What is BMX?

BMX is short for Bicycle Motocross. A sport which started in the 1970's when bicycle riders wanted to perform jumps and 'getting air' on their bicycles like MX (Motocross, motorcycle) riders. The riders started to build neighborhood tracks and began to compete against other local riders until now there are two sanctioning bodies. These are the ABA and NBL. Each focused on BMX as a SPORT and to fair competition by member riders. Sooner Pearl BMX Raceway is a sanctioned ABA track and abides by all ABA rules.
The ABA represents the largest sanctioning body of BMX riders in the world. There are over current 70,000 members and over 250 tracks in the North America with these numbers growing daily.
This is a FAMILY sport! It can involve everyone in a family, from pit crew to the parent who cheers the riders as they race.

 

 Why race BMX?

Children created this sport and it is dominated by children in numbers but there are mature riders in BMX. It is a sport which promotes individual achievement, builds character, social skills, self motivation, self esteem, discipline, determination and is healthy exercise.
BMX involves the whole family and allows families time together having fun in a Drug Free environment. Races are FREE to watch and everyone is welcome to come and watch.
BMX racing is clean, exciting fun that whole families can get involved in whether as a racer, spectator, pit crew or track volunteer. BMX has something to offer everyone.
Races are organized according to age group and skill levels, so everyone gets the opportunity to compete on a fair and competitive basis. Even beginning riders have the chance to race safely with other new riders.

 

 How do I get started?

Simply visit your local track during the practice or racing time and ask for a membership application or information. You can watch the races, talk to other BMX families, or give it a try yourself.

 

 Who can race?

Most any individual with a BMX bicycle, proper equipment and an ABA membership. Races are organized into separate girls and boys classes then divided into age groups and skill levels. The age groups range from 5 and under to 51 and over classes. Within these age groups are three skill levels:

• Novice
• Intermediate
• Expert

All riders start as Novices and work up to more advanced levels by winning races. The group a rider races in on a given day depends on several items. Total number of riders racing, number of riders in an age group and the riders skill level.

 

 Where can I race?

The ABA has over 200 tracks nationwide! Check the ABA web site for one near you.

 

 What kind of bike do I need?

There are 2 basic types of bicycles used in BMX:

• BOYS/GIRLS, bicycles with 20 inch or smaller wheels
• CRUISER, bicycles with 24 inch or larger wheels

BMX racing does not require a lot of expensive equipment. Most racers start with their 20" street bike by removing the front brake, chain guard, kickstand and reflectors and putting some inexpensive padding on the 'top tube' of the bicycle frame, handle bar and stem.

 

 What other equipment do I need?

A helmet is required: a 'FULL FACE'. You also must to wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt and enclosed shoes. Shorts, cut-off's, tank tops or short sleeved shirts are not allowed at anytime while racing or practicing at a sanctioned event.
Many tracks offer equipment on a nightly loan basis.

 

 How much does it cost?

An ABA membership is required to race at ABA Track.  The following memberships are available.

One Day Free Membership
This membership is intended ONLY for the new rider to have a chance to experience the sport prior to joining one of the memberships below. This membership is for one practice or one race only and is not transferable or re-useable. Entry Fees apply.

One Day Free Membership Application

Temporary Membership
There is a $25 fee for this 30 day membership. This membership is valid at any ABA track, however riders  will receive no ABA points for their finishes. This is a one-time membership. This membership can be converted to a full membership.
There are many bike manufactures out there, that have coupons for this membership that entitles you to get it for free.

 

Full (annual) Membership
There is a $45 fee for this one-year membership, which is valid at any ABA track across the US and Canada. Upon becoming a full member, you will receive an ABA Rulebook, an ABA number plate, an assigned number and an official membership card and the ability to earn points towards year-end awards. The rider will also receive an annual subscription to the BMXer magazine (delivered monthly). The BMXer contains current point standings for every ABA district and all national groups, ABA track directory, current coverage of all the ABA Nationals and noteworthy events, bike tests, interviews and much more.

New ABA members and renewals also get their 1^st race FREE at River Valley BMX .
To get this free race you must credit the membership to River Valley BMX T115

US Membership Application

On top of all this, the full member also receives a secondary medical insurance coverage. This is something that no other membership oriented youth activity offers.

There are also discounts available for multiple family members.

A membership may be purchased at the track or by calling (253)863-1608
Membership forms are available at the track or you can print them from above.

Once you have become an ABA member, the only cost will be the race day entry fee. The entry fee entitles you to be a participant in the days actions. A typical BMX race includes 2-3 qualifying motos along with the main event. In the main event, you race for awards, determined by your finish, along with the precious ABA points.
Race fee's: Race fee's vary according to the individual race, if you have a question about race fee's please call.

Current River Valley race fee's:
Local Single Point race:
$10.00 for trophy or buy back
All 1^st Time Riders will receive an award on their first local race day no matter how they finish! New ABA members also get their 1^st race FREE. Please note, race pricing varies from track to track, the above pricing applies to 'regular local single point races' and not all tracks award the 1^st time riders an award.

 

 What kind of awards can I receive?

Trophies are normally handed out at the local races and are given to 1^st thru 3^rd place. A rider is also competing for District points. These points are compiled yearly, (the BMX season is year-long, January 1st to December 15th). A rider's yearly points total will determine the number displayed on the bicycle 'number plate' for the following year.
All riders compete for awards and ABA points. Points are published in the BMXer magazine which each rider receives monthly. There a rider can check and compare his or her point standings with other riders in their own district and across the country.