Here is a quick guide to starting BMX racing with Waitakere City BMX Club

First things first - a few quick notes on racing with us

• We race on Thursday nights during September through to April. Rider registration starts at 6pm, racing at around 6:45pm.
• You do not have to be a member of our club to race at Waitakere BMX. You can race casually for $5 each club night.
• Your first three club nights are free! Try it out to see if it's for you.
• If you join the club and become a member, you race for $3 each club night.
• The racing season takes place from September to April each year. The track is open for use by members of the public all year long.
• Don't know where the track is? Download these directions in PDF format, print them off and you'll find us easily..
• You don't have to have a BMX bike to race club nights - we will let mountain bikes run on club nights from time to time. We're pretty easy going and we want you to try racing - to make sure it's for you - before you buy a bike. We'd rather that you get to race to see what it's like. One thing we won't allow is unsafe bikes (see information below) - we take rider safety seriously.
• If you don't have a BMX bike, we have a limited number of bikes for hire during club night. The same goes for helmets. Supply is limited though, so you'll need to be in quick!
• If you're an adult and you want to give it a go, some of our senior riders have more than one bike and would be happy to lend you a bike for a night so you can play on the track!
• You don't have to be an amazingly skilled, super-fast whiz-bang rider. Most of us ride for fun and we'll never be doing back flips or breaking world speed records. We just like riding and racing.
• If your young son or daughter wants to race and they only have a kiddies bike, we have a "trikes and trainers" class. Mostly any small kids bikes can be used in the trikes and trainers class. If you're unsure about it all, come along and see us during a club night to get an idea of how it all works.
• We are happy to answer any of your questions. Either email us or pop on down to the track on Thursday nights. (email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the contacts page for other contacts)
• We pride ourselves on our friendly, supportive, family-based environment. We invite you to come and be a part of it.
• If you want to join the club, go to our downloads page, download the "Licence Renewal Form" this doubles as your BMX licence application and our club membership form. Remember, you dont have to be a member or have a licence to race club nights only. You can just race casually if you like.

OK, want more info? Here's some stuff that you might find useful.

To race, we prefer it if you have a safe, working bike. This should have:

• Functional bearings on both front and rear wheels
• Working rear brake - front brakes are optional
• Pad set - this is to cover the top tube of the bike, the handle bar "cross bar" and the "stem" (the part that clamps the handle bars in position). Pad sets are not required - but are recommended
• number plate with a number (don't worry, these are available at the points hut on club nights if you do not have one)

Your bike must NOT have:

• Any loose componentry
• Any bent or damaged parts
• Quick-release wheels - wheels must be bolt-on style only
• Bike stands
• Reflectors
• Any sharp or protruding parts
• Freestyle Pegs (these are used to stand on when doing freestyle tricks, but pose a serious safety risk when racing)

Remember that we're keen for you to race. We have club members who can help with small bike issues, so don't be too worried if you think your bike has a few problems. We're not a bike repair service, but we might be able to help get you on the track.

If you want to give racing a go, but you don't have a bike that suits, Waitakere City BMX Club now offers a limited number of Race bikes for rent per night.

NOTE: Your bike does not have to be a "Race BMX" if you are only riding on club nights. Rules are slightly more relaxed but we do require that you bike is in good working condition, and that you are wearing the appropriate safety gear for racing.

If you want to get serious about racing, full race bikes can be purchased through cycle stores, or second hand through web sites such as Trade Me. There are often bikes up for sale at meetings. Try our For Sale forum too.

Clothing and Safety gear

To race you will also need:

• A full-face helmet. No "Skate park" style helmets allowed for racing. Helmets can be rented for $3 a night on club nights from the points hut, or purchased from most bike shops) Trikes and trainers class may be the only exception here as it is difficult to find full face helmets to fit such small heads! But a standard helmet is still required.
• Long-sleeved shirt (must be tucked in to avoid any exposed skin)
• Full-finger gloves (garden gloves, etc. are acceptable. Gloves can be purchased from most bike shops)
• Above-ankle socks
• Shoes/boots
• Long pants

Knee, shin and elbow pads are strongly recommended - but not mandatory. 

Season

BMX Racing is a summer sport the season starts in September and finish in April of the following year. However, some meetings can be run in May/June depending on weather.

Riding Tips

Take a look at this link for some riding tips. http://www.redlinebicycles.com/news/173-redline-flight-school-videos

Questions 

please ask any committee member for any other assitance.

Once you start, you'll get the hang of things very quickly. Have fun racing!