Nestled among the slew of baseball and soccer fields of Elgin’s Sports Complex is “The Hill”.
Known statewide and regionally, Elgin Illinois features one of the premiere BMX Tracks in the region. The Limestone track and asphalt corners offers a unique experience for beginner and professional riders. This is a fast track, from the starting gate to the finish line, you’re headed downhill.
Begun in 1990, the track known as “The Hill” has gone through several changes. Begun by founder James McMahon, who owned Sundance Cycle in Bloomingdale. After racing in Itasca, McMahon embarked on creating a facility in Elgin.
With bicycle manufacturers involved in his business, the idea was a perfect fit in their relationship. After approval and permits from the city of Elgin, McMahon designed and used his employees to construct the track.
Laying the groundwork and introducing BMX racing in Elgin, it was a slow beginning but eventually “The Hill” was competing with “The Rock”, the Rockford BMX track, with Riders racing at both tracks.
McMahon eventually turned over the reigns as other folks took over the maintenance and running of the track.
Currently under the guidance of JoAnne Mulvihill, she is the fifth person to head-up the continued operation of the Elgin track.
A bevy of volunteers also help and make sure “The Hill” is fully functional with regards to condition and safety of the track. The Non-For-Profit venture has volunteers that do track maintenance, registrations, concessions, announcing, run the starting gate, and many other needed helps during race days but not solely exclusive to just race days.
“Our volunteers are incredible,” said Mulvihill. “We have such great group of folks that I really can sit back and watch it all. They know exactly what to do and it all runs so well.”
JoAnne Mulvihill does way more than she leads on, but her confidence in the folks she works so well with and their ability to handle any situation really shows how well the Hill and race days are managed.
Tuesdays and Saturdays you see racers from 3 years-old to 60-plus racing down the track and competing for awards and points. Mondays the Elgin Hill team has the track available for practice. Public practice is available on Thursdays. Again, several volunteers are there to direct what’s needed. It’s quite impressive.
JoAnne didn’t start out at The Hill, but difficulties in 2014 required some intervention.
After the facilities sanction was pulled by USA-BMX. Jackie Altizer was contacted and made aware of the problems. As the designated operator of The Hill, she was forced to address and rescue The Hill.
A huge group of parents got together and among them was JoAnne Mulvihill to save the track. JoAnne and her husband Don Mulvihill, are still involved while everyone else has moved on.
“I have to step up and be more involved as Jackie (Altizer) has too much on her plate already,” said JoAnne. Things are going well, Tuesdays are almost as busy as Saturdays and the kids love it.”
The Beginner League program was introduced by JoAnne and staff, resulting in younger boys and girls experiencing what the sport can offer.
“It’s one of the reasons you see so many kids running around here on Tuesdays, started by Mike Carruth. He does it all and is a huge asset for us.”
JoAnne Mulvihill sees the future quite Promising.
“Oh, I see this track getting bigger and better every year, every single day. We have the Hill Family team which currently has 80 members. Last year was our inaugural year. It’s a feeling of community and the team is growing exponentially.”
The riders compete in three different levels on two different types of bikes. They consist of Novice, Intermediate and Expert levels on Cruiser or 20-inch bikes while also competing against others of the same skill and age levels.
From the moment that gate disappears into the ground, up to 8 competitors peddle and pump their metal steeds through a series of moguls and asphalt corners. The action is fast as the lead rider hitting that first corner has a clear advantage.
Collisions and crashes do occasionally occur mostly in the first corner as riders battle for the lead. No serious injuries are the results most of the time, but the The Hill staff is well prepared with emergency care so near.
Most riders just remount their bikes and continue down the track, waiting for the next opportunity to make the Main (final race). Riders all don a helmet with many wearing additional safety gear for added protection.
The goal for many of the racers is to win and earn points to advance to the next level based on your finish but most enjoy the sport because its fun and the camaraderie with others developed over the season and previous years of competing.
“This really is a family environment. You see not only the sons and daughters racing, mom and dads also get out there and compete; you see the whole family racing down our track,” said JoAnne Mulvihill.
Hosting a State Qualifier Race on May 21, The Hill staff was at their busiest with over 300 contestants registered.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature delayed everything as rain pelted the track forcing a three-hour set back. Once racing began, the track and staging area was packed with bikes and rider of all ages.
Surprisingly, nearly all the contestants waited out the rain with many traveling long distances to get to the event.
Advancing to the main was the objective. Two motos (race opportunities) would be run where riders could advance to the coveted Main.
For riders like Mya Poters, it was all part of the process. The Junction City Wisconsin native has been tearing up the track since she started less than two years ago and is among the 16-under best female riders in the region. The Gold Cup winner touts the number 1 plate on her bike.
“I guess it looks kinda easy because this track is downhill and really fast,” said the speedster. “I like downhill tracks because for me its easier to get through and I like that a lot. I love this, it’s an amazing sport, it’s fun and you meet a lot of people and make friends. I’m here to get first and to have fun.”
Mya advanced to the Main after her first race and followed that up winning the final as expected.
Racing in the 12-under Cruiser Moto, Collin Rux crossed the finish line first after coming from behind after the final corner, also advancing to the Main in his first run. The Machesney Park racer has been in the sport a year and has had some success.
“I thought the race went pretty good, I kinda just battled and peddled to try and get him and I did. If I had to choose one sport, this would be it, but I do football, track and basketball too. This sport is really fun, I like it a lot but it’s nerve racking waiting to race. Today during the down time, I just talked a lot to keep from getting too nervous, that works for me.”
Collin made the finals, but the packed main was heavily talented and finished sixth.
Among the Oldest racer competing is Wheaton native Mike Roberts. The 54-year-old has been at it since he was 12.
“This sport has been great, it’s kept me young, engaged in life and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people. The mental challenge and focus required to compete in this sport keeps you sharp in every aspect of your life.”
“The pure love and enjoyment of the sport keeps me in it. Today, I’m going to win, that’s my motivation and prediction and carry on the Sundance Cycle tradition.”
Mike Roberts was true to his word, finishing as the top rider in the 51-over Expert level.
As the day advanced and the rains stayed away, more and more motos took place, riders were advancing, riders were having mishaps. With small injury delays, eventually the mains were all set and awards and points were being had.
As the races concluded, all racers of the Main were given tickets based on their finish with the top three for the podium. This was quite an undertaken as racers cross the finish line and go in different directions at times. The Volunteers that handle the finish lines are key to the success of the event. Mulvihill was correct in her statement that those working with her know exactly what to do. One woman was even in a motorized wheelchair volunteering.
Among the volunteers was one very animated individual. Wearing a tutu and quite vociferous, Deyana Matt is easily found. Known as a whoo-hoo woman, Deyana has become quite the volunteer and is pure energy, representing The Hill Team.
“I started racing last Mother’s Day, finished near last but I enjoyed it. My son and husband race so I gave it a shot too. Female bonding is what me, and other friends are all about. We started a Female only race and that will be here on June 11, it’s our Annual “Ladies Night Out”. I hosted it last year, we had over fifty ladies attend, some who never owned a bicycle.”
“It was to get women out here and promoted it, you know, the moms who watch, they can come and be part of it. I promote the Elgin Hill team. I’m one of the Team sponsors and I help with all the new registers. This year our team is at 80 people, and I feel the sport is coming back. I feel folks are looking for something to do outside since Covid. We have a great track and lots of Super, Awesome Volunteers. We are all here not being paid; we want to do good for our kids.”
Many different age groups raced even as young as 3 years of age. Three-, four- and five-year-old use balance bikes with no peddles and go over the last quarter of the track experiencing themselves up and over a few moguls and rounding one corner, all using their legs and feet to maneuver the course.
They truly seem to be the happiest when on their bikes.
With racing concluding, winners became clear.
6 & Under Local Open was won by AAMIR ARMSTRONG of Rock Island, IL.
7-8 Local Open saw KNOX REAVES of Davenport, IA take first.
9-10 Local Open had MASON GLONEK of Elgin,IL win the age group.
11-12 Local Open was won by HENRY BOHANON of Skokie IL.
“Basically, I thought to keep peddling and pumping as hard as I could and get to the finish line. If you get to that first corner ahead, and get into the lane you wanted, you have a good chance of winning, that’s what I did,” said Henry.
13-14 Local Open was won by JAYTEN THOMPSON of Machesney Park, IL.
10 & Under Girls Cruiser saw MALIA ALVAREZ of Bloomington, IL winning her main.
11-12 Girls Cruiser saw KAYLIE CERASA of Belvidere, IL win the top spot.
13-14 Girls Cruiser was won by ABIGAIL MANDUJANO of Rockford, IL,
“When I get out of the gate, my head just goes blank and I think just win,” said Abigail. “You get the lead and try to pump through it, it’s pretty much downhill and fast so for me, peddling won’t get you much. I tested out the corners in practice and crashed, so if you go low in the corners, you slide out. I think I did pretty good all day.”
36-40 Women Cruiser winner was FIONA BIEKER of Blue Island, IL.
7 & Under Cruiser saw RHETT PAVELONIS of Silvis, IL take the top spot.
8 Cruiser saw KNOX REAVES win his second title of the day.
9 Cruiser had ELIJAH SHELTON of Rock Island, IL win the main moto.
10 Cruiser was won by WILLIAM WETENDORF of Carol Stream, IL.
12 Cruiser saw OWEN MCMILLIN of Channahon, IL capture first place,
“I peddled as hard as I could and staying out in front focused on winning,” said the fiver-year veteran expert racer. “I was happy winning, but I think I could peddle more and improve that.”
13 Cruiser had MASON KING of Antioch winning his main moto.
14 Cruiser was won by JAYTEN THOMPSON who captured his second title on the day.
16 Cruiser showcased the talents of Expert rider COLE KOPCZYK of Elgin, IL, winning his first of two titles,
“It was a little wet out there, I was not comfortable with it. You have to be cautious when you’re out there racing. Hard to get air when your speed is down because of the weather. I try to have a good time but when it gets more competitive, you try to win. My goal is to go pro. I hope I’m on my way.”
