 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! |