BMX Q&A    Beginner's Guide    Parent's Guide

BMX Questions & Answers

What is BMX?

BMX is short for Bicycle Motocross.  BMX is a sport for the whole family. It's fun, it's exciting and it's challenging.  Riders race on dirt track with lots of obstacles and turns to challenge their skills.

The sport of Bicycle Motocross began in the early 1970's in southern California.  A handful of riders started riding their stingray type bikes off road in vacant lots and fields.  Not much competition, but lots of fun.  Today the sport of BMX is sweeping the country and the world.  There are over 150,000 riders of all ages racing organized races at permanent tracks across Canada and the United States.  BMX racing is clean, exciting fun that whole families can get involved in, whether it be as a racer, spectator, pit crew or track volunteer.  BMX has something to offer everyone.

Races are organized according to age groups and skill levels so everyone gets the opportunity to compete on a fair and competitive basis.

All riders compete for trophies/stickies and points that are published in the BMXer magazine which each rider receives every month.

Who Can Race?

Races are organized into girls classes and boys classes, then subdivided into age groups and skill levels.  Age classes range from 5 & under to adults.  Depending on the number of entrants you race against other riders the same age, give or take a year.  Races are also organized by skill.  If you are a new rider, you start as a novice and race against other novice riders. After you win six races, your skills have improved and you move up to the intermediate class. After 20 more wins you move up to the expert class.

There will also be races the little kids (2-4 year olds) who are still on training wheels or tricycles involving a short flat course.  For those who just had the training wheels off we will have half track races.

What kind of a bike do I need?

BMX racing does not require a lot of expensive equipment.  Most racers start with their 20" street bike.  By removing the chain guard, kick stand and other hazardous attachments and adding some inexpensive padding on the frame, handle bar and stem, the bike will be ready to race.  All bicycles must have brakes in good working order.

All equipment must be safe and in good condition in order to compete.  Bike safety inspections are done at the beginning of every race event to make sure that all bikes are safe to ride on the track.

What other equipment do I need?

First, a helmet is required, and we recommend one with face protection (temple and ears).  The helmet must have a permanent strap attached, snaps are not allowed.  The helmet must have sufficient padding and be of good quality.  You will also need to wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants and running shoes.

Where can I race?

We have a track right here in Langley, located beside the Civic Centre.  Other ABA Canadian tracks are in Abbotsford, Nanaimo and Victoria.  There are over 230 tracks in Canada and the US.

How much does it cost to race?

We offer a 30 day trial membership for only $20.00.  This entitles you to race at our local track.  A one year membership (from the date of purchase) costs $40.00 and allows you to race on all ABA tracks.  Discounts are available for families with more than one rider.  Once you have become an ABA member, the only other cost will be the race day entry fee.  Single point entry fee's at the Langley track are $7.00 per race.  Double  and triple point races have higher fees along with bigger awards.

How do I get started?

Simply visit the track during practice or racing times and ask for a membership application or information.  You can watch the races, talk to other BMX families, or give it a try yourself.