TIME TO GET DOWN AND DIRTY BMX TRACK PROVIDES FUN AND MUD.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - After a couple of hours of bike riding, the kids at the Sycamore BMX Raceway are bound to get dirty. That's the idea. Getting a little messy is encouraged. The track's slogan is, ``Keeping Kids Clean in the Dirt.''

There are plenty of opportunities to frolic in the dirt at the course located at Rancho Simi Park. Hundreds of ``kids'', ranging in age from 3 to 67, take advantage of mounds of dirt that form one of the most popular BMX race courses in the area.

Sycamore BMX is hosting one of the year's biggest events on Sunday: the State Championship Qualifier meet. As many as 250 riders, young and old, boys and girls, from novice level to the expert division are expected to attend.

``We have a lot of fun here,'' said Anthony Nigro, who operates the facility along with his wife Joan.

The Nigro's have run the track for almost seven years. Races take place three times a week, with a Wednesday night practice session. There is also a weekly BMX clinic featuring different topics.

Because Sycamore BMX is a nonprofit organization, volunteers play an integral part in the festivities.

Duties include barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers, running the start- finish line or watering down the track.

``They all donate their time. It's a great thing,'' Nigro said. ``If you've got a kid out there, usually both their parents are into it.''

What's important is that the kids are enthusiastic. Nigro said many of his riders race at other tracks when his facility is closed.

``The parents always come to me and say `If it wasn't for this, we wouldn't know where the kids would be,' '' Nigro said.

Sunday's top finishers will move on to the State Championships, in Orange County next month. Throughout the year, trophies, saverstamps (which can be cashed in for bicycle equipment) or other prizes are awarded.

Races are also worth points that determine champions in each district's age and skill divisions. The club is sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association.

One of the highlights of the year at the Simi Valley track is The Race For Life, which raises money for a leukemia foundation.

``A lot of people get into it. . . . Each rider will bring in $300, $400,'' Nigro said.

The bleachers that face the race course were half-filled on Thursday night. When Sunday's meet gets started around 4 p.m., Nigro expects all of those seats to be occupied.

And the racers will be accomplishing the track's No. 1 objective: getting dirty. That includes parents as well as children.

``It's kind of like the dads are the pit crews,'' Nigro said. ``But then again, the kids are racing and the next thing you know the dads are out there racing.''

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

Riders enter the first turn during practice at the Sycamore BMX raceway. The popular race course will host the State Championship Qualifier meet Sunday.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer