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 riders’ 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 pre-determined number of first place wins.

BMX Racing Facts:

Statistics have proven that BMX racing is one of the safest of all sports today. Part of this is due to the mandatory safety requirements. All Riders MUST wear long sleeves, long pants and a full faced helmet are recommended. BMX is an excellent individual and family orientated sport. Races are organized into 20” girl’s classes and boys classes, and then subdivided into age groups and skill levels. The age groups range from 5 & under classes to 41 & older for boys and 28 & over for girls. Within these age groups are three skill levels: Novice, Intermediate and Expert. All riders start as Novices and must work up to the more advanced levels by winning races. A Novice must move up to the Intermediate class after they have 6 wins in the Novice class. An Intermediate must move up to the Expert class after they have 25 wins as an Intermediate. There is also competition in the Cruiser class for boys and girls. The age groups for the boy Cruiser class are 8 & under to 61 & older and girl cruiser from 10 & under to 51 & over. There are also pro classes. Pro class pays money for winning and riders can also tryout for the Olympic team.

How Much Will It Cost?
You can obtain a one day trial membership for FREE however, no race points are awarded. A one month trial membership is available for $30.00 however, no race points awarded. Conversion to a one year membership is $35.  A full year membership is only $60.00. 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 USA-BMX sanctioned track or event.  You can get family discounts signing up additional family members.  Ask your local track operator or clerk of course for more information when you sign-up.

We also have USA BMX Strider Bikes. This program is for children ages 18 months to five years. Annual USA BMX license is $30 per year. For more information see our Clerk of Course. The rider’s race on a special bike with no peddles; they push their bike with their feet.

What Does My Bike Need to Be Track Ready?
1. Fenders, kickstands, reflectors, chain guard must be removed
2. Frame must be in good condition with no cracks
3. Wheel cannot exceed 20 inches (unless cruiser class racer)
4. Handle bars cannot exceed 28 inches in length.
5. Brakes must be in good condition. Front brakes must be remover or disabled. Coaster brakes are authorized.  Brakes must be positioned on the rear tire. This is a safety precaution.

What Type of Clothing Do I Need?
1. Long pants. Jeans work well.
2. Long sleeve shirt
3. A full face helmet with chin strap is recommended.

4. We recommend that you do not start off with an expensive racing uniform until you are sure that you are ready to race. Riders grow fast and you may be able to get some used items at our “yard sales”.

How to Get Started Racing BMX:

Cape Coral BMX 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. The building is painted green and is the only building located on the track premise. It is there that you'll need to fill out an USA-BMX application and sign up to race. First-time racers are able to have access to the track for practice. First time fee is FREE.

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. This 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 calendar schedule for practice times and race times.

CLINICS:
Cape Coral BMX provides expert clinics ranging from $5-$35. These clinics usually last about 2-3 hours. Attending a clinic is one of the best ways to learn how to get better in BMX. Clinic dates and time are posted on the Cape Coral BMX web site and on Facebook.

Racing BMX is easy to get started and the USA-BMX) has made it inexpensive to begin. Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions.

• What about 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. Be sure to review the information listed in What Does My Bike Need to Be Track Ready section.
• How do I get to Cape Coral BMX? Click here for directions to the track or visit www.capecoralbmx.com
• What time are your sign-ups for practice and race? Click Here to access the calendar or visit www.capecoralbmx.com
• How much will it cost to begin racing? After becoming a member of USA-BMX you will be required to pay a small practice or race fee. Each track sets this fee.  Cape Coral BMX practice fee is $3 and the race fee is $7. There are over 370 tracks in the US and Canada that you can race with your license.

A simple checklist to make sure your bike is USA-BMX safe & race ready include:

• 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. You'll also need a number plate when you’re ready for racing.
• We also recommend that you pad the top tube, cross bar and head bracket. (An inexpensive way is to use water pipe insulation from your local home supply stores.)

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

• Long sleeve shirt.
• Long pants. Jeans work well.
• A helmet. The USA-BMX highly recommends a full-face helmet. Cape Coral BMX has "loaner helmets" for beginners to use. The fee for a “loaner” helmet is $2 and must be returned at the close of the event.
• Any enclosed shoe is sufficient. Sneakers or tennis shoes are suggested. Boots are not recommended
• Gloves are a good idea, as well as elbow pads and chest protectors.

Links for additional information on BMX.

www.capecoralbmx.com

https://www.facebook.com/capecoralbmx/

www.usabmx.com