'My goal is always to build a track that flows well, is fun to ride, safe but yet challenging for all type of riders and meets all UCI regulations'
TOM RITZENTHALER JR.
Dr. Dirt, the Master of Mud, the Guru of Gravel - a man with many names. Tom is a true artist, using a CAT 257B as his paint brush, creating BMX tracks around the world to get kids on bikes and to create Champions!
Tom, a former pro-BMX’er who turned track builder over 25 years ago, is nowadays one of the most experienced BMX track builders in the world. For the last 15 years, Tom has been instrumental in developing the sport of BMX, pushing the boundaries, which created the BMX Supercross format. Working previously for the UCI (International Cycling Union) and EliteTrax, Tom has designed and built most UCI BMX Supercross World Cup and UCI BMX World Championship tracks since 2003 including the 2008 Olympic Games BMX track, 2012 Olympic Games BMX track and the 2016 Olympic Games BMX track in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. With his passion for building BMX tracks, building rat rods and designing tattoos, he started Tom Ritz Designs.
What was the first track you ever built? '1981 Norwalk Race Park in Norwalk Ohio'
What is your proudest moment in BMX as a track builder? 'Beijing, China. The first ever Olympic Games in 2008'
How many tattoos do you have? '21'
What kind of music do you listen to, while building BMX tracks? 'Depends on the work; country for moving dirt, Slipknot for tearing shit down, Punk rock to building jumps and old school rap for rhythm sections'
What is your favorite BMX track of all times? 'Toss up between the '98 NBL Christmas Classic or the Red Bull R.Evolution race in Berlin'
What is your favorite piece of track building equipment 'CAT Skidsteer or a good stiff rake'
Since 2010, we have been building pump tracks and bike trails, especially designed and suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. A 'pump track' is a progressive bike course loop perfect for practicing balance, learning skills, improve confidence and build your fitness on a bike - in other words - for all ages and something that should be in every city or county park!
For more information, please visit the PumpTraxUSA website by click on the button below!
TOM'S CREW
Mitch Horne
Not only has Mitch been the track operator of the best looking track in USA – Okeeheelee BMX in West Palm Beach, FL, but he has pretty much rebuild all the tracks in Florida. What makes Mitch extraordinary is that he has been in the golf course construction business for 23 years with an extensive knowledge in drainage and landscaping. Watch out Jack Nicklaus, we’re about to make golf courses into BMX tracks.
Jason Schiefelbein
Jason started racing BMX in the 80's when BMX was at it's peak in the Midwest. He remembers seeing Stu Thomsen, at Stow BMX, 360 over 'Stow Mountain', renaming it 'Stu's Mountain'. Jason got to race with legendary rider's like Todd Lyon's and Billy Au.. Jason took his previous experience from working with NBL and the Christmas Classic & NBL Grands over Tom Ritz Designs.
The Electric Pen
In addition to Tom Ritz love for BMX, rat rods and tattoos plays an important role.
Tom has teamed up with a number of artists and opened the The Electric Pen.
The Electric Pen Art Gallery is located in the town square of Milan,Ohio next to The Wonder Bar.
Click below to learn more and book an appointment!
Contact us today for a quote for your BMX track or pump track project
Tom Ritz Design - 17820 Woodbury Ave, Cleveland Ohio 44135 USA
Phone: +1 614 607 3775 or +1 614 302 3725 - Email: jason@tomritzdesigns.com.