BY JASON KNAVEL, Times-Union Sports Writer

It's a sport for teenagers and kids in their early 20s. Those are the people that can endure the punishment on their bodies from the constant bumping and crashing that usually accompanies the typical BMX race.

Those are the people not afraid to take the risks to win. Those risks, when not successful, can translate into bruises, separated shoulders and broken bones. So what is a 50-year old man doing in the world of BMX racing?

"I've always liked racing," Jerry Landrum said, a member of the Hire Park BMX track in Warsaw. "For five years, my kids kept me in the sport. Then they developed other interests. I have a lot of friends at the national level that I see from race to race."

Family and camaraderie are important things to Landrum. His wife and children have all been involved in BMX, whether through racing, managing Hire Park, or just helping dear-old dad at races and camps. As he said, he's also made friendships all over the world through racing.

"I raced with guys at the World Championships in England," Landrum said. "Three of us went over there and it was like us against the world. I have a friend from California who flies back East to race with us. The fellowship for us older guys especially, since it's unusual for us to race, is really enjoyable."

Landrum started much later than most racers today. In 1985, he took up the sport and has competed ever since. After finishing eighth nationally in the 45-and-over class last year, he will compete in the newly created 50-and-over class this year. He expects a better ranking this year.

"In the 45-and-over class, I could come in second or third," Landrum said. "But some of the older guys, it's nice for them, because now they can come in third instead of not getting in the top eight. My goal for '97 is a No. 1 ranking in the new 50-and-over cruiser class. There's only one guy from California who I can't beat on a regular basis, and if I can get him to make a couple of mistakes in Louisville, I could walk away with the No. 1 plate."

Landrum is factory-sponsored by Kovachi Wheels out of Atlanta, Georgia along with Brian Strieby of North Webster. He considers himself semi-professional as he is provided with everything needed to race, but he has to find his own way to the race.

Landrum is also lucky as far as injuries are concerned. In a sport where injuries frequently occur, he has never broken a bone.

"I flew off a jump once and came down on top of my helmet," Landrum said. "Someone put me off my bike, I flew over a jump and I was bruised from my knee to my waist. Outside of that, everything's been just fine. I've been pretty fortunate."

However, Landrum has a reason for his good fortune.

"One of the reasons that I don't get first or second at some of the races is that I don't push it. Some guys, if they have a chance to squeeze between you and another guy, they go for it. I'd rather wait to see if I get a chance later on."

Landrum is hoping to expand the sport of BMX racing in Warsaw through the track at Hire Park. He thinks it could be a great sport for the whole family to enjoy.

"I think it's a fantastic family sport. This year, at Hire Park, we're looking to find a whole bunch of new friends. It's great for families. I'd love to have some older guys to race with."

The Hire Park BMX riders and staff invite any interested parties to call for information at 269-5983 or 268-1967. Racing will begin on April 20 at the Hire Park BMX facility. [[In-content Ad]]