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Getting Started in BMX Racing
BMX racing is a fun sport for young people. For kids, the basic
bike should have 20-inch wheels. Riders under age six can use
whatever type of bike they have, even if it's not a true BMX
freestyle bike. These little folks might still be riding bikes
with wheels as small as 12-inches. Some tracks even have races
for Big Wheel bikes.
A cruiser or mountain bike with 24-inch or 26-inch wheels might
be okay, too, but check ahead of time with your local track for
advice. Many tracks will let you race a mountain bike in the
"Cruiser" class.
Whatever bike you use should be equipped this way. Remove all
reflectors. Take off the kickstand and chainguard to prevent
injury in a wreck.
The bike should have pads on the top tube, stem and crossbar.
Most BMX freestyle bikes already have these pads. If your bike
doesn't have them, adding this safety feature will cost about
$5.
The bike should have at least one working brake. A coaster brake
is fine if that's all the bike has. The bike should be in safe
working order.
Finally, tie a paper plate to the handlebars. This will be your
number plate. 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.
Safety is important
For head protection, a helmet is essential. Depending on the
track rules, this may need to be a full-face helmet or a helmet
with a separate mouthguard. Other tracks will accept any type of
inexpensive motocross-style helmet.
Wear protective clothing. 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 sturdy shoes they are comfortable riding in.
Although you can race without gloves, wearing them is a good
idea. Be sure they fit well and don't interfere with moving your
hands. Finally, bring bike tools and an air pump in case repairs
are needed.
Ready to race
To race, a potential rider needs to find a track. Local bike
shops
may have information on where the nearest track is.
Otherwise visit the National Bicycle League (NBL) or American
Bicycle Association (ABA) websites. These are the sanctioning
bodies of BMX racing. They provide advice and insurance to local
tracks. As an NBL or ABA member, you will have some medical
insurance if you get hurt on the track during a race and do not
have other insurance.
A parent or guardian must accompany the rider to give permission
for the child to race. A birth certificate must be shown as
proof of age. Most tracks charge between $15 and $35 for a
racing license that is licenses good for a year. There is also
an entry fee for each race, which is usually between $6 and $10.
For your first visit to a particular track, get there about two
hours before the first race starts. Find the registration tent
or trailer and sign up.
Then take a walk around the track. Try to remember where the
jumps are. Next it's time to practice. Put your helmet and other
gear on and follow the others to the starting gate. Watch what
everyone else does and where they go. A beginner should put his
front wheel against the starting gate, keeping one foot on a
pedal and the other one on the ground. Start pedaling when the
gate drops. Go slow the first few times until you feel
comfortable.
After practice, the races will be posted. The people at the
registration tent can tell you where your particular race will
be posted and how the race actually works. You will be in a
group or "moto" with other riders about your age. Line up with
them in the staging area. When your group is called, go up and
race! This will probably happen three or four times, depending
on the system the track uses, and then it will be over. If you
win, you might get a trophy. Even if you don't, you'll have fun.
About the author:
Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is
the Internet's leading source for print and online catalog
shopping - and a growing hub of original content and "how to"
information at www.catalogs.com.
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