The city’s BMX riders managed to look as though they were in mid-season form, and yet it was only the start of the season.
The Nanaimo BMX Association held its first race of 2014 on Sunday at Marie Davidson BMX Park.
About 125 riders signed up on opening day, making for 28 hotly contested motos.
Chris Johnson, the association’s president, said during the off-season, the club held gate practices on clement days to keep kids riding year-round.
He said the association is happy with registration to date, but there’s always room for more riders and it’s simple enough to get involved.
“Get the kids on the track,” he said. “The track’s open any time to the public.”
Race days are Sunday mornings and some Wednesday evenings. For newcomers, their first race is free. The club also has an informal mentorship program for new members.
“We’ll get one of our older riders to take them around for a bit and show them the ropes and show them what to expect,” Johnson said.
He said almost everyone who tries the sport continues to come out to the track. A race is just one lap, but it’s fast, full of ups and down and twists and turns, and it’s never the same twice.
“There’s always lots of things that can happen in a race and it just adds to the excitement,” Johnson said.
The next race is Sunday (April 13), with registration from 10-11 a.m. There is a free newcomers’ day on April 26 leading up to the Vancouver Island Challenge race April 27.
For more information about the Nanaimo BMX Association, visit www.nanaimobmx.com or search Facebook.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
