What started as an idea to get more people to the annual Downhill Grill community event evolved into Basin Recreation’s first bike race series for toddlers. There are only two rules for the Tiny Tires Showdown: no riders over 4 years old and no pedals on the bikes. Hanna Markel, events and outreach lead coordinator for Basin Recreation, said she was pleased with how the series has turned out so far. “So far, it’s been awesome. Lots of big smiles,” she said. The races have taken place at parks in the Snyderville Basin. Courses are set up with toddler-friendly obstacles like bubbles, pool noodles and speed bumps. Markel said the kids love exploring the track before the race just as much as the actual competition. For parents, the races are a chance to explore the parks and get their kids outside in a safe environment. Markel said many have been to new parks and their kids are making new friends because of the races. “The parents have been super into it, too,” Markel said. “Parents like that their kids are out racing, having fun, and it’s very controlled, low stakes.”  While it is a low-stakes race, there is still a chance for the kids to get on a podium and receive a medal. “It’s been very fun and very cute,” Markel said Along with the Tiny Tire Showdown on Aug. 8, Basin Recreation is planning mountain bike clinics for older kids as part of their Downhill Grill event. The clinics are for kids aged 6-12 and will be led by Basin Mountain Bike coaches. The clinics will start at a beginner level, but the Trailside park is built for a wide range of ability and skill levels.  The Downhill Grill event started out as a way to thank the community after Basin Recreation built the Trailside Bike Park. Every year people bring bikes, eat barbeque and enjoy the community parks together. “We are out there to have fun and get kids outside and on bikes,” Markel said.  Markel said her favorite thing about these events particularly is getting to know a new part of the community.  “We do a lot of really fun community events,” she said. “But I think this is one where we are reaching out to a bit of a younger crowd of kids, and it’s just fun to see how thankful everyone is for little things like this.”  Registration is still open for each event on the Basin Recreation website and will be made available through race-day on Aug. 8. The post Toddlers to race bikes in ‘Tiny Tires Showdown’ appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less