Gene`s BMX News -- 10/06/2007
Im looking for Erick Weinstetter the webmaster of
the BMXL web site. If he is looking at this or if anyone
knows him Please have him give me genesbmx.com a
email asap. Thanks, Geneb. Genesbmx.com
~~~~~ Known Information BMXL Web Site ~~~~~
The web site is 404ed and has been since August 17, 2007.
The domain URL was NOT archived on the world wide web.
BMX League™ Inc.
BMXL - http://www.bmxl.org
PO Box 6223
Fullerton, CA 92834
BMXL (BMX League) is in the planning stages.
Our goal is to offer sanctioned BMX Racing, Dirt Jumping,
Ramp and Park riding. We are currently loooking into finding
insurance to pull this off. BMX racing has just gotten insanely
hard and is dicouraging to new riders.
We plan to return BMX tracks to their core roots and offer old
school BMX track designs with a touch of new school sections
for Experts and a Pro section for those that really want to go big.
But BMX has never been just about racing. back in the old days
all riders used to pull tricks and from this Freestyle was born along
with some Freestyle sanctions like AFA and NFA and others.
We plan to sanction contests and bike park events.
Our website hasnt been built yet as this is very early
in the planning stages.
Getting Started
1. Introduction
2. How to start racing
3. How to start a track
1. Introduction Welcome to the BMX League. BMXL promotes BMX racing
and freestyle type riding, including dirt jumping, park riding and flatland.
BMX was first started in Holland in the 1950s but faded out. Then in the
early and mid '70s they began promoting BMX races with sanctions such
as BUMS, NBA, NBL and NPSA. In the mid 1980s freestyle had grown and
sanctions such as the AFA and NFA began holding contests but that faded
out by the early '90s. Today BMXL wants to reintroduce competitive
freestyle and return BMX racing to its roots of fun tracks.
2. How to start racing Its not hard to get started racing. You just need
a BMX bike with no pegs or other items that could fall of or become
dangerous. You need a helmet, long sleeve shirt or racing jersey, pants
and sneakers. Gloves are also recommended. You don't need to buy an
expensive racing bicycle to get into BMX. Your local bike shop can help
you pick out a bike you can use that fits you and has a good reputation
in racing. Find out if that shops sponsors a BMX team, those shops usually
know the most about BMX racing. Of course if you already have a BMX
bike then your already set. To find the nearest BMXL track Click Here Call
or stop by the track to find out its race schedule, they can also give you
tons of help on how to get going in BMX racing.
Equipment Checklist -20" or 24" inch BMX bike. 24" is also known as
Cruiser racing -Numberplate. You will be assigned a temporary number
till your BMXL official number is sent to you. If you don't have a plate
the track will rovide one for you -No kickstand, chain guard, reflectors,
freestyle pegs or other protruding parts -Make sure the end of your
handlebars are not poking thru the grips, if so use bar plugs or buy
new grips -Helmet (full face is recommended) Tracks may have loaner
helmets available -Long sleeve shirt and pants, sneakers
Your first day racing. Make sure you get to the track in time to sign up
and get in some practice laps. Contact the track to find out when the sign
up period is and when the first races start. Go to the sign up booth and
get your BMXL membership if you haven't already and then sign up for
the races. Don't be shy about asking questions, everyone had to have
their first race at one point also. Some tracks have practice broke down
by age group, but many are just open practice. Suit up and go take some
laps. Learning how to balance and do two pedal start can be challenging
for new riders. Relax, you will learn it in time, till then just do a 1 pedal
start.
Before the races start you will hear them announce they are posting the
motos. This means they are posting the sheets to tell everyone what race
they are in. Go find your name and remember your race or moto number
and if they are preassigned, your gate position. It helps to write this down
on your hand or a piece of paper.
Not sure what this all means? Again don't be shy, just ask the person in
staging or even the riders near you for help. Let them know its your first
race and most will be very glad to help.
