Zachary Yenser balances his weight on his bike’s front wheel, supported only by a starting gate.

Around him are seven other BMX riders, also balanced upon the gate. When it drops, he’s sent on a roller coaster downhill, pedaling furiously into the first turn. Less than a minute, and about a dozen jumps later, he’s across the finish line.

Most other sixth graders would be spending the weekend by the pool or at camp. But Yenser and two other Tamaqua Middle School students, Keenan Cook and Mason Yachura, all 11, would rather be spending their weekends facing off on the BMX track, chasing trophies, and someday, Olympic dreams.

On Sunday, they welcomed a huge group of riders — boys and girls of all ages — to their home track, Hazleton City View BMX, for the chance to earn valuable points toward the USA BMX Gold Cup Championship.

“People from all over the place are here,” Cook said.

One year ago, the track at City View BMX was overgrown and unrideable. Keenan’s parents, Jim and Shanna Cook, were tired of driving long distances just to practice, so they took over operation of the track, and with help from other BMX parents, got it operating again. Sunday’s Gold Cup qualifying race was the biggest event they have held since reopening the track, bringing in riders from New York, Connecticut and Maryland.

“It was all here, we rode it before it closed, so we said, ‘let’s do it,’” Shanna said.

The boys ride bikes around their homes like normal kids, but they would rather be at the racetrack. They get to practice twice a week on the same course where they competed on Sunday. On those nights, they get unlimited use of the track.

“I get to hang out with all my friends and just ride,” Yachura said.

On race days, things get a little more serious. Riders are split by age group and experience level. They have only two runs, known as “motos,” to qualify for the main event in their class. Seconds after one moto finishes, the gate drops and the next group of riders take to the course.

Going fast takes practice. The riders get speed by pedaling, but also by using their momentum to “pump” their bikes over the jumps on the course.

“It’s mainly to keep the bike down and you get more speed from it,” Yenser said.

The riders compete mainly for themselves, but they also wear colorful uniforms representing their teams. Cook and Yenser ride for Full Throttle BMX, the Hazleton team, and Yachura rides for Cedar BMX, based at a track in Clarks Summit.

The teams provide camaraderie and sponsorship help, which allows them to defray the cost of equipment.

“It’s all on yourself. Even though you are on race teams, you are not competing against teams,” said Brian Yenser, Zachary’s father.

It doesn’t take a special racing bike to compete, but it helps. The top riders have specialized machines for the track, which can easily cost hundreds of dollars.

The riders’ shoes are fastened to the pedals, and wheels and frames are made from lighter materials to go as fast as possible.

BMX is a whole family commitment. Families will often travel hours to attend a BMX race. It’s a love of the sport that gets them through long drives and campouts at the track. Many of the parents used to compete themselves and want to share it with their children.

“It takes a lot of time. I raced when I was a kid, so I’m good with it,” Brian Yenser said.

There are plenty of other riders who just compete locally at City View and have fun without making it a lifestyle. The track offers loaner bikes for people looking to get into the sport. They’re always welcoming new riders.

There’s even a “strider” class for preschoolers who aren’t yet pedaling their bikes.

“My kids played different sports, but it wasn’t a passion,” Shanna Cook said. “This is what they love to do.”

For more information, check out City View BMX Park on Facebook, or visit usabmx.com.