Learn About BMX

By Sierra Siebenlist

 

BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross.  The sport started in southern California in the 1970's.  A group of kids just started riding and jumping their stingray type bikes in empty lots and fields.  BMX is growing across the country, many new tracks are popping up all over every year. 

The National Bicycle League (NBL) is the BMX organization that the Doghouse Racing Team and the Des Moines Metro BMX Track belong to.  You can sign up at any NBL sanctioned track.  Races are organized into specific categories, in the 20 inch division.  The categories start at age groups 5 & under and go to 55 & older.  The men's classes are divided into rookie (beginner), novice (intermediate), and expert (advanced).  You can move up to the next division by earning move up points in your races.  Girls classes start at 5 & under, and go to 16 & over, the 16 & over class is called Super Girls.  There are no further divisions for girls, such as, rookie or novice.  Some girls at 16, just race cruiser, or stop racing all together because they feel they do not have a chance in the 16 & over class.  I hope to get this changed for my future racing career, and for the other women and girls that like to race 20 inch but have no chance in the races.  If you would rather race a bigger bike than 20 inch, there is also a cruiser class for all ages, men and women.  A cruiser is a 24 inch bike, rather than a 20 inch.  Many older men and women choose to race cruiser because of the bigger bike, and also, there are more women's age categories in cruiser class.

Once you sign up for the NBL, you can race at any NBL track in the country.  There are many different types of races, most of which you do not have to qualify for.  There are single point local races, Bob Warnicke Scholarship double point races, state qualifiers, state championships, national races, regional races, Grand Nationals, regional championships, etc.

Your NBL membership also includes a monthly subscription to BMX Today.  This is the official magazine of the NBL, it will keep you updated on points and regional and national race schedules are also posted in BMX Today.

"Moto" is the BMX term for "race."  When you register to race at a track you will know when you race by looking at the motoboard.  This is where the moto sheets are posted.  The moto sheets tell you when you race and who you race with.  It also tells your starting gate numbers.  For example, let's say that you are racing in the 14 year-old rookie class.  At this particular race the 14 year-old rookie class is moto number 5, and your gate numbers are 1, 8, and 3.  This means that after motos 1, 2, 3, and 4 have raced it will be your turn.  However, you will want to be in the staging area at least by the time moto 1 has been called to race, if not earlier, depending on how big the race is.  When moto number 5 is called to the starting gate, you will put your bike on gate 1, because that is your first gate number listed on the moto sheet, and get ready to race.  By this time, you should know how the starting gate works and what you need to do before it drops, because at most races there is practice time before the race.  When you have finished your first race, or moto, you will have a little while to recuperate before your next one.  Depending on how big the race is, you could have anywhere from five minutes to three hours to wait before your next moto.  When it is your turn to race again, you will get up in the gate, in lane 8, and race just like you did before.  Usually, between your second and third motos, once again depending on how big the race is, or what kind of race it is, there will be a 15 minute break.  After the break, you will go to staging and climb the starting hill, and then get in gate number 3.  After this, depending on how well you did in your races, and how many people are at the race, you may transfer to eighths, quarters, semis, or the main.  The main determines if you place in the race of not, but even if you don't make it to the main you will still earn points for the race.  It may sound complicated now, but once you start racing, you'll get used to the system, and learn a little more about how it works.

20 inch BMX bikes are available in different sizes.  If you are buying a bike, choose a size that fits your preference of how you like to ride, or by how tall you are.  20 inch bike sizing starts at micro.  The micro size bike is super small, it would probably be good for children 6 years & under, depending on their size.  Next, is the mini.  The mini is a slightly bigger than the micro, and is classified as small, as opposed to super small like the micro.  A mini sized bike would be a good size for children 5 to 8 years old, depending on the child's size.  The next bigger size is called the junior.  This is a small/medium size bike that, depending on size, is good for a child 7 to 10 years of age.  The expert size is next in line, this bike is medium good for 9 to 14 years old, once again depending on the size of the child or teen, and preference.  Next, we have the pro sized bike, this is the size of bike I ride, it seems to be a perfect fit for me.  Pro sized bikes are medium/large for kids, teens, or adults, 12 years of age & up.  Lastly, there are the XL or XXL sized bikes, these bikes are super long for older and larger kids or adults.  Finding a bike that fits your preferences is easy, just get on and go for a little ride, you'll find on that you like.

BMX is a fun and exciting sport.  It is growing very fast all over the world.  Now that you know a little more about Bicycle Motocross, I hope you are pumped about getting started.  If you need more information about BMX, or are looking for a bike, contact me or Doghouse Bikes for help.

 

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