There are some things you expect to find in the Sierra.

Gold Rush history.

Mountain trails.

Lakes and rivers.

Big trees.

And then there's a 50-year-old BMX track in Angels Camp.

This weekend, it comes alive again.

The Frogtown Classic International BMX Days returns to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds September 10–13, bringing four days of vintage and modern BMX racing, a bike show, swap meet, vendors, clinics, and plenty of two-wheeled nostalgia.

And here's what makes this one particularly fun:

You don't have to know anything about BMX to enjoy it.

The original Frogtown track dates back to 1977, when BMX was still finding its identity. The legendary downhill course eventually hosted racers and professionals from around the country before the original racing era ended in 1982.

Now the track is back.

And so are the bikes.

And some of the people who remember when BMX wasn't something you watched on television—it was something you did in the neighborhood until your parents made you come home.

Thursday kicks things off with open riding and a free beginner and family racing orientation clinic.

Friday brings practice, vendors, the swap meet and the 4-Star Series/California Cup Last Chance Qualifier.

Saturday is classic BMX day, with vintage racing, the bike show, swap meet and Legends Night.

Then comes the big finale.

Sunday morning, the California Cup Grand Prix gets underway, with opening ceremonies at 9:15 and championship racing beginning at 9:30.

Spectators are free, so you can simply show up and experience it without making a weekend-long commitment.

Take the kids.

Take your spouse.

Take the friend who still has a BMX bike buried somewhere in the garage.

Or just go because it's something you haven't done before.

Walk through the bike show.

Check out the swap meet.

Watch the racers launch down a track that's been part of Angels Camp history for nearly half a century.

And then spend a little time downtown.

Grab lunch.

Get an ice cream.

Explore.

Because that's one of the things we love about the Sierra.

Some of the best weekends aren't the ones you planned six weeks ago.

They're the ones where you hear about something unusual happening 20 minutes away and think:

"Well...we should probably go see that."

September 10–13
Calaveras County Fairgrounds
Angels Camp

Spectator admission is free.

For the full schedule, racing information and event details, check the official Frogtown Classic schedule before heading out.

Have you ever been to Frogtown?

Or maybe you have an old BMX story of your own.

Hit reply and tell us.

That's what we're discovering as we explore the Sierra—there are a lot more stories hiding around here than you might expect.

Until next Thursday,

Jerad
Sierra Life Guide

Your Guide to the Best of Sierra Living.