How to Get a Gate in BMX Racing

The key to getting a head start in BMX racing is to learn how to get out of the gate in front of the pack. While this may not happen the first time you race, with practice you can soon be the leader of the pack.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Put on your protective gear. Make sure your helmet fits securely. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Put leather gloves on your hands.
2. Center your bottom midway back on the bike seat. Put your strongest foot on the pedal in front of the bike. Slightly bend the knee of that leg. Place your hands on the handlebar with your knuckles pointing down. This is a powerful racing stance that can help you get the most from the power of your legs.
3. Hold your bike steady with the other foot. Or learn how to balance your bike with both feet on the pedals. Position yourself as in Step 2 but put the other foot on its pedal. Roll the front wheel of the bike up against the gate to help you balance as soon as you hear the second part of the BMX starting cadence.
4. Focus your attention about 20 feet out and mentally be ready to take the first jump. Listen to the cadence or watch the lights. Whatever you do in practice is the way you should perform in competition.
5. Push down on the handlebars as you take off. Use the power in your legs for leverage to help you shoot out of the gate in front of the rest of your BMX racing competitors.
6. Learn how to sprint out of the gate in all the starting positions. You may not always get the best position but with practice it doesn’t matter.