How to Ride BMX

One of the greatest new extreme sports around is BMX racing. BMX racing is great for all ages, but can be an especially exciting sport for the younger generation. BMX is also a sport that is quite accessible for anyone to learn and compete.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• BMX bike
• BMX riding clothing and safety gear
• BMX License

How to Ride BMX

1. Realize the risks. It has been said that BMX riding offers no more risk than any other school sponsored sport. Though this may be true, BMX riding still offers some amount of risk to its riders. As long as you treat the sport with respect, and practice appropriate safety precautions, you should be just fine.
2. Buy the clothing. Unless you plan on racing professionally, then you really don't need expensive riding clothes. A pair of long pants (recommended jeans) and a long sleeve shirt are just about all you need. Be sure that you also have a pair of durable shoes. You should never race in sandals or shoes that will not protect your feet if you happen to get in a bike wreck.
3. Buy the helmet. A basic motor cross style helmet is really all you need. If you plan to race professionally then there are plenty of options out there for full face helmets. Considering you are just starting, you can easily get away with just a basic helmet for now.
4. Buy the right kind of bike. You can easily convert your current bike into a BMX bike if you are not going to professionally compete. Just be sure to remove things such as your kick stand and chain guard. You will also need the right padding for your bike. Just go to your local bike store and tell them what you are trying to do and they will get you all set up for not too much money. The best thing is to go and buy an actual BMX bike. This will guarantee that if you decide to race your bike it will be approved by the officials.
5. Find your first race. Usually you can do a search online for local races, or go to your local bike shop for a list of races. Be sure that you get your riders license before you show up to the track. You will also need to pay a registration fee when you get there. This can add up but is really no more expensive than most school sports.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice a lot before you go race. People go to races to compete, if you can't bring some competition, you probably shouldn't be on the track.