The Hidden Gem of BMX in Miami-Dade

Miami South BMX is one of the best-kept secrets in Miami where South Floridians can practice or race at the only BMX track in Miami-Dade

Miami South BMX attracts a broad audience from youngsters to veterans and from beginners to pros that have one thing in common: they love BMX.  Opened 28 years ago, the track is affiliated to USA BMX, the sole sanctioning body in the United States concerning BMX, with 375 tracks around the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and more than 70,000 members.  

Miguel Tapanes, who is the current president of Miami South BMX and a member of the board, says that once riders join the track, they get a one-year membership with USA BMX, which allows them to practice and race at any of the 375 affiliated tracks.
“BMX is not just for kids; it is for everyone who wants to ride, practice, compete or just to be active,” adds Tapanes. The facility attracts both first-timers and experienced professionals; however, there are programs especially targeted for beginners in the First 10 Week Riders Development Program, which trains youngsters and those just getting into the sport, every Saturday morning for 10 weeks.

After the First 10-Week program, riders can enroll in private classes that are more advanced. “Once the beginning riders finish the first ten weeks, the majority of them go to those classes because they keep improving their skills and getting better,” explains President Tapanes.  All coaches either from the First 10-week program or that provide private lessons are certified by USA BMX.

“Once the kids start riding, they are hooked. it’s a family atmosphere where everyone is very helpful; it’s a very laid-back and different experience than other sports,” says Tapanes, who also remarks that “this is another avenue to get the kids out of the house, get them outside in the sun, having fun, making friends and staying active and fit.”

On the USA BMX track, Miami South BMX riders take part in the qualification stages either for the U.S. Olympic BMX trials or the UCI World Championship. In fact, three riders from Miami South BMX qualified to represent the United States in the 2018 World BMX Championship, which will be held this month at Baku, Azerbaijan.  Brothers Dylan and Aiden Voss, ages 5 and 8, and Christian Meyer, 11, will be joining the national team on behalf of Miami South BMX and Miami-Dade County.

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Bring your own bike and start jumping hills like a pro. Miami South BMX offers practice and races Thursday and Saturday nights between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. If you or your kids want to give it a try, get to the track at 13050 SW 216th Street, or go to www.usabmx.com/tracks/1875.

Haz clic para leer en Español:  La joya oculta del BMX en Miami-Dade