When Marcus Christopher was just 3-years old, his parents gave him his first bicycle as a birthday gift. It wasn't long before they found Marcus in the garage with a wrench in one hand and his new bike in the other.
He was trying to remove the training wheels.
His parents, Matt and Lori, helped him shed the training wheels and since that day Marcus has peddled his way to a national BMX championship at the tender age of 5.
"I'm almost 6," Marcus, a Lake kindergarten student said.
"He missed the first day of kindergarten because of nationals," said Matt.
Marcus first became interested in dirt bikes when he watched the older neighbor boys ride.
Matt, who raced as a youngster, told Marcus if he was interested they'd watch a race.
"It's not as dangerous as it looks," said Lori. "He wears a helmet and his pants are padded. He wears gloves and there are shoes with special clips."
"People of all ages ride the bikes," said Matt. "On our team, we have 5 to 43 year olds."
Riders compete against their own age categories from March through October. Each competition consists three "motos" and main. The tracks are dirt with 475-yard straight-aways and serpentine curves and bumps.
The bike Marcus rides in competitions weighs only 12 pounds. The frame is made of aluminum and titanium.
On competition days, Marcus and Matt are up at 7 a.m. and racing is generally complete by 4 p.m.
Marcus said he doesn't mind waking up early.
"The more you practice, the faster you can get," he said.
"It's become a family hobby," said Lori.
They purchased a travel trailer and camp as a family at different BMX courses. Marcus's little brother, Charlie, 2, can sleep in while big brother is practicing.
"It's very family-oriented and we've made great friends," said Matt, adding that often venues offer waterparks and other family attractions adjacent to the tracks.
Marcus's home track is the BMX track near Derby Downs. Marcus said he liked the track at South Park, Pennsylvania, the site of the Grand Nationals. On Aug. 26, Marcus claimed the national title in his division.
In his first year of competition, at the age of 4, he placed second.
"I'm good at it," he admitted shyly.
What else does he like to do? "Ride my bike in the driveway.”
Businesses interested in sponsoring teams may call 330-877-9211.
