Story by Monica Bogue.  Photos by Monica Bogue and Mike Albright.

Caldwell BMX was first built in the mid-80’s and moved around to differnt locations until finally landing a permanent home nestled behind Pipe Dreams Skate Park. Riders arrived Friday for the last chance qualifier to the unwelcoming haze from the ravaging fires on the West coast. Saturday, the BMX gods were smiling down on Idaho and brought the beautiful blues skies and cotton candy clouds - to go along with some awesome racing action. Track Operator Bobby Schwyhart was overcome with emotion while speaking of his fellow volunteers and the hard work they put in to make this race a reality amidst the pandemic.

When I asked who to keep an eye on in Caldwell, one name echoed: Douglas Schmeichel. As a rider in the 14 cruiser and 14 expert class, Schmeichel was the hometown favorite for the weekend, racing for Jeff Upshaw’s DRIVEN Cycling Academy. After a couple crashes earlier in the year, one that occurred just one month before Finals, Schmeichel’s season was up in the air. In the end, he placed GC No.1 in Cruiser and GC No.2 in Class.

The “Fly Guy” - Ray Hudson, and Brent “Pee Wee” Lee of Bay Area BMXers are no strangers to one another. After 30 years of banging elbows, Hudson says Lee has always gotten the best of him (as well as their entire class). That finally ended on Sunday when Ray brought home the GC No.1’s in both 41-45 cruiser and class.

Supercross rider Shawn O’Gorman was having a typical race weekend, leading every lap and fighting off injuries. A loop out in the rhythm section left Swifty with a fractured left hand, but the Air Force veteran came back to qualify for the main. Showing no weakness, he still raced and pulled off the win and the GC No.1 plate. 

Congratulations to all the NW Gold Cup champions and thank you to all for making this race a huge success.