Staff photo by Fritz Busch The Nosbush family of New Ulm stands at the south end of the River Valley BMX track on German Street South in New Ulm. From left to right, Charley, Levi, Brittany and Josh. The BMX state qualifying races begin with a parade lap at 11:25 a.m. Sunday.
NEW ULM – Despite plenty of wet weather this spring, the River Valley BMX track hosts the Minnesota State Series qualifying races on Sunday thanks to dedicated volunteers.
Track operators Josh and Brittany Nosbush and Zach Dummer of New Ulm expect hundreds of competitors and spectators to watch the races featuring competitors ranging from young children to mature adults.
“It is our third year operating the track. This year has been by far the most challenging yet. We have the most volunteers this year, but we have the most work to do because of the rain,” Josh Nosbush said.
“We rebuilt the track last fall. With the next design, more work is needed to prepare it for the race. Then the rain came,” he said.
His wife Brittany said volunteers play a big role in the rink’s success.
“We couldn’t keep this track running without the number of volunteers we have. The club track is non-profit and relies on volunteers. There are a lot of large families where everyone participates every week,” says Brittany Nosbush.
“We’ve been on the rink, spraying it with glue to keep it from washing away, sometimes until midnight,” Josh Nosbush said.
He said BMX competitors include entire families who compete on the same day on the same team.
“A lot of families come here to the track and practice together,” he added.
Brittany Nosbush said competitors range from one year old to over 60 years old.
Children up to 5 years old can race on strider bikes that do not have pedals but are propelled by children’s feet.
“With the weather this year, we’ve seen people come here even on Wednesday nights to practice from St. Cloud and the Twin Cities, because there are so few rinks open this year,” Brittany Nosbush said.
State qualifying races begin at 11:25 a.m. Sunday.
Non-qualifying races return to the track on Monday night with registration at 6 p.m. Racing begins at 7 p.m.
Competitors are invited to practice on Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm, weather permitting. The first night of practice and racing is free. Bicycles and helmets are available for loan. Passengers must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
“It’s a good time for kids to come and try BMX. We answer questions about careers. Anyone who wants to learn about this should come. People can message us at River Valley BMX on Facebook,” Josh Nosbush said.
The good thing about BMX is that no one sits on the bench. Everyone competes.
“My kids (Charley 11 and Levi 9) love it,” Brittany Nosbush said.
The New Ulm BMX track is always open if it is not too wet for use.
The Nosbush kids talked about what they like about BMX.
“I like the new track, seeing friends and making new friends,” said Levi Nosbush, who started riding BMX at age three.
“I like hanging out with family and friends,” said Charley, who started at age three, didn’t compete for a few years and returned to the sport.
Brittany Nosbush said maybe a lot of people in New Ulm don’t know anything about BMX.
“I think the more people we can bring here to experience the sport, the more it will grow,” he added.
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