Looking for things to do in Hemet as a family? A couple of months ago I took Jolynne and the kids to Lake Perris BMX. It's just off the Ramona Expressway by Lake Perris Fairgrounds, about 25 minutes from West Hemet.

The Lake Perris BMX track is owned by Emmett and Crystal, and their slogan is "Keeping Kids Clean in the Dirt!"

We knew nothing about the sport, but we thought we'd show up on a Friday to observe. We were very impressed with the family atmosphere and excited at the opportunity to let Ethan, our five year-old, let out his inner stunt man.

There is a play ground for the little ones, stands for the crowd (we have four kids, so that constitutes its own crowd), food and rockin' music.

Believe it or not, you can see three generations of BMX racers on one night. One family we met had matching racing suits.

Emmett and Crystal are very welcoming to families that are new to BMX. They explained the rules, encouraged us to get started, and Emmett even spent some time coaching Ethan on how to ride.

The Hemet Home Loan Guy works for Patrion Mortgage, and when Norma Mendoza, the accountant there, found out that we were thinking of signing up, she gave Ethan the BMX bike and some riding gear that her son had grown out of. Thanks, Norma! That's what type of people go to these events, and I recommend you check it out yourself.

Mondays are practices and races are on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. See their website for details.

Are you ready to get involved?

It's free to go and enjoy the race. If you want to begin riding, there's a fee to join, then $5 to ride, or $10 to ride and race.

We didn't know what gear we would need and we needed new tires on the bike...luckily Hemet has the trusted, go-to guy for your BMX bicycles, clothing and gear.

Chris Patterson owns and manages Extreme Sports in Hemet. He was totally happy to see us and made us feel comfortable with this new sport. He let us know which gear was important to start with and which gear we would only need if Ethan really took to the sport. We were pretty much at his mercy, so it was great that he was honest and didn't get us to overspend!

Lake Perris BMX is at 18700 Lake Perris Dr at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, Gate E.  Their phone is (951) 657-4917.

Extreme Sports is at 2115 E. Florida Ave. in Hemet, California, 92544. Their phone is (951) 658-2453.

Joey Aszterbaum is the Hemet Home Loan Guy and a member of the Active Rain social network of real estate professionals since 11/06. To buy or refinance homes in Hemet, San Jacinto, Riverside or California visit www.HemetHomeLoans.com or call (951) 571-5751.