Gene`s BMX News

[BMX-News]

*** Jill Kinter Reports Washington BMX 2008 ***

Sumner, Washington ( Jill Kinter ) -- 09/16/2008
Washington state champs

As part of the homecoming celebration, I went to my old local BMX track
in Sumner, Washington (River Valley BMX), to support the ABA State
Championship finals and meet kiddies. Really impressive turnout,
signed autographs for 4 hrs straight!!!.....

River Valley Bmx was where I won my first national race,
so I have history here.



It's in a nice wooded area not far from a river in a park.



For this event though tons of motor homes were set up, people
camping, barbeques, kids playing in the dirt between motos ,,,
some things never change.



I was expecting to show up, ride for a bit, say hello, then do signings
and photos,,, but a mob formed immediately within 2 minutes of my
arrival, and I went into sharpie seclusion. My stack of 1000 cards ran
out quick, nearly every kid there had a GT card, ABA trading card, their
helmet and number plate signed, and a photo. Did have a break to lead
the flag lap:) and receive an award from the Tacoma Sports
Commission, so a little action for the fans, but then back into it.

Olympic medals have such an impact, wow. I was honored these
kids were so stoked to meet me and keen for riding. It was a big
day for state titles, but hopefully I could help give the community
a little boost. Mark, the current track director, did a great job organizing
this event and maintaining order. The local side of BMX seems so
far removed from what I have just been through, but also is a
good reminder of where we all started.



Saw quite a few of the old school crew. Northwest homies that live
for BMX. Dave Ringer from Yellow Jacket Photography has known
me my entire racing career, used to take pics and announce when
I was 10, "This kid's tougher than alligator meat", or "garlic bubble
gum", so classic 90's to me. And Dave Archibald who is up for his
20th? ? cruiser title still racing fast. Alan Levine, Steve Clark, Alan
Mazutti, Dan Bushnell, Orange suspenders Mundell, Joe Russell a
former turn official, Roger and Sandy, etc.



Mike Raich was also really important to my past. He was track director
for a couple tracks when I was a grom, so to be able to come home with
this achievement validates the efforts he made as well as all the other
volunteers that really can make a difference to a kid with a dream.



Funny how you remember things, it was a wild day,
I am completely spent.















CC - http://www.jillkintner.com
http://www.jillkintner.com/home_blog/2008/09/washington_state_champs.html

ACC - http://www.genesbmx.com/2008-bmx-olympics.html
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