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Son Max prepares me for my first BMX race at the Marion, Iowa BMX Track,
Mother's Day, 1990. His bike, his gloves and his helmet.
Kittie D. Weston-Knauer, Age 59, 45 and Over Women's Cruiser Class
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Son Max prepares me for my first BMX race at the Marion, Iowa BMX Track,
Mother's Day, 1990. His bike, his gloves and his helmet.
Name, nickname (if you have one), and proficiency.
Kittie D. Weston-Knauer, aka Miss Kittie, BMX Mama, 59 Women’s Cruiser
How long have you been racing?
I have been racing for 17 years.
How often do you race?
I race weekly at our track during the race season when I am not off competing in regional nationals and nationals throughout the
country (usually 10-14 per season). During the off season, I go to warmer climates—Las Vegas, Florida and California—or indoor
tracks—Indiana and Columbus, Ohio, to race.
Other than our track, what are your favorite BMX tracks? Why?
My most favorite track is George Mason BMX track in Burdette Park, Evansville, Indiana. It is the fastest downhill track with the
most radical “S” turn of any BMX track I have raced in these United States and Canada. My second favorite track is Derby City
BMX in E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, Louisville, Kentucky. This track is fast and smooth with challenging obstacles that I am
able to master.
How did you become interested in racing BMX bikes?
Our son had been racing for three years. He got tired of his dad and me telling him how he ought to be racing. He stated
emphatically, “If you think this is so easy, why don’t you try it!” I was 42 years old. The rest is history.
What about the sport has kept you interested and made you want to continue to race BMX bikes?
This has been the best family sport we (my family) have ever been involved in. Not only has our son raced, but so did my
husband. For many years, my husband and I raced in the same class as there was no women’s class. In addition, we have
traveled by car or plane all over the United States and Canada to race our bicycles. I have met and continue to communicate
with people from all over the world. And besides, BMX racing is fun!
What parts of racing comes naturally to you? What do you feel you need to work on?
Riding bikes is a natural for me. I need to work on speed. But at my age (59), as the oldest female racer on the national
circuit in the NBL, I’m just thankful I am still able to race.
What other sports or activities do you participate in? Do these sports or activities help you with your racing? How?
I participate in RAGBRAI every summer. In my yesteryears, I competed in and coached basketball, softball and track.
I continue to work out five days a week (stretching exercises and riding my road bike on rollers during the winter time
and on the bike paths when it is 60 degrees or warmer). It certainly keeps me limber and spry.
What are your accomplishments so far in BMX racing?
I have had many accomplishments. But my greatest accomplishments have been the development of the BMX track
in Ewing Park (first race was August 2001); working with the NBL in the development of girls’ and women’s cruiser classes;
finishing 7th in the UCI BMX Worlds Championship in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, July 29, 2007; and, continuing
to be the oldest female in the 45 and Over Women’s Cruiser Class in the NBL.
What are your short-term and long-term goals in BMX?
My short term goals are to continue to capitalize on the errors of my competitors resulting in winning my motos and
making it to my mains. My long term goals are to keep both wheels on the ground at all times.
What do your friends and kids at school think about your racing BMX bikes?
Before I retired, my students thought it was great, and always checked out my office for new hardware (trophies, plaques
and plates). My friends think that I’m nuts. But you have to be a little crazy to race BMX. Ah, what fun!
Who are people you look up to and why?
I look up to all those guys and especially gals who race BMX. I make it a point to not only mentor, but to learn from
them the ways of the world.