314 Compound

314 Compound sits on H Avenue next to the North Raccoon River outside Scranton, Iowa, about an hour northwest of Des Moines, run by Talon Motorsports, the same crew behind Midwest Extreme Park in Missouri. Three full-size big-bike tracks share the property: a large, safe supercross-style track, an outdoor track with dirt that builds deep ruts, and a second outdoor track with a much sandier topsoil that gets whooped out and rough for the riders who want that kind of training. A long pit bike track keeps the kids and minis busy, and the river is good for fishing when you are done. The tracks are groomed several times a week, and 313 Facebook reviews run 98 percent positive.

Open riding is posted day by day on the 314 Compound calendar on MX Tickets, and in season that means most days of the week from 8 AM until dark, with prepped ride days on weekends that usually start at 10 AM. Weather cancels, and the rule is never ride alone. Riding is $30 per rider plus a $10 gate fee at the track, which the compound treats as your membership due toward track upkeep, or a $40 riding fee booked online through MX Tickets. Camping is free and welcomed. Race weekends open the gates Friday evening, run practice Saturday from 9 to 3 for $35 and race Sunday from 9:30 for $45 per class, with gate fees of $30 for the weekend, $25 Saturday or $15 Sunday, an ambulance and flaggers on site both days, and everything registered through MX Tickets.

Dusty McDonald runs the compound; reach it at (712) 790-2412 or [email protected], and watch the 314 Compound Facebook page for weather calls and race weekend schedules.