Bradley BMX celebrates 14 years of fun in the dirt

photo BMX riders can race before and after midnight Saturday at the Bradley BMX Birthday Bash in Cleveland, Tenn.

IF YOU GOWhat: Bradley BMX Birthday Bash.When: 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday; registration 6:30-7:30 p.m.Where: Bradley County BMX, 234 Urbane Road, Cleveland, Tenn. (From I-75, take Exit 27 and go east on Paul Huff Parkway. Turn left at Urbane Road, passing YMCA. Turn right at Bradley County Recreational Park. BMX track is at top of hill.Admission: $10 with BMX membership.Phone: 423-728-7035.Website: www.bradleybmx.com.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Bradley BMX wants bike riders to come out this Saturday to help the track celebrate its annual birthday bash at the Bradley County Recreational Park on Urbane Road.

The evening kicks off with bike races, a free meal for registered riders and even more bike racing after midnight. Registration takes place between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.; the evening's first race begins at 8 p.m. and is expected to wrap up before 10 p.m.

The second race, which is free to bikers registered for the 8 p.m. race, begins at midnight, said track operator Tammy Finnell. Riders can score points for the special midnight race, which also will offer ribbon awards.

Each registered rider will receive a T-shirt in addition to a free meal. Bradley BMX also will give away door prizes, donated by bicycle shop and equipment vendors, throughout the evening.

Track officials also said that any riders and their families wanting to camp at the track after the midnight race are welcome to do so. However, campers should note that the track does not have any electricity or water outlets. Also, all children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire night.

The birthday bash, said Finnell, is a way for the track to give back to the riding community that has supported it since 1999.

"Our rider count is increasing each week and averaging in the 60s," said Finnell. "Last year the average rider count was in the 50s."

Finnell not only praised the biking community for its support of the Bradley BMX track but of its community-mindedness as well.

In particular, she noted the charitable donations collected by riders for the track's other key event of the season: the annual BMX Race for Life event, which seeks to combat blood-related cancers.

Cleveland rider Austin Veach donated more than $1,500 for the event last year, ranking third in donations for BMX USA.

Finnell said the dress code for riders requires helmet (full face recommended, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and enclosed shoes.

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