About BMX
BMX is short for Bicycle Motocross and is a sport the whole family can enjoy.
It's fun, it's exciting and it's challenging! Racing is done on a dirt track
with lots of jumps, obstacles and corners to challenge their skills, from the
start to finish.
There are over 150,000 riders of all ages racing organized races at permanent
tracks across Canada and the United States. BMX racing is clean, exciting fun
that whole families can get involved in, whether it be as a racer, spectator,
pit crew or track volunteer. BMX has something to offer everyone.
Races are organized according to age groups and skill levels so everyone gets
the opportunity to compete on a fair and competitive basis. All riders compete
for trophies and/or stickies and points that are published in the BMXer
magazine which each rider receives every month.
Who can Race?
Races are organized into girl's classes and boy's classes, then subdivided into age groups and skill levels. Age classes range from 5 & under to adults.
Depending on the number of entrants you race against other riders the same age, give or take a year. Races are also organized by skill. If you are a new rider,
you start as a novice and race against other novice riders. After you win eight races, your skills have improved and you move up to the intermediate class.
After 25 wins you move up to the expert class.
For those young ones just starting out we have a class called "half trackers". This class runs only on half the track, leaving out the biggest jumps
and obstacles. A great way for younger riders to develop their confidence.
What kind of a bike do I need?
BMX racing does not require a lot of expensive equipment. Most racers start with their 20" street bike. By removing the chain guard, kick stand
and other hazardous attachments the bike will be ready to race.
All bikes must have brakes which are in good working order. All equipment must be safe and in good condition in order to compete.
What other kind of equipment do I need?
First, a helmet is required. It is strongly recommended that it be one with full face protection. We follow the guidelines as laid out by the ABA
in their rule book. The helmet must have a permanent strap attached, snaps are not allowed. The helmet must have sufficient padding and be of
good quality, and fit properly (very important!).
You will also need to wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants (or shorts with
approved leg protection) and running shoes with good gripping soles.
The BMX Racer
The most successful competitors in BMX Racing are
often the most hyperactive of our youngsters and teenagers. Those who without
the spills, thrills, excitement, and focus of BMX will give them would be
looking elsewhere for their kicks. BMX racing builds character, sportsmanship,
and goal setting. It provides a discipline and direction to young people,
usually unwittingly, because they are having fun doing it. There is also a
large, mainly hidden group of young people that find little joy in team
sports, not loners but individuals who need and want to be in charge of their
own destiny and obtain satisfaction from their own achievements at their own
pace. These kids are not catered to in many other sports. At BMX no one rides
the bench.
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