Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Team Flying Wheels BMX Series returns to Steamboat Springs for its second year Thursday. The 10-race series, which takes place at the BMX course near the base of Howelsen Hill, features riding for nearly every age.

“Last year it went great,” track operator Brian Deem said. “We had a pretty decent turnout every race. It got bigger as the season went on and more knowledge got out.”

Deem said last year’s races typically attracted about 45 riders. He expects the same this year, if not more.

Races take place Thursdays throughout the summer. The first one is this Thursday.

Registration opens at 5 p.m. at the track, and races are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The series is open to riders 4 and older.

Deem said series organizers separate riders into divisions based on age and ability.

“For the most part you’ll be racing someone within a year of your age,” he said.

To race, competitors must have a USA BMX annual license. Those can be purchased at the track. The license costs $45 and allow people to race at any sanctioned BMX track.

The track in Steamboat is one of 330 sanctioned tracks in the country and one of 15 in the state.

The cost for each Team Flying Wheels race is $10. The registration fee, Deem said, helps with the upkeep of the course.

“Before the events we water, groom and rake the course,” he said. “The course becomes a lot different than you see during the week. It’s catered. We really light the place up.”

There also will be an additional race June 30 in tribute to the Olympics. Olympic Day at the BMX track will honor BMX in the Olympics, Deem said.

Any person that has questions can call Deem at 970-871-9500. A full schedule is also available at www.ihigh.com/steamboatspringsbmx.

“The course is in excellent condition,” he said. “We’ve been working diligently for weeks.”