RAPID CITY, S.D. — BMX Racing is a family-oriented activity that teaches the value of hard work, dedication, and having fun.
What started off as a small group of riders on a small dirt track has turned into a sport of about 250 riders with an Olympic-caliber track.
It takes the efforts of many to make the racing happen.
Chris Blair, Rapid City BMX Track Director, says, “We are a volunteer organization, we are here for the kids and the racing. We come out for the enjoyment and everything and yes – there are thousands of hours that go into maintaining this facility each year and we have been doing a lot of upgrades to the facility. We would invite anyone who wants to come in and walk around and check it out.”
BMX racing is open to anyone who wants to compete; riders start at two years old and up to well…the sky is the limit!
The racing lifestyle promotes fitness and fun – riders can work up from a Strider bike to pedal bike with three classes of riders – novice, intermediate, and expert.
Evan Callis, a 27 year old Expert Rider, says, “BMX is pretty cool because it’s an independent sport, there’s a lot you can do with it, you can go state to state for Nationals of just local points races but Nationals are the real fun part I think because it’s just a big party.”
Lily Parkin is eight years old and this is her second year competing.
Parkin says, “I think it’s really fun and I enjoy it a lot. I’m really excited for the this year’s races, and I have a goal which is to win three more races to become expert.”
Bryson Forgery is also eight years old and this is his first year competing.
Forgery says, “Just trying to have fun and meet some new friends…you get trophies and stuff.”
Blair adds, “It’s a bicycling lifestyle, it really is for a lot of these kids, it’s a wonderful way to be healthy. We divide everyone up to your own category and age bracket so nobody should feel intimidated to come out here for the first time.”
Races are on Monday and Wednesday nights, registration is 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with racing to follow directly.
Rapid City BMX is a sanctioned race organization through USA BMX.
First time of racing is one dollar. With a current USABMX membership, the nightly races cost eight dollars per rider, per class, and three dollars for Strider riders.
Season runs May thru September/October.
They host a members practice on Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Anyone or any age can ride. The only requirement is that they have long sleeves, pants, and a full-face helmet.
For more info, please email rapidcitybmxsport@gmail.com.
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