A smell of rubber and coal dust filled the air throughout two busy days of top dirt bike competition Saturday and Sunday just 1/2 mile west of Tamaqua.

The American Motorcyclist Association Pennsylvania State Championship Extreme Off Road Event drew riders and spectators from across the country and abroad, with many turning it into a holiday camping adventure.

They all came to see or participate in top-flight dirt bike riding.

In fact, about 40 of the racers were professionals, paid riders with corporate sponsors.

The event tests the skill and fitness level of some of the top dirt bike racers.

It was the third year in which the Reading Off Road Riders (RORR) and major sponsor Kenda Tires USA brought the national qualifying race to eastern Schuylkill County. Called "Kenda Tough Like RORR", the event showcased more than 200 racers who braved stifling heat and miles of challenging hills, gullies and rocks on land owned by the Reading Anthracite Company.

"Our limit is 200 but we didn't turn anyone away," said volunteer Kelsey McCreight of Columbia. McCreight manned the gates, along with Tyler McCreight. With a rugged course and tough environment, spectators hike silt banks and haul roads to access the course. Liability is always an issue.

"We make sure all spectators and riders sign a waiver," said McCreight.

Up for grabs were thousands in cash prizes, including $5,000 for first place.

"This is considered a hard or extreme Endura. I's a qualifier for another race called the Tennessee Knockout," said McCreight.

Spectators camped out in RVs, vans and tents, many of which lined a mountainside overlooking Tamaqua.

According to organizers, a brand new dirt bike can cost about $9,000 t0 $10,000, but a used one might be found for the $2,000 to $3,000 range. Riders begin as C-class beginners but move up in rank as ability improves, finally reaching AA status, or elite.

The action began early Saturday and the riders appeared to be in top form.

"Yesterday were the two and four mile courses. The main one is this afternoon and it'll be 15 miles," said Tyler McCreight.

Most of those in attendance appeared to be from out of the region or out of state. But there was local flavor as well.

Avid rider Ben Horvath of Summit Hill was tearing through the course on Sunday after a strong showing Saturday in which he placed very near the top 20.

One of the spectators, Russell Fletcher, Lansford, said Horvath is a crowd favorite.

"We had a bunch from Georgia, Connecticut and New York come to watch him yesterday, and that was for the lead-up."

Fletcher described the the course as "iconic."

"It's the only one in the area and one of the toughest tracks."

Keith Oliphant of Tamaqua was on hand volunteering for the big event.

"I'm here with American Hose Company. We have a food stand," he said.

Since many of the attendees were hauling trailers or driving large RVs, the RORR website alerted travelers and participants to the Tamaqua detour, advising the best route to take through town.

Caption (large group): More than 200 off road motorcyclists and several hundred spectators converged on Tamaqua Saturday and Sunday for a national qualifying dirt bike event. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS

Caption (Kenda arch): The American Motorcyclist Association Pennsylvania State Championship Extreme Off Road Event held in Tamaqua over the weekend was sponsored by Kenda Tires USA.

Caption (rugged course, rocks): Riders navigate a rugged, rocky course on the mountains overlooking Tamaqua on Sunday, the final leg of a two-day national qualifying event for off road motorcyclists. DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS

Caption (man on bike): A local favorite, Ben Horvath of Summit Hill, pauses between runs on Sunday in Tamaqua during the AMA Pennsylvania State Championship Extreme Off Road Event. DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS