A prolonged winter has the Vernon BMX Club chomping at the bit to hit the dirt at Ranger Park.
Since its debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, BMX racing has experienced huge growth, and the local scene is no different, with the Vernon club one of the strongest in B.C.
The race season will get underway as soon as the track is dried out, with practices every Monday, starting at 5:45 p.m. for beginners and 6:45 for intermediate, expert and older racers.
Regular weekly racing goes Tuesdays at 7 p.m., with registration from 5:45-6:30.
Last season, weekly race nights consistently draw more than 100 local and out-of-town competitors to the club, usually with at least an equal number of spectators providing a superb festival-like atmosphere.
The Vernon BMX Club, the third largest in Canada, boasts a number of top racers, headed by Kevin Hill, who made headlines this winter for his success on the FIS snowboard cross circuit. Hill credits much of his success in snowboard cross to his BMX background, and feels the two sports compliment one other another.
Vernon BMX will once again be active hosting charity events throughout the season, starting with the Race for Food on May 25 to support the summer needs of the local Salvation Army, and the Race for Life on June 25, which raises money for the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
The club will host its annual open house/equipment exchange on Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes on-track demonstrations by local racers and is a good chance for parents and kids thinking about getting involved in the sport.
For more information, contact Mike Riva at 250-549-3937, or visit www.vernonbmx.com.
