getting started

[jpcali77]

so maybe i'm just a little bit out of my league but i thought i'd give this a try. i'm 30 years old and want to start racing bikes again. growing up in california saturday night racing was the norm for me, the older i grew i exchanged the bikes for a car (wish i still had the bikes though) and eventually started racing motorcycles. I am looking for someone to let me know if there is a 30 year old class for racers my age. i only ask (i know that according to aba guidlines there are) because i don't want to be the only one out there my age and looking like a fool. Any help on this would be appreciated. specifically at the south jordan track (as i live in herriman)

[zach]

there is a class for you in novice.. but not inter & expert really. i think your best bet is a cruiser there are plenty of older guys that race cruiser that is for sure. you could always race novice 20" until you got the swing of things again then jump to cruiser when your ready.

[jpcali77]

so cruiser would be the preferred, what are the race days and times, and practices, registrations and fees? and any other advice would be beneficial, seeing as how i'll be going into this blind.

[b2]

we've got a good group of 28+ novice and the intermediate class is growing (novices advancing). if you've got a bike now, regardless of size, come out and see what it's all about. or, there have been some people starting (other 28+ Novies) running on a loaner bike... i don't know who owns it, but come by on a Tuesday (practice days--6:30 - 8:30 pm) or Thursday (race days--registration 5:30 - 7:00 pm, race ASAP--I should be there NOW ). Tooele races Saturdays and there is a race there this weekend.

There are others who will loan you a bike for a few laps so you might have a better idea what you'd like to get into.

I race 28+ Novice, I'm 34 and just started last Oct.

Rad Canyon's (the South Jordan track) schedule is here.

practice is $3/night. Racing is $10 for single point races, $20 for double, $30 for triple. A yearly membership with the ABA is $45.

depending on how high you climbed in the rankings when you were younger may determine where you want to start. come out, ride a little, and the guys with the know will tell you if you should class N, I or X... there's good competition in the cruiser class (i don't race it--yet).

[jpcali77]

so anyone know a good place to buy a GT bicycle (power series pro XL) or Haro (group 1 sr 20xl) Thanks guys for the help.

[b2]

so anyone know a good place to buy a GT bicycle (power series pro XL) or Haro (group 1 sr 20xl) Thanks guys for the help.

New? Used?

There was a GT at the track for sale... don't know if it's still out there. Check KSL.com classifieds, there's a BMX section.

Ask on here (you kinda just did... but try the For Sale/Wanted section.

here's a SWEET GHP -- still an 'old school brand alive again'. Maybe some sentimental value in the GT and Haro brands? That's what I rode as a kid but freestyle, so I can understand that...

[jpcali77]

preferably new, but open to used for the right bike. and to go one step further whats the dress code, do i need to get decked in new gear, riding pants and jersey. i know shorts are not acceptable (they weren't a long time ago wouldn't imagine they would be now) are jeans and a t-shirt with pads kosher?

[sspencer]

Hey jpcali77,

You might want to check out the Intense complete bikes from Performance Bike Parts (Heather and Ian) out at the track. Nice bikes for the price.

If you are dead set on a GT I can help you out. I work for GT and I can round one up for you.

Welcome back to BMX!
Steve

[b2]

preferably new, but open to used for the right bike. and to go one step further whats the dress code, do i need to get decked in new gear, riding pants and jersey. i know shorts are not acceptable (they weren't a long time ago wouldn't imagine they would be now) are jeans and a t-shirt with pads kosher?

jeans are fine, but you'll likely want some "leathers" for racing. long sleeve and/or elbow protection.

[greg]

welcome back to BMX!

There is definately a great group of 28 + riders here in Utah. As mentioned, 28 over novice is pretty big (usually one of the biggest classes), and int/exp does usually make a class when combined (there is some great comp in these classes, and int will definately be growing as the novies move up).

Cruiser classes are always great fun, but have some pros and cons to racing it. One is there is no proficiency in cruiser, so you will end up racing some novs, ints, and top experts. Just depends on who is there that day. on the plus side, cruisers tend to be more forgiving and are said to be a bit easier to manage, which is great for returning riders like you to get their feet wet again. Some like the big bikes, some dont, just depends on your preferance.

what gear do you need? long pants, long sleeves or elbow protection, closed toed shoes, and a helmet. What will you want? It's totally up to your comfort zone as to how much protection you feel you need. Most race with leathers and jersey with a full face helmet, but jeans are fine (I race with jeans). I HIGHLY suggest a full face helmet (there are some loaners at the track). Knee/shin guards, elbow pads, chest protectors, etc are totally up to you. Some use them, some dont.

Bikes.....heres a few places to look. Of course the normal places for used (ksl.com, craigslist, ebay, etc...and the track or on here). New.....Golsans on 106th south Redwood carries SE, Taylors on 5400 South and about 3200 west carries Redline and Diamondback, Highland Cyclery on Highland drive carries Redline and Staats (I believe), Staats Retail on 94th south and way east carries Staats of course, Performance Bike Parts at Rad Canyon carries Intense. As far as GT or Haro, I'm not sure anymore who carries them locally (but as steve said, get with him if you want GT). I'm sure I'm missing all kinds of things with this list of places, but it may give you a general idea of where to go. All of the ones I listed have supported BMX racing in one way or another, so I like to make sure we support them back. If you do go into one of the retail places, make sure you mention that you heard of them through utahBMX.com and Rad Canyon BMX, and its really benificial for them to have a presence at the track to steer new riders to their shop.

Again, welcome back and we'll see you at the track.

[ogr13]

Come on out and see what it's all about! The 28 & over gang is a great group and we always have a good time. I always wanted to race as a kid but never got the chance. After watching my son tear it up for a couple of months, I talked another dad into buying bikes with me and we have been hooked ever since! Nothing like getting started @ 40...
We purchased Intense Pro XLs from Heater & Ian (Performance Bike Parts) and have been very happy with them.
If you want to try a few laps on my bike, find me at the next practice or race (number 119).
Hope to see ya out there soon!

[b2]

So, John, having some fun?!

Nice air...