Dirt, debris, and BMX bikers ride into the West Shore this weekend.
The dirt track behind the 100.3 The Q arena plays host to the BMX Provincial Cup Race Final Aug. 23 and 24 where many of the best young riders in B.C. pedal, jump and fly past competitors in one of the fastest-growing BMX communities in Western Canada.
“I think it is great, our sport is getting known and it is growing by leaps and bounds,” said organizer Dana Ogurek. “It’s exploding in Canada and I hope this will get some more eyes and ears out here.”
The sport’s quick ascent on the West Shore has played a large role in securing the PCR event and Ogurek said she expects further growth as high-profile events like the finals attract spectators and visitors from across the province.
“We earned the championships because (Greater Victoria BMX) is the highest growing club in the province for new memberships,” the Langford resident said. “By working hard and (through) word of mouth we have grown it from 60 members five or six years ago to 200 now.”
Ogurek spends countless hours volunteering alongside many other parents in preparation for an event she said is aimed at all ages, including her own son who benefits from the close-knit club.
“It’s a lot of high-energy kids that are out there and it really hook line and sinkers them and keeps them focused,” Ogurek said. “It is a community for all sorts … Everyone is accepted. We don’t discriminate against anybody and seeing their little faces coming across the line is priceless, it is absolutely priceless.”
One of those faces will be up-and-coming BMX rider Riely Brosius who enters the race ranked No. 2 in B.C. and the Langford resident hopes to slide past one more person before all is said and done in a sport that is now a huge part of him and his family’s life.
“I like it a lot, my favourite part is just riding and having fun and jumping around, it’s fun,” the Happy Valley elementary school student said. “And I am really good, I usually win my races.”
Riders from as far as the Mainland, Prince George and all up and down Vancouver Island join the Grade 6 student who trains three or four times week in a sport his mother, Tara Brosius, said has helped him turn the corner in more ways than one.
“He is an aggressive little rider and he knows his cornering well and he is out there in full force all the time,” she said. “Lots of wounds this year, but (he) jumps on his bike (and) keeps on going.”
When & Where
• Saturday registration runs 10 to 11 a.m.
• Sunday registration runs 9 to 10 a.m.
• Racing begins shortly after registration each day on the track behind the Q Centre at West Shore Recreation.
For more information visit Victoriabmx.com
