RIgHT On track

unless you have been an Airdrie resident for some time now or have children who love to ride their bike, you might not know that the community has a world-class BMX track and has been producing world-class riders for years.

“Airdrie BMX has produced some of the top BMX riders in Canada. Many of our ‘challenge class’ (under 17) are Canadian national or Alberta champions,” says current Airdrie BMX Association president Tim Croft.

The local club’s most recent alumna to tear up the world stage was Samantha Cools. Sammy, as she is known, was Canada’s Olympic hopeful for women’s BMX, which was officially introduced during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her father, John Cools, was one of the founders of Airdrie BMX, along with Jean-eude Lebel, Barney Brown and a few others, almost 20 years ago.

The Airdrie BMX club and track, which can be found at the west end of Fletcher Park, is a pretty impressive facility. If you are a parent interested in seeing your child get into competitive sport, maybe a little family recreation or just some regular exercise, the club offers something for everyone.

District race nights happen twice a week, with two nights for coaching. There is also a loaner bike program, so kids can borrow a bike, helmets and gloves and try BMX before they decide to commit to it. Parents are encouraged to come out and ride, as well, and can do so on the same nights as their children. Riders are grouped by age and ability, so they can be comfortable racing among other riders.

BMX is a relatively inexpensive sport. Yearly riding fees (includes licence) range from $65 to $120 depending on age and level of competitiveness, and a bike and helmet (lasting a few seasons) might start at a few hundred dollars.

Currently Airdrie BMX is run by a group of volunteers who donate their time and energy, ensuring that children of all ages can ride.

This year Airdrie BMX is preparing for the next evolution – a more extreme form of BMX – for the professional-level rider, known as “supercross.” To facilitate this, the original start hill has been raised three metres. Although the angle or grade is less extreme in comparison to supercross starts at other tracks, Croft says, the idea is that the higher speeds generated by this type of hill will ensure that Airdrie BMX continues to produce riders who will go on to compete on the world stage.

With the new features completed this spring, local riders and their fans should be prepared for the Canadian National Championships hosted by Airdrie BMX Aug. 26-29. life

(June

(June

Canada Day Parade &

Events (July

Batting Against Breast Cancer Slo-Pitch

(August 7)

2010 National BMX Championships (August 26-29)

Airdrie Farmers Market (Runs every Wednesday at

Iron Horse Park (Sundays)

Nose Creek Valley Museum (Open daily)

Tennis finally gets its day in court in Airdrie

story & photos by Carl Patzel