| Before
you participate in your first BMX race, there
are a few things you need for your body and bike
before you can race.
Body
- Long
sleeve shirt
- Long
pants
- Helmet
(full
face helmet or face protection is
recommended)
Bike
- A
20" wheeled bike.
- Three
pads (on handlebar, cross bar, the stem and
top tube of frame).
- Reflectors
and kick stand removed.
- *Number
plate
Once you
have all the equipment, one of the first things
you'll want to do when you arrive at a track is
to head toward "sign-ups". Your local
track operator will help you with any questions
you may have to get you signed up to race. As a
first time racer you'll need to acquire an ABA
membership which track personnel will help you
with.
As you
sign-up to race for the day, you will find
sign-up forms and pencils at the registration
table. Fill out your name, age, class (novice)
and bike number (the one on your plate).
Once
your paperwork is taken care of it's time to hit
the track. Take your time and get used to the
track at your own speed. Memorize what obstacles
are on the track and experiment on how to take
them the fastest and smoothest. Watching the
older experienced riders is one of the best ways
of learning how to improve your racing
techniques.
Right
before the race begins the track operator will
post motos. Moto sheets show you which race
everyone is in and who they will race against.
The sheets will also inform you of what
"lane" you will have on the starting
gate. When looking at the "Moto
Sheets", find your name and make sure you
are entered in the right age group and
classification. Also, locate what "Moto
Number" you are in and memorize it (it
helps to write your moto number on your hand so
you don't forget it).
Ready to
race? Be sure you get to the staging area ahead
of time so you don't miss your first race.
Staging is generally located right behind the
starting hill and they will have someone back
there calling out motos in numerical order. When
the stager calls your moto number (your race),
go up to the starting gate with the other riders
in your race and when it's time to get on the
gate, hop in the starting lane assigned to you.
The
moment of truth is here. You are propped up in
the starting gate with up to seven riders fo
your same age and skill level. You are ready for
your first ever BMX race. The gate is about to
fall and from here, it's all up to you. Good
luck!
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