Senior finds niche in bicycle racing

POST FALLS – Three years ago, 17-year-old Post Falls resident Miranda Bivert was introduced to the world of bicycle racing, and her life has not been the same since.

“I just love the adrenaline rush you get, meeting new people and being outdoors,” said Bivert, who adds that even multiple concussions haven’t stopped her from pursuing her new passion.

In the three years since she began BMX bicycle motocross racing, Bivert has become a top competitor in the racing world. She recently placed second in the state of Idaho and has her sights set on attending national competitions. She hopes by doing well at the national level she will be able to one day race professionally.

“To go pro you have to win at a national level,” said Bivert. “That is when you get noticed by the people who are higher up.”

Bivert, who is looking ahead to a competition in California, is sponsored by Bakerview BMX in Washington state and co-sponsored by Monster, the maker of the popular energy drink.

“Bakerview BMX has three different levels: novice, intermediate and expert,” said Bivert. “I am a girl expert and race in the 17-and-older class.”

There are about 30 people on the Bakerview BMX team, and they travel to various cities in Washington, Canada, Montana and Idaho.

The sponsors provide the bike frames, helmets, pads and bike parts. That is a big help for what can be a very expensive sport.

“My bike now is worth about $3,000,” said Bivert. Travel expenses are covered by her and her family, but Miranda is doing what she can to contribute.

A student at Post Falls High School until two weeks into her senior year this fall, Bivert recently transferred to Bridge Academy in Coeur d’Alene. The school caters to students who are either in the second half of their junior year or in their senior year of high school and for various reasons may want or need a flexible school schedule. The school day is one, three-hour block session, and the student may choose one of four time frames to attend. For Miranda, it is the 2 to 5 p.m. school day that best fits her needs.

She works at a property management firm from 7 a.m. to noon and then heads to school. She said she is looking for a second job as well, and enjoys the flexibility that the Bridge Academy has given her.

“You work online by yourself and there’s a teacher there who can help you if you need it,” said Bivert, who is currently taking U.S. History and Government.

“This way I can work more and earn more money for racing,” she said.

Perhaps her best racing buddy is her 15-year-old brother Johnnie, who started racing about the same time as Miranda. They spend a lot of their time training together and are both on the Bakerview BMX team.

Bivert said the racing season is starting to slow down and she will do all she can to stay in shape over the winter months while still attending indoor races when possible. She said her brother chooses to wrestle so he can maintain his strength, but she chooses to run and lift weights at the gym.

“I focus only on racing,” said Bivert.

Recognizing that she cannot succeed totally on her own, Bivert is grateful to those around her.

“I have family and friends that really help motivate me,” said Bivert. “They’ve been really supportive.”