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By Ray Hamill — A three-decade old sporting tradition in Humboldt County is building momentum once again.

After making the move from the Redwood Aces to a new track in Samoa three years ago, Redwood Empire BMX has been providing opportunities for local competitors to race every week.

And with the numbers on the rise and interest beginning to peak again, the local all-volunteer association is thriving.

“We’re not new. This is not a fad, and we’d love to have more people come check us out,” board member and volunteer Amber Buntin said.

Redwood Empire BMX was originally founded in 1992 and competed at the Redwood Acres for several years before the track was closed in 2018.

Three years later, the local association was back up and competing once again at the new location and now attracts between 20 and 30 cyclists of all ages three times a week.

The popularity of the sport locally has also led to other opportunities within the association.

This coming weekend, some of the best racers in the area will travel to Roseville to compete in the annual state championships.

The association also hosts an annual state race every summer that attracts “hundreds of families” from out of the area to compete here, according to event organizers.

Redwood Empire BMX is also providing opportunities for new racers and will loan the necessary equipment the first time they come out.

New competitors can also rent equipment from the association until they’re certain they want to take up the sport.

“The first time is free,” Buntin said. “All you need is a long sleeved shirt and closed toe shoes.

“For anyone interested, the easiest way to get involved is to come on out.”

Redwood Empire BMX competes three times a week from May to October — with racing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays — and twice a week from November to April.

There are also different levels for competitors, including Novice, Intermediate and Expert, as well as a class for Expert Girls.

Competitors can move from Novice to Intermediate after recording 10 victories, and from Intermediate to Expert after 20 wins.

Trophies are also awarded to the top three finishers in each race and competition is open to any group, with children as young as 18 months competing on balance bikes.

“We always say anyone from one to 100 is welcome, as long as you can paddle a bike,” Buntin said.

Some of the best young riders also travel to compete in out of area competitions and the local track has a longstanding close relationship with Rusty Bowl BMX in Ukiah.

Next week, Redwood Empire will host a clinic with well-known YouTuber Brecky Breck for young riders six and under.

For more information on Redwood Empire BMX, check out the association’s Facebook Page or website, or head out to the track at 201 Vance Ave. in Samoa.

Redwood Empire BMX is affiliated with USA BMX.

The sport also received a local boost this year with construction scheduled to begin on a McKinleyville park, which will include a new BMX track.

Buntin says Redwood Empire BMX plans to work with the new McKinleyville track officials when hosting their annual state races, which she says would bring even more people from out of the area for the summer event.