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Brewin Ford (left) leads ahead of Anderson Turner during an Imperial Valley BMX race in Seeley on Saturday. (JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO / March 16, 2013) |
SEELEY — BMX may appear to be a male-dominated sport, but don’t tell that to 12-year-old BMX rider and Imperial resident Kristabel Valencia.
“She has earned the most points in the district no matter what age,” said Kristabel’s father, Tommy Valencia.
The Imperial Valley BMX Association hosted a state qualifier Saturday and Sunday. IV BMX hosted 150 participants, 30 of which were local riders, said Dewey Belew. Belew is the track operator with Imperial Valley BMX Association.
A large majority of the contestants came from the San Diego and Los Angeles areas, as well as a few riders from Yuma. BMX contestants ranged in age from 4 through 48.
“I just like to win, have fun with my friends and have little competition,” said 9-year-old rider Cassidy Estrada.
Winning of the competition could qualify the riders to compete in the state championship; usually held in Orange.
C.C. Hightower of La Mesa said he came to the state qualifier to win first place. When Hightower was asked how he felt the heat would affect his performance on the track, he said, “I excel in this weather.”
Many of the BMX riders interviewed mentioned they put in a lot of practice but love the sport, because it is an individual sport.
“It is all up to you. What you make of it, out of every race and every event,” said Hightower.
Imperial residents Norma and Ralph Vasquez said BMX is a way of life for their family. They attend competitions to support their grandsons. They say the races can get pretty exciting, especially with the fast qualifiers.
The Imperial Valley BMX track is maintained by volunteers. Local companies have donated special dirt for the track. Belew said they are always looking for volunteers. If anyone is interested in volunteering you can go to www.ivbmx.com for further information.
Results from this weekend’s action will be in Tuesday’s edition.
Staff Writer Alexis Rangel can be reached at arangel@ivpressonline.com
To join the discussion and add your comments to this story, please click here to be directed to Facebook.
“She has earned the most points in the district no matter what age,” said Kristabel’s father, Tommy Valencia.
The Imperial Valley BMX Association hosted a state qualifier Saturday and Sunday. IV BMX hosted 150 participants, 30 of which were local riders, said Dewey Belew. Belew is the track operator with Imperial Valley BMX Association.
A large majority of the contestants came from the San Diego and Los Angeles areas, as well as a few riders from Yuma. BMX contestants ranged in age from 4 through 48.
“I just like to win, have fun with my friends and have little competition,” said 9-year-old rider Cassidy Estrada.
Winning of the competition could qualify the riders to compete in the state championship; usually held in Orange.
C.C. Hightower of La Mesa said he came to the state qualifier to win first place. When Hightower was asked how he felt the heat would affect his performance on the track, he said, “I excel in this weather.”
Many of the BMX riders interviewed mentioned they put in a lot of practice but love the sport, because it is an individual sport.
“It is all up to you. What you make of it, out of every race and every event,” said Hightower.
Imperial residents Norma and Ralph Vasquez said BMX is a way of life for their family. They attend competitions to support their grandsons. They say the races can get pretty exciting, especially with the fast qualifiers.
The Imperial Valley BMX track is maintained by volunteers. Local companies have donated special dirt for the track. Belew said they are always looking for volunteers. If anyone is interested in volunteering you can go to www.ivbmx.com for further information.
Results from this weekend’s action will be in Tuesday’s edition.
Staff Writer Alexis Rangel can be reached at arangel@ivpressonline.com
To join the discussion and add your comments to this story, please click here to be directed to Facebook.
