So You Want To Race, Great!

The first thing you will need is a membership to the ABA (American Bicycle Association). So you can just try BMX and see if it is for you, a free one day ABA membership is offered by the track and the ABA.   Or, for $25 you can purchase a temporary ABA membership that  is good for 30 days. This will allow you to participate in practices and any single point races at all ABA Tracks.  You can either upgrade later or purchase a full ABA membership which is $45 and it is good for one full calendar year. The full membership allows you to participate in practices and all races at any ABA track in the country. It also includes a monthly subscription to the BMXer, the official magazine of the ABA with national race coverage and lots of other good stuff.

You can obtain your ABA membership at Donnie Ballew's Ultimate Challenge BMX on any practice or race night and start right away! Just ask any of the track staff to help you with the paperwork.

OK. You've got your membership, now for your bike.... There is no need to go out and spend a pile of money on a new bike. Most riders begin racing on their everyday 20" street bike (the 20" designation refers to the wheel diameter). Most mountain bikes are just fine to start with too.  You will need to remove all the reflectors, the chain guard and the kick stand. We recommend pads on the top tube, handle bar cross bar and stem. As you progress and improve you may (as most riders do) want to "upgrade your ride", but it's not necessary.

Your almost ready. Now we've got to protect you from injury. Yes injury can occur in BMX as with most sports. You will need a helmet and we highly recommend a full faced one. You will need to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Although not required, a pair of gloves will greatly reduce injury to the hands.

All Right...You've got your membership, your bike is ready and your all dressed out. Now your probably wondering "who will I race?" All racing "motos" are divided up into age groups and skill levels (novice, intermediate and expert). We can help you better understand the lingo and the way things are organized as you go and we'll be glad to answer any questions, just ask us at the registration stand. But for now, this simply means you will race with riders who are near or at your own age and who are at the same skill level you are.

Racing BMX is relatively low in cost. The cost for entry into a "single point" race (which most are) is $10. When races are held with double or triple points, the cost does increase accordingly. Trophy's are awarded to 1st thru 3rd place finishes at each race.

BMX racing is not just an individual sport, it is also a family sport like nothing else out there. Riders from here at Donnie Ballew's Ultimate Challenge BMX have met and made friends with other riders from all over the country. It's really amazing. Come on out to Southside Park and check it out for yourself.

For more detailed information, visit the on-line 2008 ABA Rulebook or call 864-834-7458