Families have embraced BMX bike racing in the Maitland area with mothers racing each other and fathers and sons competing in top events.
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This is the case at the Maitland Tenambit BMX Club, which now has a membership of 230.
The club is now gearing up for the national championships in Brisbane from April 28 to May 3 on the SX Track at the Sleeman Sports Centre.
But even as they prepared for this event, family involvement was evident.
Typical of these members are Nekon Greer from Ashtonfield, his son Harper aged nine and little
Xabi, 5.
“It’s a tough sport where everyone competes against others in their own age group,” Mr Greer said as he and Xabi mounted their bikes.
“It’s the excitement and the challenge that keeps the kids interested.
“The action of racing embraces us all.
“But it’s much more than just keeping the kids entertained – this can involve every family member.
“It’s an ideal sport where families share their triumphs.
“We all know how hard others have raced and the ordeals they have faced.
“It strengthens the bonds between us all.”
It’s four months now since Mr Greer signed up for $40 to try a stint at Maitland Tenambit BMX Club, and shortly afterwards he signed Harper up.
“Xabi was only three then, but he also loved it from the start,” Mr Greer said.
“Within a month we got the kids all the protective gear they needed and we were away.” Mr Greer said.
Harper was in a bicycle crash, but his confidence had been fully restored after he joined the club.
“This sport gives kids a lot more time with their families than they might normally have,” he said.
“We all go out together and it’s really great to see the youngsters cheering on their mums at the track."
