Tornado Alley BMX, in partnership with the City of Amarillo's Park and Recreation Department, hosted a BMX race last Saturday, October 1st to announce the formation of their association.  Tornado Alley BMX Parents Association, a non-profit organization run solely by volunteers throughout the Texas Panhandle, promotes athletic development of boys and girls under the age of 18 through bicycle motocross (BMX). 

Adonna Ballard and Debbie Shannon were instrumental in the start up of the new track, located at 3916 S. Eastern in Amarillo.  The track is intended to provide competitive yet safe and fun BMX racing while building self esteem, new friendships, physical fitness and a love of cycling.  Various jumps, turns, and straightaway sprints make up the off-road, single-lap race course, which was the site of Saturday's races.  Kids ranging in ages three and up participated in a variety of races, including Pro Spectacular, Old School, Little Tykes, and BMX.  

Bicycle Motocross (BMX) started in the 1970's by kids who stripped down their bikes and added knobby tires in an attempt to emulate their motocross heroes.  Later, manufacturers created new designs expressly for the sport with an emphasis on durability.  BMX has progressed from stripped-down days to Olympic status -- the sport will debut in 2008 at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.