Derived from motocross racing, BMX races are bicycle sprint races on off-road, single-lap racetracks. Though BMX is often seen as a kids’ sport, the truth is that racers range in age from 3 to over 60. Among the professional ranks for both men and women, the ages span from 15 to 40 years.

“One of the best things about BMX racing is that it’s a very family-friendly sport,” says Shayne Robinson.

She should know. Shayne and her family are active racers at the Peachtree City BMX track. Over 8 years ago, her husband and son began racing and she immediately got involved, serving as everything from track volunteer, graduating to Georgia State Commissioner and now S.E. Regional Clerk with the National Bicycle League.

While Shayne enjoyed cheering on the men in her life, she wasn’t content to let them have all the fun—she got out there on the track herself. Now all three of them are ranked nationally amongst the top BMX racers in their individual classes.

BMX racing is an individual sport that requires strength, speed and bike handling skills, though racers in different classifications often form teams. According to Shayne, when new kids start racing at the Peachtree City track, they’re buddied up with experienced racers in the same age group who teach them the ropes.

“There is great support, but ultimately, how well you do in BMX depends on what you’re willing to put into it,” Shayne explains. “We’ve found that BMX racing is the perfect outlet for kids who don’t enjoy team sports. They do best when they can rely on themselves and their own abilities.”

The flexibility of BMX is another great aspect of the sport. Since participants can race as much or as little as they want, it can fit in with anyone’s calendar. The Peachtree City BMX track is always open and hosts 26 to 28 local races a year.

“It suits everyone’s style,” Shayne says. “Rookies, novices and experts of all ages can comfortably race here, but still find challenges to sharpen their skills.”

Constructed in 1983, the track is one of the oldest in the NBL and Shayne points out that it’s completely maintained by volunteers working with the help of Peachtree City. Fundraisers are held regularly to keep the BMX track in tip-top shape.

The roots of BMX reach back to the early 1970s when kids in Southern California began racing their bicycles on dirt tracks, inspired by the stars of motocross racing. The sport grew in popularity and by the mid 70’s, the National Bicycle League, a nonprofit bicycle motocross organization, was established, and manufacturers began designing bicycles specifically for BMX racing.

In 1981, the International BMX Federation was founded and the first world championships were held the following year. BMX racing became a full medal Olympic sport for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The first Olympic champions in the sport were Maris Štrombergs (male, Latvia) and Anne-Caroline Chausson (female, France).

Hit the Track

Peachtree City BMX
191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City
Track Director: 678-770-1750
Race Hotline: 678-318-1881, x 104
www.ptcbmx.com

Gate Practice: every Thursday, 6-8pm school days; 7-9pm in summer.
No charge; full race gear and current NBL license required.