BikeTexas KidsKup

Now in it's 13th year, the BikeTexas KidsKup is a great way to introduce kids to the fun of off road riding, and is put on by pro racer Rick Wetherald and the BikeTexas staff. The KidsKup races are always held the Saturday before TMBRA races, at the TMBRA venue. Bike Texas KidsKup is always free, and open to the general public, you don't have to be a mountain bike racer to have your child participate! (Note: some venues are private ranches or state parks and may charge an entrance fee.) Registration starts at noon.  A short safety clinic with helmet fitting and fun demonstrations is followed by racing, all from 2-3:30pm at each event. (Note: some events have unique times, always check Event Schedule for latest info.) This article by BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program Manager Brenda Chuleewah shows what a unique opportunity these fun races are for kids.

Click here for the BikeTexas KidsKup Event Schedule

Course: All BTKK courses are designed for safety and fun, with beginner kids in mind, and are usually about 1/4 mile in length. At many events, a separate shorter course is set up for kids on training wheels. The courses are always close to the venue area to allow easy spectating for parents and friends.

Categories: Training Wheels (all ages), 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12. Depending on number of racers, fields may be combined or split into boys and girls classes. The younger categories will usually do one lap, and the older categories will do two laps.

Schedule: Registration will run from noon - 2pm. The safety clinic is at 2, with racing starting immediately following the clinic.

Awards: All participants will receive product from Clif Bar and Shimano. Medals will be handed out at the finish of each race; all kids will win a medal.

Rules:

• Kids must be 12 years old or younger to participate

• Helmets must be worn at all times during Kids Kup. If the child does not have a helmet, BikeTexas will provide one.

• Bikes can be any size, and must have at least one working brake. Strider-type 'bikes' are allowed and don't have to have brakes.

• Kids MUST attend the safety clinic to race.

• Parents are allowed (and for younger kids, encouraged) to follow their children on foot while they are racing.

• When not racing, Kids Kup participants cheer for everyone racing.

Check out this great video of the Fall 2011 Huntsville Kids Kup made by Safe Routes to School Program Assistant Rick Wetherald:

Also, check out these photos from our Flickr page below (note: you need Adobe Flash player)