HOW DO I START RACING?
ARE YOU OR YOUR CHILD INTERESTED IN TRYING BMX,
BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Gallatin Valley BMX (GVBMX) is excited for the 2023 season! We look forward to introducing the sport of BMX to new riders and their families! Over the past 40+ years GVBMX has provided countless opportunities for people, both young and old, to grow and build community through the sport of BMX right here in the Gallatin Valley. BMX is an activity where the entire family can compete together with moms, dads and children all racing.
GVBMX hosts organized races three nights a week from late Spring into the Fall at Westlake BMX Park in Bozeman. Countless children and their families use the BMX track and the greater Westlake BMX Park to build their stoke around the sport of BMX. Feel free to reach out to us with questions. Send us an email: [email protected] or give us a call: 406-209-9917.
We can't wait to see you at the track!
2023 NEW RIDER CLINIC starts Tuesday, June 13!
This clinic is a great way to build your new rider's confidence
while they learn skills and have fun on their bike!
See the flyer below for more info!
Sign up HERE
GVBMX's (typical) race schedule for the 2023 season is:
TUESDAY & THURSDAY
Registration & Gate Practice 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Races begin just after 6:30pm
SUNDAY
Registration & Gate Practice 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Races begin just after 3:00pm
View our Schedule or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more!
Check out USA BMX's New Rider Video!
What you will need to start:
Most racers start with their 20" bike by removing the chain guard, kick stand, reflectors and pegs. There is also a cruiser class for those riders with 24" bikes. Novice riders may ride 24" bikes in novice or cruiser class. Its a good idea to check out the track and try a race before buying a BMX bike. Volunteers at the track can help answer bike questions when you're ready to purchase a BMX specific bike.
A USA BMX membership is required to practice or race.
Full memberships and one time only 1-day memberships are available at the track.
Gallatin Valley BMX has rental BMX bikes & helmets available on a first come first serve basis.
Your first three rentals are free.
Who will I race?
Races are organized into separate girls and boys classes then subdivided into age groups and skill levels. The age groups range from 5 & under to 61 & over. Within these age groups are three skill levels: Novice, Intermediate and Expert. All riders start as novices and work up to the more advanced levels by winning races. Female riders start as Novice then advance to Girls class. This allows your rider to race people with the same or similar skill levels as themselves.
How much does it cost?
Once you have become an USA BMX member the only cost will be the race day entry fee. The entry fee entitles you to be a participant in the day's actions. A typical BMX race includes 2 qualifying motos along with the main event. In the main event, you race for awards, determined by your finish, along with the precious District points. Single point races at Gallatin Valley BMX cost $13. Balance Bike racers and Moms race for free during single point races!
New Riders at Gallatin Valley BMX receive their first race free!
REQUIRED APPAREL & EQUIPMENT
- All riders must wear helmets with a permanent strap attached, snaps are not allowed. Helmets must have sufficient padding and be of good quality. USA BMX highly recommends a full-face helmet or a helmet that covers the ears. (Rental helmets are avalible at Registration)
- All riders must wear enclosed shoes, which cover all toes, and are sufficient to protect the rider’s feet. (No open toed/back shoes will be allowed)
- All riders must wear long pants. Loose fitting short pants made of tear-resistant material are permitted when used in combination with knee/shin pads.
- It is recommended that riders wear long sleeved shirts. Short sleeved shirts and sufficient elbow protection is allowable subject to the approval of the Sanction and/or Track Operator.
- It is recommended that riders wear gloves as our turns are paved.
- Handlebar grips are required and must be sufficient to fully cover and enclose all
metal and openings on the handlebar ends. - All kickstands, chain guards, fenders and reflector brackets must be removed.
- No bicycle with any freestyle type pegs will be allowed on the track at any time.
- All bikes must have some form of operating braking system.
- All equipment must be safe and in good condition in order to compete or practice.
Tips for parents of new riders:
If you have a younger child, try to get them up on the gate for the 1st time with other riders their age and size. The gate can be intimidating for the younger riders, but being up there with riders their size seems to help ease them into it.
Please feel free to ask anyone out at the track if you have questions. We want to make sure you and your child have a great time at the track!
To stay up to date on rain delays or race cancellations
Sign up for GVBMX Text Alerts through RainedOut
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