BMX racing has been an organised sport with a governing body in this country since the early 80’s. There are currently around 50 affiliated BMX Clubs in the UK alone, and in 2008 BMX racing will feature for the first time in the Olympic Games.
The National governing body for BMX racing in the UK is British Cycling. They host the BCBMX National Series at various tracks around the country and also the annual British BMX Championships. BMX racing in the UK is a family sport that is open to all ages (The National BMX series has an amazing 28 age-group categories!).
How does a BMX race work and what do you have to do?
Races are held on an off-road track, typically around 300-400 metres in length, with a maximum of 8 riders in a race. The start gate is usually on a slope descending into a series of jumps and banked turns (berms). Races (motos) last for one lap, first across the line wins.
Most clubs in the country hold races where a rider can enter as a beginner in a Novice class and work his or her way up to Expert when they feel they have gained enough experience. Some clubs also run local races with the same structure.
Before you race for the first time I would recommend that you come to one of our practise sessions held at Sloughbottom park on Thursday evenings throughout the summer months. There we can show you around the track and answer any questions that you might have.
Your First Race
The first thing to do when you turn up on a race day, is sign up at the administration area. Fill out a card with all your details, like name, age and plate number, and if you don’t have a plate, the club can lone you one or they will give you a temporary paper one. You then pay your race fee (normally £5.00 for a Novice). 
Once signed up you are then ready to practice. You get around 1 hour of practice before the race. Always take things slowly at first, walk the track without your bike to get a close look at the layout of the jumps and berms. Watch how the experienced riders take the jumps, berms and lines around the track. Use club practice/training and track sessions to gain knowledge of the track and give you more confidence.
Moto sheets are posted on a board near the start hill or admin area, check them to see what race you are in and what gates you have for your 3 motos. A good idea is to write your race number and gate positions on the back of your hand so you remember, if not, there will be commisaire at the back of the start hill or pens during racing to call up the riders into their races.
Each rider will have 3 qualifying motos, your points will then be added up for the 3 races and if you are in the first 4 you will go into the next round, ie: quarter or semi final depending on how many riders are in your age group. If there are 8 or less riders in your class or age group, you will then go straight into a final after your 3 motos. After the 3 motos have finished, new moto sheets will go up to tell you what race you are in. If you make a Novice final best of luck, and hopefully you will do well and make the top 3 for a trophy.
Equipment
Firstly you will need a BMX bike. It doesn’t have to be a mega expensive top of the line model. Just an ordinary BMX of sound construction will do fine. Any pegs, lights, reflectors, stands, mudguards or protruding items of equipment on the bike will have to be taken off first for safety reasons.
With BMX racing as with any cycle sport there is a perceived risk of danger, you should expect to receive a few bumps and bruises over the course of your race career but by using the safety equipment below, that should be all you will suffer.
- Clothing
You will need to wear full fingered gloves, aswell as a long sleeved shirt and long trousers (You don’t need to buy proper race clothing to begin with, jeans and a sweatshirt will be for fine for now).
- Helmet
Although open face helmets are allowed, we highly recommend that you use a full-face helmet as obviously they provide the best protection and best of all they look cool! Full-face helmets can be bought for as little as £40. All the way up to £300! Once you get over the £100 mark the helmets are probably not any stronger but are lighter and more stylish. Buy the best that you can afford, remember this is your head we talking about.
- Pads
Kneepads and elbow pads that fit under the clothing are an extra form of protection. You do not have to have them in order to race but are a wise investment.
- Number plate
Lastly you will need a number plate for the front of your handlebars. (If you are coming to one of our events and have not yet bought all of the required safety equipment please contact us in advance and I’m sure we will have something to lend you on the day).
After years of almost guaranteed sunshine at their national events, Bournemouth finally fell foul of the weather, when a months worth of wind and rain turned the track to a soggy mess along with more than a few tents and campers. Both days of the double header were unfortunately but understandably cancelled. You’ve got to feel sorry for all at Bournemouth Club who worked so hard to get the track looking superb (OK it’s a bit narrow in places!) only to have their hard work ruined by the weather.