BMX racing

You know..I dont know that much about racing but I did my work.. I made a reserch and found out some pretty cool stuff about BMX racing.. And I'm going to share all the information I found with all of you.. I hope you'll learn something new..'cause me, I learn lots of stuff..

Let's start by the racing track..





That doesn't look that hard..does it?
Well trust me..it is..

BMX tracks are no more then a few hundred yards long...but they contain enough twists, turns and jumps to test all the riding skills!

Riders start at the top of a hill or ramp and ride down it in lanes. Then there are all kinds of jumps, bumps and turns to negotiate before the finishing straight, in about a half a minute of all-out effort.

At the start, riders must have their front wheel against the starting board, or gate, and firmly on the ground. A good start is very important. Riders aim for the holeshot, the leading position on the first turn.

Farther along the course, the leaders have begun to draw away from the rest.

BMXers use one leg for balance as they take a sharp, flat turn, called a sweeper. Banked turns, called berms,can be taken at the top speed and are good places for passing other riders.

Tactics and techniques play an important part in racing. Riders race close together, but physical contact is not allowed. You can block a rider behaind you, but you may not force a rider off his or her position.

BMX races have events for riders of all ages, from 6 to over 16s. The bigger meetings have thousands of entrants.

Riders in each age group are divided into sets of eight. They take part in three races, or motos, against each other, with different startings positions each time. The most successful riders advance to the next round.

In the moto system, one point is awarded for finishing first, two for second and so on.. The four riders with the fewest points after their three motos quality for the next round. In small events, this might be the main, or final.

In the transfer system, the winners of the first and second motos qualify without racing again, and the first and second in the third moto also advance.

But what are the rules...What do you need to participate in a BMX race?

First of all you need a BMX bike..kinda normal..no?

Sadly there are rules..one thing I hate is fallowing rules...but if you wanna race..you have no choise but to fallow them..or get discualifaid..and that would not be very good..'cause we never know who will be the next top BMXer..maybe it will be you..like we say..You can't lose any thing by trying..but you could lose everything by not trying..So I personatly wish you good luck..

- Handlebars must not exceed 29 inches in width, including grips.

- Grips are required and must cover any metal on the ends (no torn ends allowed).

- All kick-stands, reflectors, chain guards, and other hazardous attachments must be removed.

- The stem and the crossbar on the handlebars must be padded and the pads securely fastened.

- The frame must be in good condition with no cracks or broken welds. The top frame bar must be padded and the pad securely fastened.

- Axle ends must not be over 1/4 inch long.

- Both wheels must be a maximum 20 inches in diameter to compete in age classes. Larger wheel sizes must race in a Cruiser class.

- Bicycles must have a rear brake in good working condition.

- Toe clips are not allowed, but Riders may use clip-less pedals.

- Multi-speed bicycles are allowed.


Now..those are only some of the rules..The rest..they are mostly different from one race to the other..so ask for a paper whit the rules brfore the race so you wont get burned..



There are also some terms you should be familiar with before starting to race..

MOTO

The race that you are in.

MOTO-SHEET

A record of the riders in the days races. These are numbered, beginning at number 1 and continuing for all of the motos, this number is used to call you for your race.

POSTING OF MOTOS

Placing of the racing schedule (moto sheets) in a convenient place for all riders to see. The race announcer will announce when the 'Motos are posted'.

STAGING

The area at the rear or side of the starting hill. This is where you line up to wait for your race.

STAGER

The person who will call you for your race (and tell you your lane number). Please stay in the staging area until your moto is called forward.

STARTER

The person who starts the race by releasing the gate. The Starter will not drop the gate if all riders do not have the proper equipment (i.e. a securely fastened full-faced helmet, gloves, long sleeve shirt and long pants).

FINISH LINE

The area at the end of the track where you are scored with your finish.

HEAD TRACK OFFICIAL

The person who officiates the race and ensures the rules are followed.

CORNER JUDGES

Assistants to the Head Track Official; you will see them on the track during practice and races. At the Calgary track, they will be wearing red vests.

TRACK OPERATOR

The person who takes your registration, makes up the moto you will race in and usually oversees the finish line area.

BlKE INSPECTION

Prior to each racing event your bicycle will be inspected by one of the officials to ensure that it is safe and in good mechanical working order, and that you have all required safety equipment.

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