Then its time to race! You will get 3 motos or heats to make it to a main
event. If your track is using total points that means you have to race all
three motos. If you are racing transfer system, you have to finish first
or in a qualifying position to transfer. This should be posted on the moto
sheets and listen to the announcer. With any luck and some practice you
will be winning trophies and races before long. If your track or a nearby
track has a clinic for riders these are very valuable tools. Not every
instructor is the same so try different ones if you have the chance.
Each issue of the BMXL's "Inside Line" will have the points published for
each district. At the end of the year you will be assigned a new number
based on your finish in the point standings. Good luck. Who knows, maybe
one day you will be on the Olympic team or a factory sponsored star.
3. How to start a track This can be a very rewarding experience for those
that take the time and effort to get a BMX track going in their community.
Step 1 Locate public land or purchase private land. 2-3 acres is a good
target goal but depending on parking you can get away with even less
if parking is close by.
Step 2 If it is public land contact the agency holding the land and go to one
of the meetings to discuss its use. BMX is an official Olympic sport starting
in 2008. It can help a community expand its recreational choices and
create a fun exciting family experience. If you are planning to buy the
land just contact the seller.
Step 3 Form a corporation and set up your track staff. You will need a
Track Director, the top person who oversees everything. A Track Operator
(Often the same as the Track Director) This person runs the day to day
events. You will need an announcer and a couple corner officials who can
help maintain the track during the races by sweeping or watering turns.
Usually you can find volunteers or set up a crew in exchange for some
free entry fees.
Step 4 Find companies and those parents willing to help build the track. A
bobcat operator, someone to help do electrical wiring for the announcers
tower, starting gate and maybe lights for night racing. you will need
someone to help you build the announcers tower, make sure you get
building permits if needed. A concrete starting pad is always nice. Decide
if you want to add a snack bar. It is a great way to raise money for the
track and at the same time provide a service for the riders. Some tracks
even sell BBQ hamburgers hot dogs and other good stuff. Some tracks
set up a small Pro shop to sell the basic items used on race days like
tires and tubes and other stuff. However if the building is not a full time
business it can get broken into so you may want to keep it small and the
items stored in containers you can take back and forth to the track on
race days.
Step 5 Design the track. Of course select an interesting design. Also plan
where the spectators will sit, where people will park, where teams can set
up EZ UP canopies or a vendor can place their trailer. Very important
when designing the track is to take into account for drainage. BMXL is
planning to do an entire design kit. Basics though include a track length
of 800-1400 feet. The width of the first straight should stay about as wide
as the starting gate till the first jump but never narrowing to less then
75% of that on the first straight. The remaining straights should be 15-20
feet in width for 8 man tracks. 12-15 feet for 4 man tracks and 8-12 feet
wide for 2 man tracks.
Step 6 Build the track. If you use two different kinds of dirt, one for fill
and one to surface the track, keep in mind the fill dirt will eventually come
to the surface if the surface layer is not sufficiently deep. In any event it is
recommended that the fill dirt be of the highest quality you can find. Make
sure you grade the track and pull out all the rocks you can before laying
down the surface layer. Plant sod or grass seeds all the way up the sides
of the jumps, this helps stabilize the jumps. A fence is a good way to help
keep riders off the track and fans from getting to close. Make sure the
fence is far enough away from the track to be safe.
Step 7 Get sponsors to put up painted wooden signs around the track like
the outfield of a little league. A great way to help the track raise money
and be more involved in the community. Some construction companies
or vendors may donate goods or services in exchange for goodwill and
signage.
Step 8 Dial in the track. Little things can add to the excitement on race
day. White chalk lines to clearly line the track, pinnies to add color,
banners from BMX companies or local race teams.
A BMX track can range from a professional set up costing tens of
thousands to build, to a small track with a 2 or 4 man gate costing
you nothing but alot of sweat. You can build a small tower or an air
conditioned clubhouse type tower. You can have the announcer do
it from the back of his car. You can have bleachers from 3 or 4 rows
to 20 rows or you can have no seating and just let families bring a lawn
chair. How much you can afford to put into the track is up to you. The
bottom line is BMX racing is about fun and spending time with your
friends and family.
