frequently asked questions
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 race tracks. The track usually consists of a starting gate for up to eight racers, a groomed serpentine dirt race course made up of various jumps, banked and flat corners, and a finish line.
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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.
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3. How do I join?
Before each season begins we hold registration dates at various locations such as malls and schools. These dates are announced on our website and in local
publications. Once the season has begun you can register at the
track any time it is open. If it is your first time registering you will need a copy of your birth certificate.
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Where do I find you?
We are located Northwest of the Dave Elton Ball Complex and North of the Chinese
Cemetery. If you turn west on 6th Ave. North from Stafford Drive North and turn North just before the
cemetery you have found us.
Click here for a map
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When is the track open/when do you race?
First off, you must be a member to ride the track for insurance reasons. Now that's out of the way...
The schedule changes from year to year but once the season begins a typical week has something happening 3 to 4 nights a week (Monday - Friday) and weekend afternoons are usually scheduled for open track times. Weeknights can consist of races, open
track time and coaching. There are certain weekends during the season that the track will be closed due to a
large percentage of our executive and membership competing at other track events such as Provincials or Nationals. Of course every member is welcome to attend
these events as well!
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How long is the season?
Our sport is generally an outdoor one that takes place on dirt tracks and that requires warm dry weather so our season normally does not run during the winter. Typical seasons begin at the end of April and run through until the end of September. It can vary slightly from year to year and on rare occasions we (or another track) are able to secure a building for indoor winter racing. The season schedule is always
posted on our website long before the season begins.
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What is the history of BMX?
BMX was born out of the passion of every young child that loves to ride their bike and try to do wheelies or hit homemade jumps. A group of kids in California back in 1970 or so who organized races to emulate their motorcycle motocross heroes were captured in the intro to a film called ON ANY SUNDAY. From there it took off like a California wildfire and BMX or Bicycle Motocross was born. Small pockets of organized races cropped up all over North America. The first real organized races are credited to Californians and most of the early BMX heroes came from the region. By the mid seventies
National BMX racing organizations had been formed and bicycles were evolving from the first Schwinn Stingrays to the
stronger, lighter bikes we see today. By 1980 BMX racing was a world-wide sport and the
first World Championship races started appearing. In 2008 BMX
finally made the big time and was an official sport at the
Beijing Olympics
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What is the history of LETHBRIDGE BMX?
No one is quite sure where the first organized Canadian BMX racing was established, but we are certain that Lethbridge BMX formed in 1979 was among the first few. Our first year consisted of 12 riders racing in an area down in the
current Fort Whoop-Up park. The following year we were moved to a coulee just off the
north side of the city. Neither of these first two tracks were very
permanent. The first "real' track with extensive obstacles and a mechanical starting gate was located next door to Marshalls Auto Wreckers off of the highway between Lethbridge and Coaldale. That lasted until 1982 and
in 1983 a new home was found. At this time BMX was starting to really gain numbers and grow in popularity and land was donated in the area between the Southern Alberta Rehabilitation Society and what was
then a racquetball court. This lasted another couple years (and featured a cool over-under bridge as part of the track) until the land fell under new
ownership and we had to level the track. After some negotiations with the city we landed our current location in 1985 and have been there ever since. The track
itself has seen many incarnations as the design of the obstacles change and progress with the sport.
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