GETTING STARTED IN BMX

Getting Started in BMX

It's a sad fact that the majority of riders who own BMX bikes don't race. Many of them do not even know that there is a vibrant UK race scene and that BMX racing is now an Olympic sport. Of course, BMX racing is a lot more than just winning and losing. It offers an exciting, family oriented sport that is fun for all ages.

First and foremost, you obviously need a bike - but you don't need an expensive, fancy bike to race. The bike ismuch less important to the outcome of a BMX race than in any other cycle sport.. You'll often see riders on expensive bikes being beaten by riders on basic stock bikes. 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. Once you've tried racing BMX at your local track you'll be ready decide if you want to continue and invest in a dependable race bike. You can get a pretty decent, dependable new bike for around £200 or so. But be careful, most BMX bikes sold in the UK are the heavy BMX bikes designed for street/park/dirt riding and not really suitable for racing. They are fine for racing when you are starting out, but if you are investing in a race bike - make sure that is what you get. The club has race bikes which can try out and you'll see the difference straight away. I am not aware of anyone selling race bikes in the Nottingham area but the best places I have found for new bikes are:

  • MAW Racing
  • Winstanleys BMX
  • Alans BMX
    • And for secondhand bikes there are all sorts of places, but I have found ebay and www.bmxtalk.co.uk to be especially good places to keep checking. Also, there are often people selling bikes at regional and national BMX races. The basic requirements for bikes to race is that
  • Stunt pegs are dangerous for racing, they must be removed
  • So should anything else that sticks out, like kick-stands, chainguards and reflectors.
  • There must be at least one working brake - most riders choose a back brake.
  • There should be padding on the top tube and headset. Fancy padsets can be bought, but pipe lagging and gaffer tape works very well.
  • Your handlebars must not be sticking out through the end of your grips.
    • You should also make sure your bike is well-tuned.
  • Check your tires for wear and tear. Replace them if need be - and always carry a spare inner tube.
  • Make sure tyres are pumped up to pressure
  • Rear tyre pressure should be slightly less than front so that the front has more traction than the rear
  • Make sure everything is good and tight
  • Clean your bike - it's the best way to discover worn and broken parts.
  • Clean and lube your chain, and check it for wear - I have a tool you can borrow at the track.
    • You will also need personal protection
  • You must wear a full face helmet. The club does have a few which are loaned out on race days.
  • You must wear long sleeves and long trousers. You don't need a race jersey or a sponsor to get into BMX racing.
  • Gloves are highly recommended, most riders wear them.
  • Arm and knee pads are also recommended.
    • These, and most other rules, come from British Cycling.

    The first step in getting involved in BMX Racing is finding your local track. In Nottingham that's easy - Bulwell Outlaws! See the map for Directions Elsewhere in the Midlands Region, there is a track in Derby, and further North there is Chesterfield, Mansfield, Harworth and Bircotes, Rotherham and Sheffield. I believe there is also a track near Shepshed, but I haven't seen it. There is also a run down track in one of the parks in Leicester - but the council is curently building a small play track and there are rumours that a full size track may get built. Way to the South of here there is also a new track in Telford. At Bulwell, pretty much all you have to do is show up and get a trial membership. The most important aspect of the membership is parental/guardian consent - a signature is required. There are lots of benefits to becoming a full member link . Ideally, try and show up with your parent/guardian if you are under 16.

    Don't let a lack of equipment put you off because we should be able to help you out with any equipment you need. Don't be afraid to ask questions - most BMXers will be glad to help you out. The more experienced riders can balance with their feet on their pedals while the front wheel is lodged up against the start gate. This provides the fastest start, but newcomers just place one foot on the ground to maintain balance. If you're new to this, take it easy. A fast start is important in BMX - but it's even more important to keep it safe. Don't try and ride above yourself - learn to ride the track and ride with other racers by pushing yourself just a bit more each race. In your first few races you may wish to ride round at the back and watch what the others get up to. Don't worry if you find parts of the track difficult at first, it all takes time and practice. As your skills develop and your confidence grows you will become more competetive - just don't expect too much too soon - there's a lot to learn. You will get the hang of it eventually - it just takes time and practice.

    After you have raced locally for a while, you can race in the Regionals. These are exciting affairs with the best riders from many clubs as well as trade tents and sponsors. There are novice and expert classes in the Regionals and most newcomers will be better of riding in the novices at first. The exception is the younger riders, say under 8 years old, who might wish to avoid the novice class because there are is often a wide spread of ages in the novice races (there is a separate race for each Expert age group). The Regionals are run throughout the Summer, but there is also a Winter Series which tends to be smaller than the Summer. Ultimately, your goal might be to race nationally, travelling all over the country, having weekends away with plenty of competition, making new friends, and of course, racing BMX. This is a greatsport, but remember, although there is only one race winner, everyone who experiences the fun and excitement of racing BMX is a winner. See the envy on your friends faces when you tell them what you have been doing. If you remember that you will be alright.