This last weekend, local boy Tyler Tafjen, competed against some of the top novice BMX racers in his division at the Silver Dollar National BMX Competition held in Reno Nevada.
Placing 2nd in his first moto (division race) Tyler had to sit out the remaining motos until it was time to compete against the first and second place winners of those motos. On Saturday he took home a second overall trophy the size of a small car…or large dog. Not one to take his amazing win and head home, Tyler competed again on Sunday bringing home yet another second overall trophy.
Tyler, amazingly enough, began BMX racing a mere six months ago when he says his father clipped something from a valley newspaper telling of a new BMX park in Manteca. Wanting to try a new family oriented sport, the family packed up their bikes one Saturday afternoon and headed to Spreckles BMX Park in Manteca. One visit and they were hooked. Little sister Ellie, 9 years old, has entered her fair share of races, and dad Don competes in the Cruiser category. The sport is year round, barring rain.
Tyler rides a bike he purchased at the Mountain Peddler in Angels Camp. Though for repairs he and his dad do most of the work. His dad prompted him to learn about basic care and repair of his own bike causing Tyler to take the advice to heart. Prior to his big race in Reno Tyler disassembled his enter bike and painted the frame a bright lime green and the rims and handlebars a loud orange. Naturally a quiet young man, with this colorful bike, Tyler was definitely seen but not heard.
Safety equipment is mandated during races and use of park tracks. Tyler wears a full face helmet and dirt biking protective gear.
If Tyler continues on his path of wins he will be bumped from the novice division relatively quickly and will compete in the intermediate division.
For more information about BMX racing visit ABABMX.com. Or for information about racing locally at Spreckles visit http://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/archive/16035/
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