Central Otago’s BMX clubs in Alexandra and Cromwell are gearing up for an action-packed season, with major events and growing rider participation driving excitement across the region.

A spokesperson for the Cromwell BMX club (CX) Dylan Rushbrook said his kids and the parents love the social side of BMX. 

“[It's] such a fun sport with epic people and the kids just develop these amazing life and bike skills while having an absolute blast.”

Alexandra BMX club (ALX) has a have a go session tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, September 10) from 4pm - 6pm for people to give the sport a go and find out about the club. 

Described by ALX as a family friendly sport, all ages are welcome from those on balance bikes, to the big kids, including the dads.

Participants need to bring a long-sleeved top, long pants, gloves, bike and a helmet. 

Due to rain, the first have a go session in Alexandra was cancelled on September 3. 

CX’s have a go dates are October 2 and 9 from 5pm.

After giving it a go there will be racing to watch from 6pm.

Looking forward to the season, ALX is hosting the South Island titles, called the Souths, on January 10-12, 2025.

The club is expecting 300 to 400 riders to take part in racing and hundreds of families to come to the region for the weekend. 

ALX secretary Lena Sutherland said it was a great opportunity for local riders to ride on their home track as part of a bigger event. 

“There is a lot of organising, as expected for any major event. We are well underway and looking forward to it all coming together.” 

ALX has hosted Souths several times before, most recently in 2009, 2015 and 2020.

Prior to Souths, the two clubs are sharing the running the ‘Dunstan Double header’ with a day of racing in Cromwell on January 7, and then a day of racing in Alexandra on January 8.

“The timing of the event this year will also give riders the chance to practise their skills and gain confidence prior to the South Island Titles,” Lena said.   

Pictured are Alexandra BMX club members prior to national champs in March 2024 (from left, back row) Ryan Entwisle, Kate Entwisle, Ali Campbell, Flynn Sutherland, Dylan Entwisle, Hendrix Kahukura, and front row Chipper Kahukura and Holly Oldham. PHOTO: Supplied 

Other BMX events in Central are Blossom Festival pop up racing on September 29, Alexandra Open on October 16, Central Otago Champs on October 17, Cromwell Open on March 1 and Cromwell Champs on March 2.

CX has been allocated hosting for the South Island titles for 2027.

The numbers of riders in both clubs is growing - in 2023 people from Wānaka and Queenstown joined CX and the youngest club member was three years old. 

Lena said the sport is increasing in profile and popularity.

“[BMX] has an increased profile since the 2012 Olympics, and . . . as a sport is moving forward and developing a mainstream profile rather than as a fringe sport. 

“There have also [been] consistently better facilities across NZ which helps hold people's interest. BMX as a club sport, is a great social environment and opportunity to develop bike skills.”

Find out about Central’s clubs on their listings: Cromwell and Alexandra.