The American Bicycle Association BMX Southwest Nationals competition took place at the Tucson Convention Center this past weekend. Tucson hosted an amazing number of talented racers and I was lucky enough to get the chance to ride with them during Friday's practice rounds. The dirt track was impressive - tight turns, big jumps, step-ups, and the bone jarring "rhythm section" (a series of back to back jumps). They decked me out in a Tucson BMX jersey and a very snug helmet. It was a thrill to ride out just behind a group of racers during their practice session and the adrenaline was pumping as I hit the first jump. I definitely felt my youth coming back to me. As I approached the final turn I could hear my co-workers cheering me on and for a second I thought about waving but ultimately decided that keeping the bike upright would be preferable. Managing to avoid any untimely "dismounts," I really enjoyed my time on the track. Unfortunately the ride was over before I knew it and I was left thinking about what could have been had I gotten into BMX racing a long time ago. This event is definitely worth checking out when it returns next summer, and rumor has it that there are a couple of local tracks to practice on in the meantime!