BMX Racing tips from Bellflower BMX!

Racing BMX is easy to get started and the ABA and BellflowerBMX have made it inexpensive to begin. The first few things you need are:

	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.
	Long sleeve shirt.
	Long pants.
	A helmet. The ABA highly recommends a full-face helmet. Most ABA tracks have "loaner helmets" for beginners to use. A lot of times, a good, inexpensive helmet can be found at garage sales or in the pit area of your local BMX track.
	Any enclosed shoe is sufficient. Tennis shoes are suggested.

Some things you will want to know about BMX racing at BellflowerBMX might be:

	How do I get to your track?
	What time are your sign-ups and practice?
	What time do you begin racing?
	How much will it cost to begin racing? To race at BellflowerBMX track, you must be a current ABA member. You may sign up at the track or you can signup on-line. There are typically two membership options. A thirty day membership for $25, and a full year membership for $45. IF you sign up for a thirty day membership and at the end of that time wish to upgrade to a full year membership, you will need to pay an additional $25, bringing the total to $50. After you become an ABA member, you may race at BellflowerBMX or any ABA sanctioned BMX racetrack in the Nation. Race fees are usually $10 per race day.
	How big are your first place trophies? This depends upon the race. Local, weeknight event trophies are your average sized trophy (similar to a baseball little league trophy) while your State and National event trophies can be 4-6 feet high!

Once you know where to go racing there is a simple checklist to go down in order 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 - a) covering the crossbar of your handlebars b) covering the handlebar stem (or gooseneck) and c) on the top tube of your frame.
	You'll also need a numberplate. You will be provided a numberplate with your ABA membership purchase.