For BMXers, Practice is a Pedal in the Park

With prelims and finals in BMX Park both scheduled for Sunday, the ramps on the floor of the Pepsi Center were buzzing this afternoon. 35 riders are slated to compete, and at any one time there were at least 18 individuals waiting on the platforms to work their moves.

Dual-discipline riders like Ryan Nyquist (winner of Friday night’s BMX Dirt Event) Josh Harrington and Dave Dillewaard were present, as were Park standouts Dan Dhers, Morgan Wade, Steve McCann, Colin Mackay and Garrett Reynolds.

Obviously among the missing was Allan Cook who tried a little self-dentistry while practicing earlier in the day. He went to the hospital carrying most of his front teeth in a paper Pepsi cup and it’s questionable if he’ll compete in tomorrow’s contest.

After Vert practice Friday, one might have expected the same stress-free vibe in the Park venue. To the contrary, not many riders appeared to be chatting or joking and the overall mood seemed a bit pensive. Maybe there were just too many riders present to create that same relaxed flow. Maybe it was because both prelims and finals are on the same day. Only they know, and I wasn’t inclined to ask.

BMX Park Prelims get underway at 11:30, the lights go up on the big show at 2. Catch them if you can.