ABA Grand Nationals Tulsa

Holy Cow what an amazing event this was!  We spent our very first Thanksgiving away from family and took Tyler to the ABA Grand Nationals for BMX in Tulsa, Oklahoma this year.  There were nearly 4,000 BMX riders that came in for the event from all across the country.  This is literally the Super Bowl of BMX and the first place trophy is about 8 feet tall.  

This was our first year for an event like this and it was rather intimidating for both Wendy and I to make sure we had everything organized for Tyler and I'm sure it was rather intimidating for him as well knowing that there were 4,000 BMX riders who came from all across the country to race.  He had 56 riders in his category and while we didn't come home with a trophy this year it was a tremendous experience and he had a wonderful time! 

Tyler getting ready to Race at Grands!

 The track he was racing on was AMAZING!  It was about 1,300 feet in length and the jumps were HUGE!  Well, at least it seemed that way to me but I'm not a young kid anymore.  The length of the track is only about 200 feet longer than our local track but it was much more complex and the hill at the starting gate was pretty big!

Tyler in the Gate at Grands!  He's on the far right of the photo in the Red Helmet

 While we weren't able to come home with a trophy this season, it was a great experience and Tyler is already looking forward to going back to Tulsa for next year.  I think the part that amazed me the most is that Wendy is becoming quite the "Racing Mom".   For a lady who was never much into racing it's been funny to watch her get into the sport too.  Don't expect to see her on a bike anytime soon but she's picking things up really quickly and she's keeping me on my toes as well.  But then again, that's nothing new.... 

Racing is basically over for us until the new season starts locally in March - April of 2012 but Wendy has her eyes on taking Tyler to some races out of State this Winter.  We may be back to Oklahoma a little sooner than I expect....