A BMX How-To Guide

[J Gallo]

Ok, so here it starts. I would love to put together the most awesome how-to guide for BMX racing. Unfortunately, I can't do it alone. I've got some pretty aggressive ideas, but would love to get some feedback from all, both newbies to the sport and veterans.

I want to start with the basics; how to get started, what you need, where to go, questions to ask, etc.

Then I'd love to move onto to other topics, such as bike types, safety equipment differences, etc. Somehow, I would love to incorporate video instruction. For example, a short video explaining exactly how to read a moto sheet.

There are currently a few basic things I pulled from the ABA website that are included on RAD Canyons website so I'll probably just use that as a base to get started.

So what you got?

[skicruz78]

This sounds like a great idea. As a relatively new rider (started April 2011), here are few things that I was grateful were explained to me early on.

1. Moto sheets. A 5 minute explanatory video would be great.

2. How and where to line up in the staging area. Again a video would very helpful. Additionally, "dos and don'ts" section for new riders and parents. This could also include a section on how to negotiate the gate for the first time, including a "dos and don'ts" section.

3. Track etiquette. General instructions, don't cut the track, pay attention for down riders, etc. This could be divided into two sections. One for practice time track etiquette and another for race etiquette.

4. USABMX membership and fees. I am assuming USABMX will, or has already put something out to this affect.

5. Explanation of how the age/proficiency classes work. Give real world examples.

6. Bike types. Aside from general descriptions of bike sizes and how they fit into the various classes, it seems any discussion of bikes quickly becomes very subjective. However, a general description of what is really needed to get started competitively might be helpful to newcomers.

Just a few ideas off the top of my head. Again this sounds like a great, timely, and very useful idea.

[sixstringsteve]

Somehow, I would love to incorporate video instruction. For example, a short video explaining exactly how to read a moto sheet.

Piece of cake. I'd be happy to help with that.

I don't have much knowledge about BMX, but I am an instructional designer, and I develop training all day. I work with the subject matter expert and help them organize, create, and deliver their instructional material to others. I'm happy to donate those services if you think you could use them. If not, no worries. I'd be happy to do whatever you need (video, editing, etc)


Just a thought, but maybe you could add a sub-section in the forum for new riders. It could have an "introductions" section, a "noobie questions" section, a FAQ, instructionals, etc.

[sixstringsteve]

I like skicruz's ideas. Lots of great info on there.

Here are a few more topics I thought of:

- Getting started - why race BMX, common myths dispelled, helping parents know how to get involved to race themselves, bare minimum requirements to get started.

- Fees/costs (membership, single-point race, double-point race, etc)

- Clinics - WHat are they and how do they help?

- Equipment
- Choosing a bike that fits you (give average bike sizes for different heights)
- Choosing the appropriate safety gear
- Choosing the right apparel

- what to bring to the races

- points, rankings, State Champs, nationals/NAG/RL cup, ROC, etc.

I think it'd be cool to get some of the local companies or teams (wild bill, team extreme, PBP, Dirt Militia, GT, laketown, etc) to put together a video demonstration (maintenance, pre-race prep, technique, etc) for noobs. Plus they could do a little plug for their company at the end.

Maybe something like this only better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZNrNys1UQ4

Thinking big scale, I think it'd be really cool to do a quick video tip with some of our great riders and showcase them an have them teach a new technique and we film it. I'm talking a quick 30 second tip. No trade secrets, or anything that would make the clinics irrelevant, just a quick tip. Imagine Robby Patterson, Mike Kelly, Tommy Zula, Aerielle Martin, Max Shephard, Heather Allred, Steve Spencer, Sophia Foresta, Jack Kelley, Jonas Harmon, B2, Jaden Park, Dave Coates, or any other expert rider making a video like these. Maybe start out with a quick little interview where they introduce themselves, the follow it up with some instruction or a quick tip that helps them.

[J Gallo]

Ok, so the basics are up and on their own page. And in case you didn't notice, I also created a "New Rider Area" in the forums. Please feel free to start posting up any tips that you think will help others new to the sport get started.

Here is the page:

http://www.utahbmx.com/howtobmx.php

comments and suggestions are very welcome!

[sixstringsteve]

Here is the page:

http://www.utahbmx.com/howtobmx.php

comments and suggestions are very welcome!

"You do not have the required permissions to read topics within this forum."

[J Gallo]

Ok, should be good to go now. Sorry!

[sixstringsteve]

on the intro page it says

"How much will it cost to begin racing?
The ABA has a 1 day temporary membership available, which allows you to "join" the ABA for free and try out racing BMX. There may be a fee to practice (usually around $3) or race (between $10 and $30 depending on the type of race). Check with the registration desk at the track for more information. Currently, a one year membership with the ABA runs $45."

is this 1 day membership free, or is there a cost associated with it?

[redneck]

I believe that a one time trial fee is just the cost of the race. 10$ for single 20$ for a double 30$ for triple point race. The 45$ is for the entire year 365 days from when you sign up. 3$ to practice at the tracks on practice days which is mainly for the outdoor tracks. Although Deseret Bmx Park was doing a 1 time free race for brand new riders.

[skicruz78]

Well done! Great work on an timely and important subject. Should be a great resource for new riders.

Skicruz

Let's play bikes!