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🚴 BMX 101

New to BMX? Start Here.

Welcome to BMX racing at 13th Ave BMX Club.

 

If you or your child are new to BMX, this page will walk you through what BMX is, what to expect, what you need to get started, and what your first night at the track will look like, in plain language.

 

You don’t need any prior experience to participate.

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🏁 What Is BMX Racing?

BMX racing is an individual cycling sport where riders race around a short dirt track with jumps, rollers, and turns.

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Riders compete:

• As individuals

• In age and skill based groups

• In a safe, controlled environment

 

BMX racing focuses on skill development, confidence, fitness, and fun. Riders progress at their own pace.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Who Can Participate?

BMX is open to:

• Kids, teens, and adults

• Beginners through experienced riders

• All skill and fitness levels

Many riders start with little or no cycling or racing experience. New riders are always welcome.

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💬 It’s completely normal to feel unsure at first, our coaches and volunteers are here to help.

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🚲 What Bike Do I Need?

You do not need a special or expensive bike to start.

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To participate, you need:

• A 20" BMX-style bike (no pegs)

• Working brakes

• Tires in good condition

 

If you’re unsure whether your bike is suitable, bring it out, we’re happy to help check it.

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🪖 What Safety Gear Is Required?

Safety is a top priority.

 

Required gear:

• Full-face helmet (BMX or motocross style)

• Long pants

• Long-sleeve shirt

• Closed-toe shoes

 

Recommended gear:

• Gloves

• Elbow pads

• Knee pads

 

💬 If you don’t have everything right away, talk to us, we can help you figure out next steps.

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🏆 Rider Classes (How Racing Is Grouped)

Riders are grouped by age and skill level, not by how fast they are on day one.

Common rider classes include:

• Novice – New riders learning the basics

• Intermediate – Riders with race experience

• Expert – Advanced riders

 

Riders move up naturally as skills and confidence grow.

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📅 What Happens on a Typical Night?

A regular practice or race night usually looks like this:

• Riders arrive and check in

• Warm-up and practice laps

• Skill instruction and coaching

• Racing or structured practice sessions

• Riders cheer each other on and have fun

 

There is no pressure to race right away. Watching first is always okay.

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👋 Your First Night at the Track

Here’s what to expect your first time out:

• Arrive 20–30 minutes early

• Check in at the registration booth

• Let a volunteer know you’re new

• New riders are grouped together and supported

• Coaches will explain what to do and where to go

 

💬 No one expects you to know everything. We’ve all been new before.

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🧠 Common BMX Myths (Let’s Clear These Up)

❌ “My child needs to be fast already”
✅ No — speed comes with time and practice.

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❌ “We need expensive equipment to start”
✅ No — basic gear is enough to begin.

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❌ “Racing is dangerous”
✅ BMX is a controlled sport with strong safety rules and supervision.

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❌ “My child might fall behind others”
✅ Riders progress at their own pace in appropriate groups.

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📝 What’s the Next Step?

If BMX sounds like something your family might enjoy:

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👉 Learn about membership and registration here
👉 Review required licenses and volunteer information
👉 Come out and see a practice or race night

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You’re welcome to ask questions, on or off the track.

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🏁 Final Thought

BMX is about confidence, community, and having fun on a bike.

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If you’re curious, come check it out.
If you’re nervous, that’s okay.
If you’re excited, even better.

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We look forward to welcoming you to 13th Ave BMX Club.

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