Cactus Park is a dirt
track approximately 1,000 feet long, with banked turns and jumps of all shapes
and sizes. Actually, the first thing you need to do is find the sign-up / registration
building. It is there that you'll need to fill out an
ABA application
and sign up to race. First-time racers are able to purchase a temporary membership
for $25, which is good for 30 days. A "Temp" provides you with
ABA's
secondary insurance and enables you to go out on the track. Entry fees are $10.00
per rider.
Before you get up on
the starting gate, it is suggested that first you closely watch the riders go
around the track. Pay attention to their body motion over jumps (using arms
and legs as shock absorbers) and note where riders are pedaling and when they
are coasting. Take it slow on your first few laps. Remember, you are brand new
to this and those fast, expert racers started off just like you. Take time to
learn the track - know which obstacles are coming up and how to take it smoothly.
Often, the difference in the beginner class is who is smoothest around the course
rather than quickest
THE
STARTING GATE:
Since BMX is a "short sprint" sport (with most races lasting 35 to 45 seconds),
the start of a race is usually the most important. When you first begin racing,
you'll most likely do what is called a one-footed start. Which is having one
foot on your pedal and the other foot acting as a "kickstand," resting on the
ground to keep you balanced. The majority of riders start with their right foot
"forward" (on the pedals). Much like skateboarders or surfers, racers who line
up in the gate with a left foot forward are called "goofy footed." Find out
which feels most comfortable - there is no right or wrong way.
Soon, you will want to learn how to do the normal "two-footed start." Some riders
can pick this up on their first day at the races and some beginners take weeks
to learn how. You can practice the two-footed start anywhere - find a wall and
ride up to it, with your front wheel touching. Apply a little bit of pressure
on your forward pedal - just enough to keep your front wheel solid against the
surface of the imaginary starting gate. Stand in an upright position, relax,
and use both of your arms to balance the bike.
Once you've got the feel of balancing your bike on the gate, then you'll need
to learn how to "snap" out of the gate. This is the motion of thrusting your
hips into your handlebars and cranking down on your forward pedal as the gate
is falling. The best way to learn this is watching the local pros and experts
at the track, and constantly practice.
PRACTICE:
Obviously, the more you race and ride your bike, the better you will get. That
old saying "Practice makes perfect" stands true in the world of BMX racing.
Check our schedule for Practice times.
CLINICS:
Throughout the year, there are many top pros in the sport of BMX who travel
around the country putting on beginner clinics. Attending a clinic is one of
the best ways to learn how to get better in BMX.
Clinic dates and time
will be posted on the
Cactus Park web site.
Racing BMX is easy to get started and the
ABA
has made it inexpensive to begin. What you need to know:
Check our
Links page for your equipment
merchants.
A
simple checklist to make sure your bike is
ABA
safe & race ready:
Make sure all bolts
are tight - especially your axle bolts and stem bolts.
All reflectors must
be removed for safety purposes.
If your bike has a
kickstand, it must be taken off.
Your bike needs the
three required pads
