Cedar Rapids BMX

BMX racing is easy to get started in
Preparing your bike:
A bicycle - any type and size will do, but it is recommended that you start with one that has no more than a 20" wheel diameter. Go over you bike to make sure it is American Bicycle Assoc. (ABA) safe & race ready:

Make sure all bolts are tight - especially your axle bolts and stem bolts.
All reflectors must be removed for safety purposes.
If your bike has a kickstand, it must also be taken off.

It is recommended your bike have these pads:
a) covering the crossbar of your handlebars
b) covering the handlebar stem (or gooseneck)
c) covering the top tube of your frame.
You can make the pads out of pipe insulation to

get started with and duct-tape them on.

What you will need to wear in order to race:
Long sleeve shirt and long pants.
A helmet. We highly recommend a full-face helmet,

and we have "loaner helmets" for beginners to use.
Any enclosed shoe is sufficient. Tennis shoes are suggested.

Gloves are not required, but they are a very good idea for preventing cuts

and scrapes on your hands if you take a fall. Gloves can also help with

your grip on the handlebars if your hands get sweaty.

We have "loaner helmets" at the track for beginners to use.

Then come out to CRBMX

If you come out for the first time on a race night it is best to arrive at the beginning of the registration time so you can register and get in some practice laps. For directions to the track see our Information page.

What you will need on your first night of racing beyond your bike
A parent or legal guardian if you are under 18 to sign paperwork.
Money - you get one event (race or practice) without an ABA license. You will need $3 on a practice night, or the race fee; see: Schedule & Fees.

The ABA membership

CRBMX is sanctioned by the American Bicycle Assoc. (ABA). ABA membership is $45 a year, or a 30-day trial membership for $25, which can be converted to a full year's membership for $25. When you join you will begin accumulating district points, be able to rip it up at any ABA track of your choosing, get an official membership card, and also receive a year's subscription to BMXer - the official magazine of the ABA. Please list Cedar Rapids BMX as the track to credit as we get points towards hosting the Iowa State Championships for every ABA membership.

BMX, or bicycle motocross, racing is an individual sport that includes the positive qualities of team sports where everyone encourages each other, is willing to share knowledge and lend a hand when needed. We have races for everyone; for kids 5-years old & under to adults, so there are whole families racing here on the same day.

Entire families race together at CRBMX. Riders are usually divided up based on age, and into three different experience levels.

More information

Numbers and Number Plates
When you sign up the first time you will receive a number plate from our track and issued a bike number, to appear on the bike

plate. This number must be displayed on each rider's bicycle at all times; an earned number (state, national, etc. ranking) can

replace this number. Each plate must be legible so that the track officials and scorers can read it. The numbers, which need

to be at least 3" tall, should not be blocked by stickers or decals, and numbers cannot overlap one another.

Motos sheets
After everyone is signed up the moto (races, or heats) sheets to be posted on the long, white billboard, which

is located to the right of the food concession area. It's a good idea to bring a pen with you to write down your moto and your

gate numbers. First, find your age and class. Write down your moto number as well as your gate numbers for the

evening. There will be a lot of other riders and parents around willing to help read the sheets.

Awards
Award tickets are handed out at the finish line during the last moto for each class. If you have earned an award,

your ticket can be exchanged for your award as soon as you finish your moto.

In depth on reading moto

sheets from Whip City's site