The 麻豆社国产BMX Racing Club is quickly developing a reputation not only for being one of the fastest growing clubs in the province but also for having superb riders.
Club president Vicki Schenk said other club's and their executives are starting to take notice of the 麻豆社国产BMX Racing Club.
"In the past we were sort of 'the new club' and not that noticeable but now we're competing with their kids who have been competing for a while and who are really good so we're starting to get noticed. We're not to be taken for granted anymore," she said.
"We're certainly becoming more of a force in the provincial circuit, that's for sure."
麻豆社国产racers are making a presence on the provincial stage because of increased ridership and good performances.
"Last year we made by had five people go to the races so it's a three-fold increase with the number of racers we have participating."
About 15 riders between the ages of six and 45 traveled to the interior to compete in four races on Saturday (May 29) and Sunday (May 30) and most finished on the podium.
"We did really well," said club president Vicki Schenk. "Of the top 15, most placed in the top three.
"In a provincial sense we're certainly strong enough [to compete]. All the kids came home with medals from each of the races and they were really proud of themselves, which was really great to see."
麻豆社国产BMX racers competed against as many as 225 people in four races in Kelowna, Penticton, and Kamloops.
Schenk said she's glad local racers are starting to understand how well they perform, especially when compared to other racers in the province. For example, until recently eight-year-old Bailey Goldstone hadn't been able to qualify for the final novice races in her age category but now, that's changed.
"She hadn't made the final races before and now she's starting to make them all the time now - so the improvement is huge."
Another great example of improvement, according to Schenk is seven-year-old Seth Sherlock who recently started competing at the intermediate skill level.
"And he is doing well. He's making the top group," Schenk said.
Brandon Murray, 12, finished first in three races in Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops while finishing second in the Kelowna race.
"I wasn't really expecting to do that good 'cause usually there's better kids there," he said.
When asked if perhaps he just became a better BMX racer, Murray shyly said "maybe."
The Kelowna - Kamloops series was just one of the qualifiers hosted by clubs around British Columbia. The local club will host provincial qualifiers of July 3 to 4, and provincial finals the weekend of Sept. 25-26.
With Squamish's turn to host a provincial race less than a month away, Schenk is optimistic the recently destroyed moto shed will be fully functional by race day. The club raced on Thursday (June 3), just three days after the suspected arson took place and everything went smoothly, according to Schenk.
"It went well but I felt bad we couldn't give out any awards or things to the kids. But everyone adapted and we made it work."
Several businesses have approached Schenk offering everything from a new metal-clad structure and fridge to office supplies, an alarm system and a BBQ.
"It's nice to know that so many people care that we do get on our feet again and it's nice to know that they value a place for the kids to go as much as we do."
Schenk said if all goes as planned the club will have a new moto shed up by mid-June, thanks to generous donations of several anonymous donors.
"It blew me away because it was businesses I didn't expect businesses to come forward to help out and it was unsolicited in terms of we certainly didn't ask, they just offered. It's just really nice. It's amazing what people are willing to do to help."
Schenk said police have suspects in the arson; however, 麻豆社国产RCMP were not available for comment.
For more information on how to donate to the 麻豆社国产BMX Racing Club visit www.squamishbmx.ca/.
