Cowaramup BMX was pumping on Friday night as the first leg of the annual South West BMX Bash Tri-Series got underway.
The small country club, run by a dedicated group of parent volunteers, saw numbers swell to 150 riders from all over the State, from as far away as Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie and many Clubs in between.
Almost all 150 riders completed all three legs of the competition in three days, in scorching temperatures.
Cowaramup BMX Club had 24 of it's riders signed up for the full weekend of racing, which included Bunbury BMX Club on Saturday afternoon, and the final leg at Collie BMX Club on Sunday morning.
The first night of racing was a cracking affair. Local knowledge of our tight little track helped the Cowie riders score the early points.
The first corner at Cowaramup proved to be critical as the locals stole multiple positions by taking a tight inside line and holding off the outsiders.
Up the second and third straights the elbows were out as riders contested positions.
By the final races, the racing lines had started to change, and the sprint to the line was battled out in front of the screaming crowd of fans.
Day two of racing started in Bunbury on Saturday with temperatures nudging 40 degrees, but this didn't stop riders setting some epic times and personal bests around the track.
Bunbury is a national level track which tested our Cowaramup Riders skills and nerve.
The demanding track and experienced riders from other clubs didn't put a dent in the Cowaramup riders spirits though, and there were close battles fought all afternoon.
The final race in Collie may have been the hottest, with the mercury climbing to 40 degrees.
Collie BMX track has more corners and is the longest track of the three allowing plenty of opportunities to overtake.
Numerous riders slipped on their pedals though and lost positions as some of the technical pump and jump sections caught them off guard.
Legs were burning as the day wore on but the riders all fought it out until the end!
All of the Cowaramup riders rode hard and fast at all of the events and should be very happy with their efforts.
Well done to Felix Cotterell in the 14 to 24 year class in third and Noah Cotterell in 11 boys who also came third for the event.
Both of the Cotterell boys fought hard in all events in what was some of the tightest racing in the three days.
Thanks to all members, volunteers and contributors for making this an enjoyable, organised event and showing the state that Southwest BMX is best.
Best wishes to all fallen riders on a speedy recovery.
If you would like to be a part of the Cowaramup BMX Club, racing returns to normal this Friday night, January 28.
All riders must be registered with Auscycling Australia before they can race.
Check out www.facebook.com/cowaramupbmx for all information and to make contact.
