The BikeTexas KidsKup introduces kids ages 2-10 to the fun and thrill of bike riding on a obstacle course. Bicycle safety is a key component. Balance bicycle, proper bike sizing, and a helmet are provided to each child before he or she enters the course. Parents are encouraged to cheer on their young riders, run alongside, or help them scoot along– whatever is best for your kid!
See the BikeTexas KidsKup Event Schedule Here
History
The BikeTexas KidsKup program began 17 years ago to introduce kids to the fun of off-road riding. It has continued thanks to generous partners like Strider, ClifBar, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of Transportation, and REI. KidsKup has been part of Safe Routes to School and for many years was featured at most Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association events. The program was redesigned in 2015, making the switch from a primarily mountain-bike event to its current form of a Strider bike course, which has allowed the program to grow from serving 500 kids and families per year to over 1,200 per year. In addition to introducing kids to the fun of bike riding, it also engages the entire family in healthy lifestyles and active living.
Former KidsKup participant and current pro racer Payson McElveen says:
My first ever KidsKup was in 1999, when I was 6 years old, at the Chihuahua Desert Challenge in Terlingua. My dad was racing, and the rest of the family tagged along to support him. With a little nudging from my Pa I summoned the courage, and I lined up. I remember it so vividly. Bikes and kids of all different sizes, nervously lined up on a dusty oval in the middle of the West Texas desert. I had a tiny black single speed Dyno. I’ll never forget the moment I looked back at this tiny little kid in full-on Fox downhill racing gear hot on my heels, and making the split-second decision that I was going to push myself just a little bit harder to stay ahead. After the ‘race’ we high-fived (probably with a little help from our parents), and it was then and there that I decided bike racing was pretty darn cool.
Sponsors
Thank you to Strider and ClifBar for being longtime sponsors to the BikeTexas KidsKup!
