Less Get Started In BMX Racing
BMX Racing - How To Get Started!
It’s a sad fact that the majority of riders who own20’ bikes don’t race. There is a lot more to racing
than just winning and losing. It offers a family oriented
sport that is fun for all ages.
BMX Racing locally is usually pretty cheap.
The ABA (American Bicycle Association) and the NBL
(National Bicycle League) both offer very inexpensive
trial memberships, so you can see if you like BMX or
not before you go full-bore with it.
Also, there are no costs for spectators to watch
anywhere in the country, and everyone is welcome.
First and foremost, you obviously need a bike.
You don’t need an expensive, fancy bike to race.
The bike does not play that much of a role in the out
come of BMX races. I’ve had bikes worth over eleven
hundred dollars in the past and I’ve been beaten by
racers on $200 junk piles, and I’m certainly not alone.
Sure, having a high-tech, trick bike that is the right size
for you can help your performance, but only to a relatively
small degree really. Later on, when you get the hang of BMX
and have some experience in it, you will probably want
a good, dependable bike if you don’t already have one.
You can get a pretty decent, dependable new bike for around
$300 or so. If you are made of money, and are sure you are
going to stick with BMX, a good bike that needs little or no
upgrading, that will last you through all proficiencies
( rookie, novice, expert, pro, etc.) will probably run about
$575 or so brand new.
Don’t think you need to spend hundreds of dollars
on a bike to get into racing! Just about any bike
will do starting out.
When you get better at BMX you might decide
later you need (or just want) a better bike.
You can buy used bikes at Flea Markets, pawn shops, bmx tracks,
individuals, and some bike shops, some are really cheap too.
The basic requirements for bikes to race is that all reflectors,
the chainguard, the kickstand, and any axle pegs be removed.
You will also need pads covering the handlebar crossbar, the stem,
and the top tube of your bike. You can get pads as well as bike
parts and complete bikes from mail order companies such as Dan’s
Competition http://www.danscomp.com or from your local bike shop.
Your handlebars can not be sticking through the end of your grips.
You may want to make sure your bike is tuned up good - check your
tires for wear and tear, and make sure everything is good and tight.
You can run coaster brakes on your bike,
but I strongly recommend that you don’t.
It’s generally better if you have a freewheel on the back wheel
(a part that lets you pedal backwards without the brakes engaging)
and use hand brakes that mount on your handlebars.
You can use front brakes, but using rear brakes instead is usually better.
You will need a helmet to race, which can normally be
borrowed at your local track if you don’t have one yet.
You can use a full face helmet, but an open face one
will work fine as well. You will probably need a mouth
guard if you are using an open face helmet.
It is also required that you wear a long sleeve shirt and
long pants. You can get by with about any long sleeve shirt
and jeans for the time being though. You don’t need a race
jersey or a sponsor to get into BMX racing.
The first step in getting involved in BMX Racing
is finding your local BMX track.
The easiest way to do this is by calling the sanctions, the
ABA at (800)886-1BMX that’s 1-800-886-1269 and the
NBL toll free at (800)886-BMX1 that’s 1-800-886-2691
Or, you can just call your local bike shop and ask them.
Better still, while you are here surfing the web, you
can find out where your local track is by visiting the
ABA’s track directory - http://www.ababmx.com or
the NBL’s track directory - http://www.nbl.org
You’ll find the tracks are very similar to motorcycle tracks,
except the jumps and the track are much smaller of course.
Pretty much all you have to do is show up, get
a trial membership, and pay a small entry fee.
The track operator will help you out with anything you need,
and they’ll usually give or sell you a temporary numberplate if
you need one. Also, you just need to show up with your parent
or a guardian if you are under the age 18.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Most BMXers will be glad to help you out.
When you first ride the track,
take it slow at first - be careful.
Watch how the other riders balance at the starting gate and
take the jumps and turns. Don’t ride over your head. You will
get the hang of it eventually, don’t worry if you can’t clear jumps
or handle the track very well at first - it takes time and practice.
Sometimes at local tracks there might not be any racers
in your skill level or your age. You may be racing people
who have been racing a lot longer than you have, or people
who are older than you are.
You need to compete in the skill level and age class you are
supposed to be in, in order to keep from getting discouraged.
Sometimes at small, local tracks this just isn’t possible.
After you have raced locally for a while, you can race state
wide for more competition, and ultimately race nationally.
That is where the fun comes in, traveling all over the country,
having plenty of competition, seeing friends, and of course,
racing. Well, have fun - BMX Racing, it’s an awesome sport!
~~ A small checklist for getting started BMX racing ~~~
Research BMX Racing and make sure it is what you want
Visit some BMX web sites, - A good place to start
http://www.genesbmx.com and the BMX Links List
http://www.genesbmx.com/BMXLINKS1.html
Find out where the closest track is to you.
ABA BMX Tracks - http://www.ababmx.com
NBL BMX Tracks - http://www.nbl.org
Get your BMX bike ready for BMX Racing.
Remove any chainguards and all reflectors.
Remove any and all pegs (axle or frame)
Clip-in pedals are dangerous for beginners.
Make sure you have a Helmet!
Gloves are good to have.
Buy a temporary membership at the local track.
Try to practice at the track some before racing.
Some Good Tips For BMX Racing, check out
- How To Develop Good BMX Racing Strategy
http://www.genesbmx.com/BMX-Racing-Strategy.html
The BMX Racing community hopes to see you
on the track soon. - Remember To Have Fun!
Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
***** Gene`s BMX *****
All Things Northwest in BMX!
http://www.genesbmx.com