“It’s at 2-minute track times right now, and that’s for an expert rider,” stated Hamburgur. “I let the quads run on the track at the same time the motocross guys do. The track is plenty big. It’s plenty wide. It’s a courteous type of atmosphere.”

To accommodate every skill level each of the 14 jumps has an alternate trail. “So if you don’t want to hit it, just stay to the side and eventually it’ll come back to the track.” It’s basically clay, hard-packed ground. “Everything out there is plateaus or tabletop jumps you’re not going to find 65, 8-0 foot double or triples. I have to build it suitable for the general public because I’ve got all kinds of skill levels I’m riding with here. You don’t want to be building anything too extreme, because then the other kids will take a look at it, think Joe Blow made it look so easy, then they go up there and get hurt.”

Access for ATV’s is $15 for the day and dirt bikes are $20 to come ride. Those are the only fees since there is no membership. The track isn’t open during the week and it opens its doors only every other weekend. Regular hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Insurance rates are extremely high for something like this,” Hamburger explained, so they open when they can.

This year the first weekend of July falls into the rotation. So the track will be open July 14-15, too. They open on certain holidays, including July 4.

“You just come out, show up, pay your money, go ride. Helmets are required. The rest of your safety gear: you’re on your own. You could wear a set of work boots, break your ankle, and that’s your problem.” Of course the organizers help riders be safe every way they can, including inviting pro riders to the track to give pointers and hold classes. Entry fees cover those costs, plus the rental of Earthmovers and groomers to keep the track in top form. “I stick all the money back into the park, which helps pay for more of the insurance and the maintenance,” explained Hamburgur.

Insurance would come in handy if a rider nailed one of the many trees. At some points the tall hardwoods hug the track and resemble goal posts. Trees are plentiful around the track, but some open areas allow riders to open up the throttle. When it’s time for a break riders and their families have plenty of space to rest, but there isn’t much for amenities.

“We don’t have any type of concessions. We have port-a-potties. Bring your own food, grill out, you want to order up some pizza, call up the local Pizza Hut and have it delivered,” he said. There are no permanent grills on site, but the track does occasionally host primitive camping on big holiday weekends. Those dates are announced next to other track information at www.fdlmx.com.

The track doesn’t have many of the luxuries riders get accustomed to, but it’s a solid course with some challenge and broad availability. “There are not that many places to ride like this in Wisconsin,” Hamburger said. “This place used to be our secret little riding area. We got caught by the city police.” After that he and a few others pursued official recognition of the park. It worked, and legions of riders benefit in the open where once only a few could sneak in.

The track is a short trip along I-41 form Milwaukee. Further north on that road is the city of Oshkosh, which hosts the Experimental Aviation Association’s museum and the world’s biggest fly-in and aviation convention July 24-30. Both Oshkosh and Fond du Lac lie on Lake Winnebago, one of the largest lakes in the nation. Numerous marinas cater to tourists looking for a watery adventure.

Fond du Lac ’s downtown and business districts offer a diverse nightlife and several big box stores. To get to the track, exit off US 41 at the Hickory Street exit, turn south (away from town). Go to Kohlman Rd. (the first stop sign) and turn left.  Go to Warehouse Ct. (the next left) and turn left.  Follow the asphalt driveway down the hill.  You will be required to sign in before you enter the park.  Riders are encourage to call ahead to check on weather conditions or special dates. The number is 920-269-4253.