1. What is BMX?
BMX stands for "Bicycle Motocross" . The format of BMX was derived from motocross racing. BMX bicycle races are sprint races on purpose built off-road single lap racetracks. The track usually consists of a starting gate for up to eight racers, a groomed serpentine dirt racecourse made up of various jumps, banked and flat corners, and a finish line.
2. What do I need to race?
a) Bicycle
There are two classes in BMX racing; the standard 20" class and the cruiser (24") class. The measurements refer to the tire diameter. There are far more riders on 20" bikes than cruisers. Cruisers are very popular with the "Dad" classes and over 30 competitive classes. If you're racing the standard class you will need a bike with 20" (or less) diameter tires in good mechanical shape. All bolted on extras such as kickstands, fenders, pegs, etc. must be removed.
Any bike meeting those criteria is allowed and at the beginner level it won't make much difference. Once a rider gains some experience, bike choice starts becoming more of a factor. There are specific BMX racing bikes in a myriad of frame sizes geared to rider size. The object is to have a bike as light as possible but that is well fitted and strong enough for the rider size and skill level. This is where prices start going up. Because there are so many sizes of BMX bikes, riders are always out-growing them and you can always find good used racing bikes for sale at tracks, especially at the beginning of the season or at major race events
b) Protective Equipment
The most important piece of equipment is your helmet. It must be a proper fitting "full face" helmet, meaning that it has jaw protection. All that is required after that is long pants (jeans work well), long sleeves (sweater, hoodie), and gloves (anything that covers the full hand). You can also wear additional padding such as knee/elbow guards, chest protectors, shin pads, etc. if you wish.
3. How do I join?
You must be a member to ride the track (for insurance purposes). You can join any time the track is open or at select registration times during the pre-season (Usually advertised on our website, or other media). Membership fees are good for the season and include all local races (except special events, like Provincial or National meets), all coaching and open track times. There are 2 components to your membership; the Alberta Bicycle Association (ABA) license, which covers your insurance and allows you to race at any UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) sanctioned track, and the local club fees which go towards track and building maintenance and upkeep, utilities, and rider awards.
4. Where do I find you?
Our outdoor track is located behind the Dave Elton ball complex off of 6th Ave North and Stafford Drive North.
You can call the moto shed and leave a message (in season) at 403-320-0452.
You can email us here.
Our mailing address is: Box 503, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 3Z1.
You can find us on Google Maps
5. When is the track open/when do you race?
Our season is decided on by the executive prior to opening day but it has remained fairly consistent throughout the years. We always race on Tuesday nights. In the early season we also race Thursday nights (once school gets out attendance drops off a bit so we cut back racing to once a week). We also offer a coaching program with beginner coaching Friday nights and advanced coaching on Saturday afternoons. Sunday afternoons are open track. Hours are: Racing: Registration from 6:00 - 6:30pm, racing at 7:00pm Friday night coaching: 6:30 - 7:00pm Saturday Coaching: 1:00 - 3:00pm Sunday Open track: 1:00 - 3:00pm

There are a few weekends during the summer when much of the executive are away at Provincial or National races and scheduled track times (coaching and open track) may be cancelled
6. How long is the season?
Typically BMX is fair-weather sport and thus runs from mid to late April until the end of September. There are some years that we are able to secure indoor facilities and we will run a winter track (usually December through February)
7. What is the history of BMX?
BMX originated in the state of California, United States in the late 1960s, when teenagers imitated their motocross heroes (most notably Steve McQueen ) on their bicycles. Scot Breithaupt is credited as the founder of BMX. The 1971 motorcycle racing documentary On Any Sunday is generally credited with inspiring the movement nationally. In the opening scene, kids are shown riding their Schwinns off-road. It wasn't until the middle of that decade that the sport achieved critical mass, and manufacturers began creating bicycles designed specially for the sport.
8. What is the history of Lethbridge BMX?
Established in 1979. Lethbridge was one of the first BMX tracks in Canada and pioneers of organizing and growing the sport in Alberta. The first track was in the riverbottom near Fort Whoop-up, followed by a short run on a coulee and then on some donated land next to Marshalls Auto Wreckers out on Highway 3. Next move was a 2 year stint between the Southern Alberta Rehabilitation Society and what was then the Raquetime building. Our next facility came in 1985 and is the same location we are at today; behind that ball diamonds at the Dave Elton Complex (6th Ave N and Stafford Drive)

Also see our complete HISTORY section