Sandbox MX (Vassar)

Sandbox MX sits on South Higgins Road near Vassar in eastern Michigan. The operator describes a lap of just over a mile on a clay/sand soil mix, with a variety of obstacles and a layout that is completely viewable from every spectating position. Riding happens only on selected Sundays from 11am to 5pm; which ones is set out in the practice schedule on the operator's site, and sign-up runs by text message. A maximum of 40 riders is allowed on the track per session, and payment is cash only - no cards are accepted. Helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, pants and a long-sleeve shirt are mandatory, and the pits are first gear at walking pace only. According to the operator, riders of all levels are catered for. Ground with a high sand content gives way under power: the rear squats on corner exit, the geometry goes flat, and the bike runs wider than the line you turned in on. Top of our cause list is rear low-speed compression that is too soft - add a little and the rear stays up under acceleration and the line holds.