Our first trip to the track was a big surprise. Everyone was so welcoming and there were riders ranging in age from preschool (no kidding! some were even younger!) all the way up to fully-fledged grown ups. I had already secured a second-hand helmet (BMX gear can get expensive fast and a standard bike helmet really won't cut it) and the track offered a decent selection of bikes to borrow for the night. Those first few rides were pretty wobbly but I was amazed how quickly my son seemed to take to the sport with the guidance and encouragement of the track staff. If you've got a budding Evel Knieval in your house, consider BMX. It's a fun sport and there are tracks across Connecticut ready to welcome new riders. 

Foothills BMX
Nestled in Connecticut's northwest corner, this BMX track offers all the bells and whistles. There are Tuesday night gate practices for $5 and Sundays are race days. The track opens prior to noon race time to allow riders a few hours to practice and warm up. Check their website for equipment requirements such as gear and bike size. The track at foothills is 1190 feet long with five turns. Riders who participate in ten races by September 24 receive a trophy and an invitation to an awards party. 

Alvord Park Road, Torrington, CT 06790  (860) 626-1269

Bethel Supercross BMX
This track is pretty sweet. With its dirt straights and a couple good "rhythm sections" (there is a whole lingo in BMX to describe the various parts of a track--the rhythm section is a bit like moguls, meant to shake things up on the straight parts of the track) and some 180-degree asphalt turns, it is designed for a crazy fast ride. Their balance bike classes are for ages 1-5. They ride the last section of the track and parents can help out their kids if needed. It's a great confidence booster. Races are Wednesday nights with registration starting at 4:30 and gate practice from 5:00-6:45 pm. Monday nights are for practice from 6:00-8:00 pm.

162 Old Hawleyville Road, Bethel, CT 06801  Track phone: (203) 798-6373 Off hours: (203) 744-7962

Falcon BMX
The Meriden BMX track holds practices Monday nights from 6:00-8:00 pm. Registered riders pay $5 for the night (if your child decides to take on BMX for real, he or she will need to be registered with the national organization. The fee is super reasonable and registration is good for a year) with races on Saturdays.

Falcon Field, 200 Westfield Road, Meriden, CT 06450  (860) 833-4155

Trumbull BMX
There are two nights of practice at the Trumbull track. Monday nights include a clinic, and Thursdays are gate practice. Races are held Saturdays at 11:00. This track has a bunch of bikes riders can use for the night at no additional cost. There is also a mini track for the littler riders to work their way up to the big leagues. The Trumbull track is a bit tucked away, to get there you'll need to head to Indian Ledge Park off Whitney Avenue and drive all the way to the back, past the playground and the compost site. 

Indian Ledge Park Road, Trumbull, CT 06611 (203) 752-7461

Photo courtesy of Bethel Supercross BMX.