No one is hoping for a blue sky more than the Cochrane BMX Association.

This Sunday (June 2), the Cochrane BMX Association in partnership with Alberta Bicycle Association will once again offer residents an opportunity to try out the sport thanks to the province-wide initiative BMX Day in Alberta. 

From 1 to 4 in the afternoon, whether you are a seasoned rider or a newbie to the sport, everyone is invited to hit the track and give racing a try.

Shawna Kerr-Smith, Marketing and Communications Director for the Cochrane BMX Association, says they are once again hoping to see a good number of people try racing out. "There is no cost but there will be a waiver that needs to be signed by a guardian that is over 18. As far as what to bring; just themselves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sneakers as toes have to be covered, and if you have any sort of riding gloves that would be great. Otherwise, we have riding gloves, helmets, and bikes for everybody to use."

Kerr-Smith, says the day is open to anyone over four years of age. "Four to fifty-four, four to seventy, four to whatever age you are wanting to ride a bike. There is no limit to BMX which is what makes it such an awesome sport. You just hop on a bike and we will help you do the rest."

While Mother Nature has not been kind to the sport so far this season, Kerr-Smith says it hasn't dampened the enthusiasm and those signed up already are ready to ride. Although registration has been open since Family Day, this weekend is when many riders sign up for the season. "We are right on par this year for what we normally are, but Sunday is a huge day for new riders as well as our returners who haven't signed up yet."

This season is an exciting one for the Cochrane BMX Association, shares Kerr-Smith as they will be hosting a major race weekend. "We will be hosting the final Provincials and Grands in Cochrane on the September 7,8,9th weekend so all riders from all the different centres in Alberta who ride, will come and compete for their final weekend. So it is a massive event, the biggest of the season, and the largest we have ever hosted, so we are really excited."

Hosting provincials will bring a number of people to town and other than being beaten out by Red Deer last year, Cochrane was the front runner for having the largest attendance for a two day race weekend. "Cochrane is the place to be for BMX; we have a fantastic track, a really good member base, and an amazing team atmosphere."

For anyone coming into the sport for the first time, the vibe around the track is extremely positive and supportive. "It is a really good, affordable family sport and one where all ages ride in the same time frame so it's not like you are having to juggle two different tracks, it is all at the same time and same place. It is very supportive, everyone looks out for everybody. Although it is an individual sport when you are on the track, you are representing a team and it is very much a team environment."

If you would like to learn more about Cochrane BMX, you can do so HERE, or plan to hit the track and give the sport a try this Sunday.

Besides the regular season, Cochrane BMX hosts an all-girls camp, extra training camps, and Strider races for little future BMX stars.