From beginners to Olympians, Sarasota BMX Academy welcomes every rider

SARASOTA, Fla. - The oldest running BMX track in the country draws riders from around the world to Sarasota, but it’s not just for the pros.

The track at Sarasota BMX Academy is a large, state-of-the-art facility for all ages and it’s open to the public.

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“Whether you race or ride, you can come ride the track,” said John Purse, program director for Sarasota BMX Academy.

The track has been there 45 years making it one of the most popular in the world. It’s also a Super Cross facility, meaning riders can train for the Olympics on the track.

In 1974, a group of riders gathered and started racing bicycles. Since then, it has grown into sport facility worthy of top talent, but also appropriate for beginner riders.

The program is a non-racing program, so riders learn to ride the track safely, and safety is top priority. Riders aren’t turned loose on the track until they’ve gone through the clinic program.

If you want to test out the Sarasota BMX track, they have open ride days on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.