A new season of BMX racing is at the starting gate, and the local club is inviting newcomers.
Ridge Meadows BMX is not only fun for the boys and girls who ride, but also for a lot of the parents and other adults who participate in and support the sport.
BMX racing is one of the most entertaining individual sports, as evidenced by its recent addition as an Olympic event.
Up to eight riders at a time will line up at the start hill. When the gate drops they try to beat their competition around a dirt track approximately 400-metre-long with three paved corners and numerous hills and obstacles in their way.
Riders will compete in at least three races per race night, with their placing in each race contributing to their overall placing for the night.
Riders range in age from as young as two to over 70. There are riders still on training wheels being chased around by their parents, all the way to national class riders with Olympic aspirations.
Riders are grouped by age and ability, making getting started in the sport less intimidating than many sports.
This is one of the few sports where mom, dad and the kids can all participate at the same time.
“Prepare to be humbled by your own children,” advises a press release from the local club.
Ridge Meadows BMX in Pitt Meadows has been operated entirely by volunteers for more than 30 years in this location. Ridge Meadows BMX has free practice on Mondays from 6-8 p.m., with available coaching, and racing on Tuesdays starting at 7 p.m. with registration from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Riders can try BMX out on almost any bike suitable for riding off road, and need to wear a full-face helmet, long sleeved shirt, long pants (jeans work well) and full finger gloves.
Not everyone has access to this equipment, so the track works hard to make it easy for new participants to try BMX racing by offering loaner gear.
The track is open to the public at all times when it is not being used for racing or practice, and parents are invited to take their kids out and give it a try at 17130 Barnes Rd., Pitt Meadows.
• More info at RidgeMeadowsBMX.com.
