First and foremost, you need a bike that is BMX track ready. That means you first need to get a bike with wheels no larger than 20 inches. Second, it must have the fenders, reflectors, chain guard, and kickstand removed for the safety of you and the other racers. It must have pads on the gooseneck, the handle cross bar, and top tube. Your frame will need to be in good shape and have absolutely no cracks in it. Finally, your brakes need to be in top condition. BMX can be dangerous, so make sure you have the right bike and if you have any questions consult an expert in your local BMX shop.
Next you need to consider your clothing when it comes to BMX beginnings. You must have long pants. Racing pants work best and offer the best protection, but in the beginning you need only to make sure that you have long pants. Second, you need a long sleeved shirt or jacket. Again, racing shirts and jackets are best, but just make sure you cover your arms to protect against severe scrapes and cuts. Lastly, you will absolutely need a full-face helmet with chinstrap. A regular bicycle helmet is not acceptable and will get you kicked off of most tracks. You need to protect your face in the case of a crash.
Next, take some time to watch people that know what they are doing. There is more to the sport than just pedaling fast, though that does help. Watch closely how they move their bodies as they go over jumps. You will see them using their arms and legs as shocks. Also, watch where on the track they pedal and where they coast to get an idea of the best strategies. Then, the first time you get out there, take your time. You are not going to win your first race, and it is best to get a feel for how a race shapes up. As a beginner, smooth and clean is better than fast in most cases.
Next you will need to address your abilities at the starting gate. When you first start, you will likely approach the gate and use a one-footed start. This is where you have one foot on your pedal and the other down as a kickstand. As you gain experience you will see that most riders use a two-footed start where both feet are on the ground. Practice this takeoff and you should be able to get it down in the first day if you work at it. If not, some take as long as a week, but once you learn it you will see an immediate difference in your times and results.
Make sure you practice and do so often. The best way to improve is to get out there and learn the strategies, see what other riders do, and learn what works for you. You will see that you get better as you compete against those better than you. Pay attention to technique and polishing your own races. The fewer errors in each race the more you can worry about speeding up your times.
Lastly, keep an eye out for clinics. Many tracks and local BMX organizations will offer clinics throughout the year. These are a great way to improve your jumps, your starts, or even your passes. Either professionals or very high-level amateurs will be able to teach you a great deal about your new sport.
BMX racing is fun and exciting for people of all ages. If you are interested in getting started in this sport, just take some time and know what you are getting into. Make sure you have the right bike, the right clothing, and the right knowledge to race. Then it is just all about practicing and gaining experience. Before you know it, you will be a top notch BMX bike racer.
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