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.

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The McPolin Barn hosted their Scarecrow Festival Saturday afternoon, September 23, 2017. Attendees built scarecrows, painted pumpkins, had their faces painted and enjoyed refreshments. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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South Summit Elementary School, in conjunction with the Summit County Sheriff’s department and the Summit County Health Department, hosted a bike rodeo for children Thursday afternoon, September 14, 2017. The event saw nearly 80 participants, blowing away expectations, and educated the children on bike safety as well as providing them with an after-school snack. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-Bike-Rodeo/

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Park City High School, McPolin Elementary, Treasure Mountain Junior High and Ecker Hill Middle School commenced classes on Thursday morning, August 24, 2017. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-First-Day-of-School/

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The annual Summit County Fair in Coalville is in full swing with carnival rides, mutton busting and more. The fair will continue throughout the end of the week. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-Summit-County-Fair-2017/

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The Utah Olympic Park hosts the 19th Annual Springer Tourney Ski Jumping on their HS-10 and HS-42 jumps Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, July 29, the park will host the HS-134 U.S. Large Hill National Championships and Nordic Combined races. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-Springer-Tournee-HS-10HS-42/

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The Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter hosts a variety of summer camps for young children to craft, explore and more during the summer months. On Thursday, July 20, 2017, 3rd and 4th graders tested their engineering knowledge and build bridges and zip lines with partners. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-Swaner-Scientists/

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The Summit County Library and Home Depot put on a truck petting zoo in Home Depot’s parking lot Saturday, July 1, 2017, thanks to their summertime partnership. The event gave kids an opportunity to meet policemen and firemen, tour the trucks as well as complete a crafting project. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to the full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-Truck-Petting-Zoo/

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The Park City Hospital hosted a Pea Party for women and their children to attend Monday afternoon, June 19, 2017. Kids painted rocks, planted vegetables and enjoyed a healthy snack. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-Pea-Party/

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The Summit County Library hosts Terrific Toddler Time, a weekly time for tots to sing, dance and read books, Wednesday morning, June 14, 2017. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and is open to anyone with a child ages 2-3. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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