What is BMX?
BMX or Bicycle Motocross is a sport where riders of all ages use manual power to maneuver a bike over jumps, banked corners and other obstacles.  A lap around the track takes approximately 30 - 45 seconds.  BMX was created by kids but it's becoming popular with older racers as well.  Unlike most sports, BMX racing depends 100% on your performance, not the combined performance of a team, or team effort.  Riders compete in classes, and will remain with that class until he/she has a birthday or he/she progresses by first place wins.
 

How Much Will It Cost?
You can obtain a thirty day trial membership for $25.  A trial membership is good only at the track where purchased.  During the thirty day trial, you can upgrade to full membership for only $25 more.  If you would like to skip the trial membership, you may purchase a full membership for $45, that's a savings of $5 over the trial membership with the conversion cost.  The full membership is good one year from the date of purchase.  Once you have your full membership, points will be awarded to you at each race and you may compete in any ABA sanctioned event.  You can get family discounts signing up additional family members.  Ask your local track manager for more information when you sign-up.
 

What Does My Bike Need to Be Track Ready?
1. Fenders, kickstands, reflectors, chain guard must be removed
2. Must have pads on the top tube, goose neck, and handle bar cross bar
3. Handle bars must have a cover over the metal end of the bars
4. Frame must be in good condition with no cracks
5. Wheel cannot exceed 20 inches (unless cruiser class racer)
6. Handle bars cannot exceed 28 inches
7. Brakes must be in good condition
 

What Type of Clothing Do I Need?
1. Long pants (racing pants are not mandatory)
2. Long sleeve shirt
3. Full-face helmet with chin strap
 

How to Get Started Racing BMX:

Kearny Moto 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. also, check out Cactus Park BMX web site for more practice and racing time.

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 Kearny Moto Park web site.

Racing BMX is easy to get started and the ABA has made it inexpensive to begin. What you need to know:

• A bicycle - any type and size will do, but it is recommended that you start with one that has no more than a 20'' wheel diameter - as that is the allowable limit in the Novice class.

• How do I get to Kearny Moto Park? Map

• What time are your sign-ups and practice?

• What time do you begin racing? Schedule

• How much will it cost to begin racing?

• How big are your first place trophies?

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

• covering the crossbar of your handlebars

• covering the handlebar stem (or gooseneck)

• covering on the top tube of your frame

• You'll also need a number plate. You will be provided a number plate with your membership purchase

Next, there's the checklist of what you will need to wear in order to race:

• Long sleeve shirt.

• Long pants.

• A helmet. The ABA highly recommends a full-face helmet. Kearny Moto Park has "loaner helmets" for beginners to use.

• Any enclosed shoe is sufficient. Tennis shoes are suggested

• Gloves are a good idea, as well as elbow pads and chest protectors

For more information, visit the official American Bicycle Association's BMX site www.ababmx.com