31-35 Cruiser had YAVANT HAUSLER of Elgin, Il winning the age group.
41-45 Cruiser saw ZACK HEITZ of Freeport crossing the finish line first.
51-55 Cruiser was won by 57 year-old, JEFF TAPSCOTT of Springfield, IL,
“I wanted to try and get a good start and get out in front, but it didn’t work out that way, That guy, JEFF HILL is fast, I tried to get him in the last corner and keep my momentum up for the last straight. I was able to do that in the end. This is a great track, the surface is awesome because it rained all day, so it’s worth it to come here every time. Other tracks have to be covered. I enjoy racing here.”
5 & Under Novice was won by MADDOX ALVAREZ of Bloomington, IL.
6 Novice saw AIDEN ANDERSON of South Elgin, IL take the top spot.
7 Novice was won by KAYDEN MOORE of Algonquin, IL.
8 Novice had OLIVIA ROGERS of Elgin, IL out races several boys for the win.
9 Novice was won by BENJAMIN BALASSONE of Elgin, IL.
10 Novice saw KYLE MASSA of Elgin, IL beat all others to the finish line for the win.
11 Novice featured the agility of COLLIN TINDLE of Huntley, IL in the win.
12 Novice saw a second victory on the day for HENRY BOHONON.
13 Novice was all ERIN LYNN MORAVEC of Somers, Wi during her victory.
14 Novice saw RYAN SCHMIDT of Elgin, IL cross the finish line first.
26-35 Novice was won by 35 year-old, JERRY MAHONEY of Antioch, IL.
36-40 Novice saw THOMAS DONNELL of Loves Park, IL got the victory,
“I’m 37 and started just last year. The endurance part of it is the hardest. Coming out and racing three time is tough, my legs are shot right now. The only thing I do is sprints to get my legs stronger. I love this sport and today I got the results I wanted. I’m definitely happy but tired.”
41-45 Novice had RYAN DAVIES of Bunker Hill, IL gain the win.
46-50 Novice saw TYLER THOMPSON of Bloomington, IL cross ahead of everyone.
5 & Under Intermediate was won by PARKER GAINES of Philo, IL.
6 Intermediate was won by GRAYSON COX of Mundelein, IL.
7 Intermediate saw KADEN GEISS of Minooka, IL cross the finish line first.
8 Intermediate was won by BRODY CHRISTENSON of Wadsworth, IL.
9 Intermediate saw SEAN LIEVROUW of Maple Park, IL take the win.
10 Intermediate had MASON GLONEK of Elgin gain the first-place spot.
11 Intermediate was won by KAYDEN RUSK of Geneseo, IL.
12 Intermediate went to CHARLEY HOLLAWAY of Rockford, IL.
13 Intermediate was won by ZAYDEN DEMARS of Machesney Park, IL.
14 Intermediate was won by RILEY GOODWIN of South Elgin, IL.
16 Intermediate title went to BRAD KNOLL of Rockford, IL.
17-20 Intermediate saw COLE KOPCZYK of Elgin, IL win his second title of the day.
26-35 Intermediate was won by JAYDEN ELDER of East Moline, IL,
I had a decent gate and held my line down the first straight, I was thinking just stay upright and continue peddling through. I thought my pumping worked well today. I think I can be more smoother getting my line straighter. I plan to keep on traveling and racing, getting better. My goal is to go pro one day and see where BMX takes me. I’m excited.”
36-40 Intermediate saw CHRIS GOODWIN of South Elgin capture the win.
41-45 Intermediate was won by THOMAS IPPOLITO of Wilmette, IL.
46-50 Intermediate had MARTIN MECUM of Rockford, IL, cross ahead of everyone else.
6 Girls Expert was won by KENIDEA WALLGREN of Monroe, Wi.
9 Girls Expert saw speedy MALIA ALVAREZ of Bloomington take the top spot for the second time.
12 Girls Expert was won by KAYLIE CERASA of Belvidere, IL winning her second Main of the day.
15-16 Girls Expert was won by Mya Poters of Junction City, WI.
7 Expert Main went to RHETT PAVELONIS of Silvis, IL for his second top spot of the day.
8 Expert was won by KNOX REAVES of Davenport, IA, his third title of the day.
9 Expert saw ELIJAH SHELTON of Rock Island, IL win his second title on the day
10 Expert was won by LOGAN CARSON of O’Fallon, Mo,
“I went to the corner high to get out ahead of everyone, once there if you’re ahead you have an advantage. Then I set up for the next turn. I don’t worry about who’s behind me, I just mostly focus on getting to the finish line as fast as possible. It’s a long way here so it’s nice to go with the win.”
12 Expert saw DORIAN CARREIRO of Grand Rapids, MI cross ahead of everyone for the win.
13 Expert was won by MASON KING of Antioch. Mason went home with a pair of titles.
15 Expert saw ETHAN FOX of Alton, IL capture the win.
36-40 Expert was won by MICHAEL LIEVROUW of Maple Park, IL.
46-50 Expert title went home with BILL ELKIN of Hoffman Estates, IL.
51 & Over Expert was predicted and won by MIKE ROBERTS of Wheaton, IL.
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