I started my boys  Nathan & Daniel in the sport of BMX, or Bicycle Motocross, this past weekend at our "local" track.  I remember racing BMX in the late 1970's when it was just getting started.  My kids are avid bicyclists, so I was excited to get them into a competitive sport where individual effort is recognized, yet the family aspect is very strong.  Some things sure have changed since the 70's - the fancy gear, bright colors and computer printouts of the moto sheets.  Most things don't seem to have changed, though - the dirt (it's still hard), the clang of the starting gate dropping, the ubiquitous hotdog stand, the friendly parents and racers that make one feel at home.

The track is called Lebanon Crankers BMX, and it's about 16 miles north of where we live in East Petersburg.  The kids did great for their first official races, actually better than I did.  I discovered what many other dads have already gone through, rooting for their kids to perform at a sporting event.

The track operators are wonderfully helpful, especially Ted Unger the manager and Jennifer, who worked the registration booth.  I purchased a month-long trial memebership for $25 each.  They walked us through the sign-in process, fitted Nathan with a loaner helmet and gave a trophy to each boy as a first-time gift at the end of the day.

Lebanon Crankers runs races through the end of the year weekly on Sundays and Tuesdays.  You can see their website here for more information.  We'll be there tonight!  If you're in the Lancaster/Lebanon area and are looking for a healthy, inexpensive activity, you should consider BMX.  I'll let everyone know as my boys develop their skills, and have fun doing it.