NOW THAT YOU’VE FOUND US HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW SO YOU CAN COME TRY US OUT.

MEMBERSHIP LICENSE

St. Peters BMX is sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association (ABA). They have more than 60,000 members nationwide and have established the rules that provide fair competition. This membership entitles a rider to participate and any level of involvement they see fit. The ABA provides a structure for local, state, regional, and national competitions.

Every rider practicing or competing on any ABA sanctioned track must obtain an ABA membership prior to riding on the track. Memberships can be purchased at the track. The membership fee for one full calendar year from the date of purchase is $45. The fee for a second family member is $40 and a third is $35. This fee goes directly to the ABA for administrative costs of keeping track of points, and for their support of local tracks for things like insurance and promotional materials.

A. One day free membership – This membership is intended ONLY for the new rider to have a chance to experience the sport prior to joining with one of the memberships below. This membership is for one practice or one race only and is not transferable or reusable.

B. Temporary – This membership is intended only for the new riders to the sport and is valid for30 days at any ABA sanctioned track. This membership allows riders to participate in practice and single points races only, yet no ABA points will be awarded. If within the 30 day period the rider wishes to become a full (annual) member, he/she needs to show the proper temporary membership receipt and submit the conversion fee as noted on the full membership application.

C. Full (annual)—This membership is valid for one (1) full year at any ABA sanctioned event in the U.S. and Canada. Points will be awarded to all riders competing in any ABA sanctioned race with those points returning to each rider’s home district. Full membership riders will receive the official membership card and a subscription to Pull magazine. Additionally, each rider joining at a local track will receive a current rulebook; a BMX New Rider Manual and an official ABA number plate.

THERE IS A SIMPLE CHECKLIST TO GO DOWN IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE YOUR BIKE IS SAFE AND READY:

1. Any two wheeled bicycle can be used. A 20″ or below wheel diameter is considered a regular class bike, a 24″ or above wheel diameter is considered a cruiser class bike.
2. No pegs are allowed and the chain guard, kickstand, and all reflectors must be removed for safety purposes. Bikes must also have some form of operating braking system.
3. You`ll also need a numberplate. You will be provided a numberplate with your membership purchase.

NEXT, THERE IS THE CHECKLIST OF WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO WEAR IN ORDER TO RACE OR PRACTICE:

1. A helmet. All riders must wear helmets with a permanent strap attached; snaps are not allowed. Helmets must have sufficient padding and be of good quality. The ABA highly recommends a full-face helmet or a helmet that covers the ears. Most tracks have “loaner helmets” for beginners to use.
2.  It is recommended that riders wear long pants. Shorts are allowed with one piece knee-shin guards and subject to the approval of the track operator.
3. It is recommended that riders wear long sleeved shirts. Short sleeved shirts with sufficient elbow pads are allowable per the discretion of the track operator.
4. All riders must wear enclosed shoes, which are sufficient to protect the rider’s feet.

WHO WILL I RACE?

You will be racing other riders your age and skill level. It takes three riders of the same age and skill level to make up a class. Hopefully a rider will his own class both age and skill level at every race, but there will be times when it won’t happen.

In the event there is not enough riders to make your class, you will have to move up to the next age group at your skill level. If that still doesn’t make a class you will go back to your own age group and then move up to the next higher skill level. If that still doesn’t make a class you will be moved to the class that is closest to your age and skill level.

This is true for all ages and skill levels, so it may be that younger riders may get moved up to your age and skill level. If you have to ride up in age or class, don’t get discouraged! It won’t happen all the time and it gives you the opportunity to see how you stack up against older or more experienced riders.

A DAY AT THE TRACK :

Starting Gate – A pneumatic air piston brings the gate up to its starting position for riders to rest their front wheel on. A recorded cadence plays before the gate drops to help with timing your start.

Tower – The announcer and the gate starter sit in this building.

Registration window – This is where you purchase an ABA membership and sign-up for racing for the day.

Moto Board – Races are made up with the rules the ABA has set. Each member card has a bar code that is swiped in registration and a program called “moto maker” assigns racers to the correct class for the day according to who is present. Lane assignments are also randomly generated. “Motos” get posted and racers get a chance to make sure the info is correct before the races start.

Staging – This is the area where riders wait when their race is approaching. Each chute corresponds with the last digit of the moto number. There is a volunteer that helps keep this organized and calls riders up and reminds them of their lane assignment when its time to go up to the gate.

Announcer – There is an announcer that announces the riders and calls the action as it happens.

Scoring – A minimum of two volunteers are placed at the finish line to score the races and record the order the racers cross the line. They keep track of who has earned a transfer position and this info is given to the staging volunteer before the next rounds of qualifying motos.

 

Lastly, Be sure to ask for a new rider manual