A Northerner's BMX Paradise

There’s something about the cool late summer mornings that make racing a little more exciting than usual. It could be that fall is close which means that the number of nationals is quickly dwindling, and the Grands are near. In Minnesota this used to mean that the end of the season was just a stone’s throw away but thanks to the mega facility known as Rum River BMX, that no longer applies.

- Gmo

If you’ve never been to this facility just imagine your local outdoor track as it sits, then imagine constructing a building right on top of it. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the small town of Isanti, right down to the asphalt corners and covered starting hill. It’s truly an amazing place to visit.

The Land O’ Lakes national was originally scheduled to take place back in May but fell victim to coronavirus restrictions. That being said, this may have been the first national indoor BMX race in the world since spring and it could not have happened without the awesome volunteer base that Rum River has.

The track boasts one of three Sqorz timing systems in the US and it demonstrates the future of our sport. We’re not sure exactly when timing systems will replace the traditional scoring methods currently used, but it will certainly happen at some point.

The track even offered an extra bit of cash to the Pro Open class during the national to show off the system. Supercross’ Kamren Larsen put on a clinic nearly every lap and took home all the cash.

If you live outside of upper Midwest you may have never heard of the flying Theisen brothers but trust us, you will. This duo calls Saint Cloud, Minnesota, home, which is just a short drive from Isanti. The younger of the two, Jacob, was the star of the weekend with triples each day (he was the only rider to triple all weekend). We’re pretty sure that he never lost a lap. Big brother Lucas also made sure his presence was known by winning 9X on days one and three and winning Open on Sunday, making it a double for the day. These kids work extremely hard at their craft and it definitely showed this weekend.