Written by Colorado Green NOW

Mile High BMX hosted the USA BMX Mile High Nationals over July 18-20, the first time in over a decade the event has been in the Denver metro area. The inaugural three-day competition marked the 19th stop of the 2025 USA BMX National Series and brought 600-800 athletes each day from across the country to compete on Colorado’s longest BMX track, and 3,500 spectators.

At the heart of this milestone event stands Shane Meyer, owner of Denver Landscapes and a longtime ALCC member with over 20 years of membership and former chair of the membership committee in the early 2000s. Meyer took over as track operator for Mile High BMX in 2022, bringing his passion for cycling and community building to transform the facility located at 3606 S Independence Street in Denver.

“We’re so excited to welcome BMX families from across the country to Mile High BMX – and to the first Denver metro race in more than 10 years,” said Meyer during the event. “We’ve got a brand new start gate, Sqorz timing system that allows the riders to track their improvements, fresh coat of track glue and lots of sweat equity from very committed volunteers to get the track race ready.”

The path to hosting this national event required extensive preparation and investment. Meyer, along with his wife Renee and their two children Isabella (18) and Beck (11) – both expert-class BMX racers – worked hundreds of hours this spring and summer preparing the track. 

Meyer’s efforts were supported by key industry partnerships, particularly with CPS Distributors and Pioneer Landscape Centers (now part of SiteOne Landscape Supply), who have provided crucial support for the track over the past three years. Additionally, Meyer secured a significant grant from the Daniels Fund to help underwrite the track improvements, demonstrating his commitment to creating a world-class facility.

The Mile High BMX track, part of the Foothills Park and Recreation District at 285 and Kipling, is noted as the longest track in Colorado. This unique feature creates an exciting racing experience that tests riders’ endurance, skills, and appetite for speed. Local riders prepared for the nationals through numerous clinics, including summer training camp.

For Friday’s opening ceremonies, Meyer invited Matthew Payne from the Denver Sports Commission and Leslie Dahlkemper, the Jefferson County Commissioner representing Mile High’s district, highlighting the event’s significance to the broader community.

“We’re thrilled to welcome riders and fans to Denver for the USA BMX Mile High Nationals,” said Payne. “As a destination known for hosting world-class sporting competitions, we are confident participants will be greeted with warm hospitality and unmatched energy in the Mile High City.”

Meyer’s involvement in BMX extends beyond track operations. He serves as team manager for the S Squared Colorado BMX team, which includes approximately 15 racers ranging in age from 6 to 60+ from around the state. His background as a former downhill mountain bike racer brings additional expertise to his current role in the BMX community.

The success of this year’s event has already generated momentum for the future. Meyer has applied to USA BMX to host the nationals again in 2026, indicating his long-term commitment to maintaining Colorado’s presence on the national BMX racing circuit.

Among the local standouts competing was Meyer’s daughter Isabella, who competes in District 1 and NAG 9 categories. Her achievements in the sport even earned her recognition at her local high school, where she was selected for the Homecoming Court due to her national ranking.

“I tried multiple sports and teams growing up, but nothing compared to my first day on the track,” Isabella Meyer said. “My dad had me try a lap on my mountain bike and as soon as I crossed that finish line, that was it. I was hooked.”

The Mile High Nationals represents more than just a competitive event – it showcases Colorado’s deep connection to cycling culture and outdoor recreation. As Meyer noted, “Denver is bursting with outdoor recreation in general, but biking has a special place in the Colorado heart.”

Several riders competing at Mile High will continue their season at the World Championship in Denmark later this month, underscoring the caliber of competition the event attracted.