the race entry fee on Saturday. All skill levels get an opportunity to race every weekend. "It's amazing to watch kids advance through the skill levels," the four-year track operator said. "They start by barely getting around the track and the next thing you know they are riding with the best."