Wednesday July 1, 2009

AUGUSTA, GA--When BMX racing became in Olympic sport in 2008, there were a lot of skeptics on whether or not it was popular enough. Well, you can forget about that. These days, there's a BMX track in just about every major city, including right here in Augusta.

Summer is the perfect time for a nice bike ride, but this is not your normal bike ride. No, this is BMX racing and it's catching on in Augusta, but why?

"Probably the competition. It's just fun to meet new people and try to beat them." said 11 year old Cory Simmons

"Just going really fast and I don't know, jumping." added Josh Piazza

"Oh, it's just the jumping and riding and beating people." said Luke Doran

"Just going fast, getting big air on the jumps and getting first [place]." said 15 year old Brandon Simmons

"It's just so much fun." added Dalton McNeal

Like any sport, BMX racing has a learning curve, one that these kids know all too well.

"The first time I did it, I fell down on one of the hills." said seven year old Haley Morris

"I've fallen and gone to the hospital twice. I haven't broken anything but I've bruised my knee very badly." added Luke Doran

But here at the Augusta BMX course, these kids are getting better. Back in March, Augusta BMX took second in a state qualifier event. Even a few of the riders are ranked nationally.

So the future is bright for these riders, who plan on taking to the track for many years to come.

"As long as I can, until I don't ride anymore." said Josh Piazza

"I want to go pretty big. It's a lot of fun." added Brandon Simmons

"It's fun and if you get really good, you can get free BMX parts and stuff. I kind of want to be my career." said Corey Simmons

For more information on how you can get involved with Augusta BMX head on over to www.augustabmx.com for more information.