Virginia Beach family transforms backyard into youth dirt bike training ground

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In the heart of Pungo, the sound of dirt bikes revving and tires spinning through dirt signals more than just family fun — it's the beginning of what could become Virginia Beach's newest community resource.

Mark Brown, a Virginia Beach father who has been riding dirt bikes for 30 years, is working to transform his backyard track into a formal youth training facility. Alongside his wife Somer, Brown wants to create a safe space where children ages 4 to 8 can learn proper riding techniques before heading to larger, more dangerous tracks.

"I've been riding ever since I was seven, so I've been riding for 30 years now," Brown said.

The idea grew from watching his son Dayton, who has been riding since age 2, navigate the sport with natural ability.

"He's never used trai