What was once a decommissioned landfill known as the “North Lagoon” spawned Mississippi’s only bmx track, MagRidge BMX.  The closing of the decades-old Clinton Optimist BMX in 2005 left a void in the state’s tiny BMX community.  In 2010 the new track was born, and BMX in Mississippi has continued to grow year after year.  

    MagRidge BMX is a non-profit organization sustained only by volunteers' hard work, and local business contributions.  Bernie Brenneman took over as Track Operator this year, after former T.O. Shane Adams retired with 5 years at the helm.  Shane can still be found around the track as “the voice of MagRidge'' during races, as well as being a grass cutting extraordinaire.  Most races see Sue Bridges and Gennifer Hankins serving snacks and drinks in the concession stand.  You can always expect to see Elizebeth Greer or Jojo Gast handling registration duties.  MagRidge is also fortunate to have Jeremy Gast and Ajay “The Dirt Surgeon” Anthens as heavy equipment operators responsible for building the track you see today.

There are numerous fun events at MagRidge throughout the year that boost exposure of BMX in the community, and provide entertainment outside of BMX racing.  Valentine’s Day cards that feature photos of MagRidge riders are made each year.  Thousands of eggs stuffed with candy, toys, and even some cash are scattered around the facility for the annual Easter Egg hunt.  The track even has its own Easter Bunny costume!  The 4th of July race features a fireworks display put on by some of the track’s amatuer pyromaniacs.  Halloween brings a Trunk-or-Treat party, and riders race for free if they wear a costume for the race.  Each year MagRidge volunteers build a custom float to be featured in numerous Christmas parades for towns around the area, and of course all riders get to escort the float while riding their bikes through the parade.

2021 was a big year for upgrades and improvements at the facility.  The year kicked off with a brand new rhythm section on the 4th straight inspired by the Paris SQY World Cup bmx track.  Nearly all of the track has been “tuned-up” this year, with many jumps being rebuilt completely.  A new registration building was constructed to accommodate the increasing lines on race days, and online pre-registration has been added as well.  Expansion has begun on the staging area behind the start hill that will feature a 30ft wide paved ramp leading to 10 staging chutes to be used during larger races.  MagRidge is also preparing to slurry the track surface by the end of the year, which should minimize rainouts in the coming years.

Another exciting addition to the MagRidge experience has been the live stream on YouTube.  Thanks to volunteer dad Mack Hankins’ video technology skills and hard work, MagRidge has been able to broadcast races live to the world.  The production quality is top-notch, and even rivals that of USABMX’s own broadcasts for Nationals.  You can also look forward to some other YouTube videos featuring MagRidge on the channel Fox Fire BMX.  

MagRidge regularly hosts various clinics throughout the year to push riders to their next level.  There have been clinics for brand new riders to learn the basics about racing, bike maintenance, and orientation for new parents.  MagRidge has had a huge influx of female riders, and even provides a “girls only” clinic coached by MagRidge’s fastest females. The new year has also brought Pro coaching clinics to the track with visits from Howard “HoJo” Johnson, Jonathan Austin, Jake Peebles, Barry Nobles, and Nic Long.  

One great way MagRidge is able to give back to it’s riders is by purchasing a pit space at Grands for all of the MagRidge community to gather every year at the Greatest Race on Earth.  Each year the track raffles off a hunting rifle to cover expenses for the pit area, food, and drinks.

Over the years, MagRidge has built an excellent family environment for all who dare venture into the wild world of BMX.  The track and facility are always improving, while the rider base continues to grow.  If you’re traveling across the deep south, then you definitely want to stop by and experience Mississippi’s only BMX track.