Loaner Bikes
Maintain and replenish the fleet of track “loaner” bikes
New Rider League
To help reduce the cost of new rider programs and provide educational opportunities for young riders.
Rider Scholarships
Assist with rider membership fees for those unable to afford them.
Patrick Alan Ketcham
By the late 1970s, BMX was a popular national sport but didn’t have much of a presence in Plattsmouth, NE. Pat Ketcham, a small-town kid with a quirky sense of humor, became interested in BMX along with a small group of friends. They didn’t have a real track to ride on, so they found places where they could make jumps and turns. Pat was always looking for ways to make his and his friends’ bikes better. Since they typically couldn’t afford new parts, they did a lot of trading and customizing.
BMX became a large part of Pat’s life. He worked hard at improving his skills, and at the age of 12 joined the American Bicycle Association (ABA) and the National Bicycle Association (NBA) so he could compete in sanctioned events. He placed 3rd as a Novice at Pershing Auditorium in Lincoln in what would be his final race. Pat tragically lost his life on May 27, 1980, a day before his 13th birthday, while selflessly trying to save his friends from drowning.
Scholarship Fund
The Ketcham Family in cooperation with Omaha BMX created the Patrick Alan Ketcham Scholarship Fund in 2021 to honor Pat’s memory and allow more kids to experience BMX. Pat’s original CYC Stormer hangs in the concession stand at Omaha BMX as a memorial.
Patrick Alan Ketcham Memorial Race
Twice a year Omaha BMX holds a memorial race in honor of Pat. 100% of the proceeds from these events go directly to the scholarship fund.
Friday, May 31
Racing starts at 8pm
Registration opens at 6:30pm
$12/class – $20/class+cruiser
Friday, August 30
Racing starts at 8pm
Registration opens at 6:30pm
$12/class – $20/class+cruiser
Funding
Funds are raised through memorial races, local business sponsorships and the generosity of private donors. While a donation of any size is appreciated:
• $350 purchases one new bike to grow and replenish track loaner bikes.
• $150 provides one New Riders League scholarship.
• $200 provides one membership and ten races for a rider.
In 2022, Omaha BMX was able to purchase 8 new DK BMX Bicycles with funds provided by the Patrick Alan Ketcham Fund. The bicycles are part of the “loaner” bike program and can be used free of charge by any rider during practice or race days.
Applications
The Patrick Alan Ketcham Scholarship Fund was started with four goals in mind:
1. To help reduce the cost of new rider programs.
2. Assist with rider membership fees for those unable to afford them.
3. Provide educational opportunities for young riders.
4. Maintain and replenish the fleet of track “loaner” bikes.
If you or someone you know would benefit from the Patrick Alan Ketcham Scholarship Fund applications are now open.
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Omaha BMX is a 501(3)C & USA BMX Sanctioned Track
