Young BMX rider, Ryken Kirby is at it again this year.
The Mahomet-Seymour third grade student, who competes at the BMX track in Farmer City every Saturday, kicked off 2014 competing at a national race in Louisville before heading to Pennsylvania at the beginning of July to rack up two wins and a third place finish at the Stars and Stripes National race.
Ryken began racing at age four when his father, Dave, took him to a BMX race. Dave raced bikes in the 1980s.
Since then, Dave and Ryken have traveled throughout the Midwest, seeking opportunities for Ryken to do what he loves most, “go fast.”
Ryken competed in the Farmer City BMX’s Gold Cup Qualifier July 19 and 20, finishing in fifth place in the main race and second in Sunday’s Gold Cup race.
Last summer Ryken was ranked number two in the state on his 24-in Cruiser and number one and four overall on his 20-inch bike. This year he picked up a sponsorship through CCH Bikes while in Pennsylvania.
While Ryken enjoys competing nationally, he also enjoys spending time at home, riding his bikes with friends and building ramps outside his dad’s house in Mansfield. Dave has also become the local “bike shop” for the neighborhood children.
The Kirby’s plan to travel to Louisville for the East Coast Championships, and will possibly take a trip to Oklahoma over Thanksgiving.
