Penticton BMX riders enjoyed a successful season because their skills improved on the track.
With races on Sunday and Thursday, riders were also at the Lion’s Park track on Mondays for practice. On average, 12 riders hit the track to work on their skills, but they also enjoyed being with their friends.
Club president Andrew Bayston said riders such as Marquez Gonzalez and Nash Bayston did so well they moved up levels.
The club will be represented at nationals in Chilliwack in two weeks by Marquez Gonzalez, Jeff Babuin, Josh Holland and Paige Haamers. Others are eligible to compete but have yet to decide.
While the club celebrated its season with a wrap up party on Sept. 20, they competed one last time on Oct. 9.
Along with success on the track, the club saw membership growth doubling from 65-70. Those numbers left Bayston very happy, especially with having more younger riders, including seven in the strider group, non-pedal bikes, for kids aged two to four.
“It was great to get the really young ones out,” said Bayston. “We had great family support.”
Bayston said the growth in numbers is a huge step for the club as they decided to place focus on that while putting plans for track relocation on the back burner.
Helping the numbers rise was being in the Penticton Recreation guide, as well as putting out flyers and parents putting out the word to join the club.
In other club news, Zane McLean who turned four during the summer, received money for his birthday and donated $280 towards the club.
Their annual general meeting is Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at Dogtown Cafe. The club will be electing new board members and seeking parent volunteers.