For the past six years, area residents with the need for speed have been making their way to the USA Official BMX training and race facility in Riverview.
Also known as USA BMX Riverview, located at 12705 Balm-Boyette Rd., the track is a non-profit facility sanctioned by USA BMX and the American Bicycle Association (ABA).
The track today sits on 58 acres of County-leased property and has earned the recognition as one of the hardest and fastest tracks in the state, drawing young talented racers who seek the thrill that BMX (Bicycle motocross) has to offer.
“Everyone is welcome and we have plenty of room for beginners to experienced riders,” said USA BMX Riverview Board member, Troy Harnage, whose three children Tyler, 9, Wesley 12, and Dylan, 5, are a staple at track.
“The great thing about this sport is that you never sit on the bench,” Harnage added. “My kids love coming here and racing.” In agreement with dad, Tyler and Wesley both spoke passionately about the sport during a recent Saturday morning practice, emphasizing what really brings them back to the track each week.
“I love competing, and traveling to other tracks,” Tyler said, now an expert rider who is currently sponsored by Corsa Raceware.
With future plans to incorporate a pump track, practice gates and sprint lanes as well as a Strider Bike track, the facility includes an approximately 1,080-ft.-long BMX track that offers steep backsides, deep turns and downhill sections, which can add up to massive speeds.
The impressive track also attracted Roger Foss, of Riverview, who now also brings his two children, Jorden, 10, and Jocelyn, 5, to the facility.
“We heard about this place a little more than a year ago, decided to check it out, and never looked back,” Roger said.
When asked about his reason for pursuing the sport, Jorden, who in his first year of racing won the SSA (SUNSHINE STATE ASSOCIATION) race and is now rides as a 10 intermediate, simply said, “I love riding bikes.”
His sister, Jocelyn, started her BMX career on a strider bike and within just a few months she started riding a mini BMX bike, which her mom Amber Foss says is great for all ages. “Jocelyn loves riding her bike as well as getting dressed up in her racing gear,” Amber said, “She especially loves her bow Mohawk helmet that her mommy made her.”
USA BMX Riverview is all run by volunteers and at a cost of $5 per practice, is open on Thursday nights from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday’s from 9-11 a.m.
For more information about full membership, cost, race details, bike and gear, please visit the track or go to www.usabmx.com.
