Accesss Sport - transforming lives through sport

Sunday 21 January 2012 saw the GoRide BMX race series reach new heights. Hosted by BADBMX this day at the races was the first time out for many racers.

Many riders had never seen a BMX track and lots of parents showed up in support. 40plus entries and the associated parents flooded the track in Dagenham East London for the first race of 2012. Seasoned racers were quoted mentioning the similarities between the atmosphere in hay-day times of past and this new found momentum in the London BMX scene. "It’s like when the Peckham club started up"

With these races geared up for beginner level riders the day is a great inspirational tool in keeping new people in the sport and this was very apparent in the excitement of all involved. The race had entrants from each of the 5 New BMX clubs linked to the 5 new tracks in the London area of which 2 are yet to be finished. This meant for a percentage of the kids racing, they had never been to a track before and had never seen a start gate. Practice had riders mixing with club riders and all ages on track

The race day worked out great for all involved. Hackney BMX showed up in force again with a run of medals across the age groups. First timers ELBO who operate a playground club until their track completes mid-March had success with riders enjoying the day and a qualifier for the finals. Not bad for a first track experience. Tower Hamlets BMX had riders racing well, moving up through the moto sheets and Greenwich BMX had their winning game on after a close run finals against Hackney in the December race at BADBMX where their top rider won on his new bike received at Christmas. Newham BMX Club from the host borough had their first outing to the races with 7 riders representing.

So in summary everyone loved the day. The kids are all hooked on BMX and the next round looks like a big event with more people getting into the ways of BMX. Parents were showing interest in trying the sport and each of the clubs are growing and gearing up for an exciting 2012. Onwards and upwards for BMX

Great day out! My only complaint was the wind but I guess that keeps everyone on the ground. BADBMX are great hosts and I look forward to a 60 plus race entry target next race. These days are always fun as they require a bit of a lesson on the gate for the riders at their first race.

Simon Hall