Three generations of BMX racers: the inspirational Rapley family

How’s this for a BMX racing family? The youngest, a seven-time state champion. Dad, who led the charge to bring the national championships to your home track. And cap it off by having Australia’s third-oldest BMX racer with you.

That’s the story of Kindle, David, and Daryl Rapley, three generations of Westside BMX riders who will compete at this year’s GWM BMX Racing National Championships in Perth.

53-year-old David rode at the original Westside track in the 1980’s, but it was almost by accident that the Rapleys reconnected with the sport this century.

“My son [Sebastien], who was a fantastic footballer in his younger years – we were looking for something in the off-season to keep his leg and core strength up, and I got him into BMX. And then I couldn't resist, so I followed, and then my daughter followed,” David said.

“And then my dad [Daryl] couldn't resist it, so Dazza got involved as well. So, next thing you know, it's a family affair.”

Daryl Rapley, Westside BMX

BMX racing has become integral to their daily lives.

“It's really part of the fabric of our family. My daughter and I do a lot together on the track and outside of the track, from coaching and going to the gym together and obviously racing and riding together,” David said.

“Technically, we could have the three generations of us all on the one gate racing if we wanted to, and there's not really any other sports that will avail that.”

While David’s son provided the impetus, his daughter Kindle took to the sport with the most enthusiasm.

“We took her training wheels off when she was three, and that day she was on the big track,” David said.

Kindle, now aged 17, said her “first memories of BMX were at Knox BMX track, where I first learned how to ride and had my first state championships a year later.

“But at all the competitions I had a bad habit of getting off my bike to go help everyone that crashed, even if it meant I lost!”

Now a multiple state champion, Kindle will race in the Superclass and 17-24 categories at the 2024 GWM BMX Racing National Championships, and says Saya Sakakibara’s gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games was inspirational.

“Seeing Saya win was so exciting. I was watching it live with my parents and remember cheering so loudly that we almost woke the neighbours up,” Kindle said.

“Seeing her so happy and with her family made me want to see where BMX can take me in the future, and hopefully get to where she is one day.”

Kindle Rapley, Westside BMX

It’s apparent BMX racing brings balance to the Rapley family, providing an outlet to their respective school, business, and lifestyle interests.

Kindle, who is in Year 11 and aspires to study Biomedical Science at university, said BMX racing “gives me an opportunity to get away from school and work and do something that's fun. I like the atmosphere around the track and how everyone is like your second family, always wanting to help each other out.”

For David, the business manager of a wholesale distribution company, the sport provides an opportunity to stay active and spend time with his daughter.

“Kindle and myself, we’re on the bike or at the gym probably five days a week,” he said.

“I suppose [my role is also] part mechanic, part keeping your head focused, and keeping some balance on making sure her homework’s done, making sure that she's getting sleep and she's staying on her diet, so that it's not just all BMX and gym.

“It can also become all-encompassing and very, very, focused on just that athletic side of things, and sometimes you lose a bit of scope of, ‘we’re there just to have a bit of fun.’ So yeah, it's just making sure that we keep it light-hearted.”

David Rapley, Westside BMX

For 76-year-old Daryl, the most senior Rapley, the sport lets him connect with younger people and to live a full and active lifestyle into his twilight years.

“I love the adrenaline of racing, and the exertion of it all. And it’s great to be around young people and doing what they’re doing. It makes a nice change,” Daryl said.

“Racing with Kindle and David is a huge bonus, and now and then Sebastien is there as well, and that’s really special when we’re all there. It’s a hoot when there’s three generations of us on one gate.

“And it’s another group of friends, all doing what we like. The support that I get even from total strangers because I look way too old to be racing, is just amazing. It helps me keep going.”

David added, “several guys around their 50s participate in sport now because they’ve seen dad racing and gone, ‘well if he can do it, then what's my excuse?’”

As a past president of Westside BMX, David led the committee that originally sought to bring the national championships to Perth. However, once COVID struck, the plans were shelved.

This year, as the championships return to Western Australia for the first time since 2018, David takes joy from knowing he helped paved the way.

“I'm really, really pleased that AusCycling and the committee from Westside have brought it back to life and have been able to honour the commitment that was originally agreed on, and we can showcase the best of the west. Yeah, it really, really fills me with pride,” David said.

Perhaps more importantly for David, however, is the way the Rapleys' involvement with BMX racing might help more families be more active together.

“There are so many parents that sit on the sidelines and think, ‘oh nah, that's for the kids.’ But actually, it’s a sport for all ages, and if you don't move, then you just get slow and fat and sore and everything else.

“I just love the thought that, in some way, the three of us can be ambassadors for other families to get involved.”

The 2024 GWM BMX Racing National Championships

Dates: 7-13 October
Location: Westside BMX Club, Balcatta
More information: 2024 GWM BMX Racing National Championships

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The 2024 GWM BMX Racing National Championships are proudly supported by GWM Australia & New Zealand, the City of Stirling, and the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA.

Images courtesy David Rapley