BMX racing is a fun sport for young folk. For youngsters, the basic bike should have 20-inch wheels. Riders under age 6 can use whatever kind of bike they have, even if it is not a real BMX freestyle bike. These little people might still be riding bikes with wheels as tiny as 12-inches. A cruiser or mountain bicycle with 24-inch or 26-inch wheels could be OK, too, but check beforehand with your local track for recommendation. Many tracks will let you race an off-road bike in the “Cruiser” class. Whatever bike you use should be provided this way. Take off the kickstand and chain guard to stop injury in a wreck.
The bike should have pads on the top tube, stem and crossbar. If your cycle doesn’t have them, adding this safety feature will cost about $5. The bike should have 1 working brake. A coaster brake is fine if that is all the bike has. Ultimately, tie a paper plate to the handlebars. When you get to the track, they’ll give you a number to put on it. That number will identify you to the judges and fans as you are racing. For head protection, a helmet is vital. Depending on the track rules, this might have to be a full-face helmet or a helmet with another mouth guard. Other tracks will accept any kind of cheap motocross-style helmet. Regular long pants or jeans will protect the rider’s legs. For arm protection, wear a long-sleeved shirt. Since riders will use their feet, they should wear good strong shoes they’re cushy riding in. Though you can race without gloves, wearing them is a smart idea. Be certain they fit well and do not meddle with moving your hands. Finally, bring bike tools and an air pump in case repairs are required. To race, a potential rider needs to get a track. Local bike shops might have info on where the closest track is. Otherwise visit the nation’s Bike League (NBL) or American Bike Organization (ABA) web sites. These are the permitting bodies of BMX racing. They supply recommendation and insurance to local tracks. As an NBL or ABA member, you’ll have some hospital insurance if you get hurt on the track in a race and don’t have other insurance. A guardian or parent must go with the rider to give authorization for the kid to race.
A birth certificate must be shown as confirmation of age. Most tracks charge between $15 and $35 for a racing license that’s licenses good for a year. There’s also an entry fee for each race, which is generally between $6 and $10. For your first trip to a specific track, get there about 2 hours before the 1st race starts. Find the registration tent or trailer and sign up. Put your helmet and other gear on and follow the others to the beginning gate. Watch what everybody else does and where they are going. An amateur should put his front wheel against the beginning gate, keeping one foot on a pedal and the other one on the ground. Go slow the initial few times till you’re feeling cushy. The people at the registration tent can tell you where your special race will be posted and the way in which the race essentially works. You’ll be in a group or “moto” with other riders about your age. When your group is known as, go up and race. This could potentially occur 3 or four times, depending on the system the track uses, and then it’ll be over.