Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMX?
BMX is short for Bicycle Motocross and is a sport for the whole family to enjoy.
It’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s challenging! Racing is done on a dirt track with lots of jumps, obstacles and corners to challenge their skills, from the start to finish.
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 the whole family 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 licensed rider get a copy of every month.
Who can Race?
Races are organized into girl’s classes and boy’s classes, and then subdivided into age groups and skill levels. Age classes range from 5 & under to adults. We also offer strider classes & half track classes for the tikes.
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 ten races, your skills have improved and you move up to the intermediate class. After 20 more wins you move up to the expert class.
For those young ones just starting out we have a STRIDER class where riders race on a short flat section of the track and we also have a class called HALF TRACKERS for those riders between Strider & Full Track. This class runs only on half the track, leaving out the biggest jumps and obstacles. The half tracker class is great for the younger riders to build up their confidence and riding skills to be able to move up to full track. It also allows younger siblings a chance to participate – just like their older siblings.
What kind of 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 bikes must have rear brakes only which must be in good working order. All equipment must be safe and in good condition in order to compete. Bike safety checks are recommended before every race event to encourage proper bike maintenance, upkeep, and safe riding.
What other kind of equipment do I need?
First, a helmet is required. It is strongly recommended that it be one with full face protection. We follow the guidelines as laid out by the USABMX rule book. The helmet must have a permanent strap attached, snaps are not allowed. The helmet must have sufficient padding, be of good quality, and fit properly (very important!).
You will also need to wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants and running shoes with good gripping soles.
Where can I race?
We have a track right here in Nanaimo, located behind Beban Park Recreation at the newly named “Marie Davidson BMX Park”. The track is accessed from Labieux Road across from the City Works Yard.
Other ABA tracks on Vancouver Island include:
- Victoria
- Qualicum
- Cumberland
- Campbell River coming soon
and throughout BC tracks include:
- Grand Forks
- Kamloops
- Kelowna
- Langley
- Pemberton
- Penticton
- Prince George
- Salmo
- Squamish
- Vernon
There are over 500 BMX Canada & USABMX tracks in Canada and the United States.
How much does it cost to race?
We offer an annual membership for only $60 to “full track” riders, which can be purchased anytime throughout the year. A one year membership (from the date of purchase) allows you to race on all BMX Canada & USABMX tracks. We also offer a “half track” & “strider” membership which allows younger riders that are still on training wheels, strider bikes (run bikes), or those who are not yet ready for the “bigger bumps” on the track. The membership is $30 and is good for the race season. The cost can be applied to a “full track” license if the rider moves up within the same season the original license was purchased.
ONE DAY FREE TRIAL APPLICATION FORM
Discounts are available for families with more than one rider. Once you have become an BMX Canada / USABMX member, the only other cost will be the race day entry fee.
REGULAR SINGLE POINT RACE
- Half Track or Strider = $5
- First Family Member = $7
- 2 Family Members = $12
- 3 or More Family Members = $15
DOUBLE POINT RACE
- Half Track or Strider = $5
- Full Members = $15 [no discounts available]
TRIPLE POINT RACE
- Half Track or Strider = $5
- Full Members = $25 [no discounts available]
RACE FOR LIFE
- Half Track or Strider = $10 [100% donated to BC Children's Hospital]
- Non-Members = $10 [100% donated to BC Children's Hospital]
- Full Members = $20 [50% donated to BC Children's Hospital]
Awards will vary and will complement race fees.
Check out our MEMBERS PAGE for complete pricing info and Rule Book and our SCHEDULE PAGE for detailed race schedules.