The Columbus BMX track, located next to Dunn Stadium north of the 4-H Fairgrounds, is a hidden treasure that even locals are sometimes unaware of. BMX, an acronym for bicycle motocross, has been an Olympic event since the 2008 games, and its popularity continues to grow in the region.

Chris Clapp, president of the nonprofit Columbus BMX (CBMX), often spends his time at the local track along with his wife, son and daughter. They want others in Columbus to learn about this amazing resource available in town. Many riders travel regularly from Indianapolis, Carmel, Cincinnati and Dayton for a chance to race at the Columbus track, he said. However, not as many locals are making use of it as Clapp would hope.

The Clapp family will be the first to say that BMX racing is a family-oriented sport.

 “A lot of the dads, they were past BMXers. There’s a class for everybody to race in. There’s stuff for the girls. We have two-year-olds that race, and it’s so awesome. It’s so cool. They do their little Flintstone thing - they don’t have pedals on their bikes, but they’re kicking."

-Chris Clapp

In the stands, parents cheer enthusiastically for their kids, but it’s all clean fun. Politics and drama are nowhere to be found at the CBMX track, he said. The riders engage in friendly competition, but they are able to remain buddies off the track.

Want to get involved?

Local Columbus bike shops sell BMX bikes that will help get you started, but if you just want to give it a try for free, you can do that too! At CBMX, anyone can borrow a helmet and a bike the first time they come to the track.

Watch a video about selecting the right helmet for your child

A full membership with USA BMX earns access into any one of the 255 BMX tracks located in the United States or Canada ($60). Visit www.columbusbmx.com for more information.

This is a sport that generally meets on Tuesday and Saturday nights, but one of the appealing things about it is that participants can be as involved as they decide. No matter what, nobody sits the bench. This is a welcoming environment for new participants and spectators alike. Upon arrival, visitors can expect the whole Clapp family to welcome them (in their bright orange t-shirts) in addition to other parents on the sidelines who are more than happy to share information until they get the hang of the routine.