| So you think you want to give motocross a go, huh? | | | | to tell you when practise ride days are and also other |
| Great idea, motocross is a fun, healthy (and at times | | | | important information like how to go about getting a |
| painful!) sport that continues to grow in popularity all | | | | race licence and some other technical details that you |
| over the world. | | | | need to look into before you race. |
| In this article I'll guide you through some do's and don'ts | | | | When you're practising riding, build up your confidence |
| to help you get organised and on the start line for your | | | | gradually. Spend time mastering the very basics of |
| very first race. | | | | riding and then work your way up to riding at speed |
| Choosing A Bike | | | | and tackling some of the more difficult obstacles on |
| If you're just starting out in the sport then there's no | | | | the track. |
| need for you to have the latest and greatest bike. | | | | Watch experienced riders, take notice of how they |
| Apart from the fact that initially you won't be able to | | | | ride sections of the track that may be causing you |
| ride a brand new motocross bike to its full potential | | | | trouble. The most important thing is to take your time, |
| anyway, there's also the consideration that in the event | | | | yes you need to push yourself a little to improve but if |
| you decide the sport is not for you then you'll have | | | | you are feeling uncomfortable with the way you're |
| quite an expensive toy sitting in your garage that you | | | | riding and you have a decent crash it may take quite a |
| have no use for. | | | | while before you get your confidence back. This also |
| Be realistic about deciding whether a bike would suit | | | | applies to the pushy parents I see yelling at their kids, if |
| you, it can be difficult to decide on a model when you | | | | they're not having fun what's the point of them doing |
| haven't got a whole lot of riding experience but try to | | | | it? |
| find something that is more user friendly ie. smaller | | | | Absorb as much information about riding techniques as |
| engine capacity and preferably unmodified so that the | | | | you can and then apply them yourself when you're out |
| bike is easier to ride. | | | | practising. In no time you'll find yourself improving and |
| Look for a bike that seems well maintained, if you don't | | | | growing more confident and comfortable. As fun as |
| have much mechanical knowledge then see if you can | | | | motocross is, it still can be a dangerous sport so be |
| enlist the help of a friend who has some experience | | | | careful. |
| with bikes to come with you when you go to look at a | | | | Your First Race |
| prospective purchase. Check for obvious oil leaks, | | | | Right, your technique is razor sharp and you're feeling |
| worn wheel bearings, any indications that the bike has | | | | pretty fast, it's time to put it all to the test. Club |
| done a lot of work and may not have been well | | | | meetings are a great way to start off racing, they're |
| maintained. | | | | low pressure and pretty casual and there are usually |
| The end of your local race season and also new | | | | plenty of club members who will do what they can to |
| model changeover time can be a good time to go bike | | | | make first time racers feel welcome. |
| hunting, racers will be updating for next season with | | | | Get to the meeting nice and early, sign up and have a |
| newer bikes so there should be plenty around for sale. | | | | look around. If it's at your home track then you will |
| Check your local classifieds and bike dealers, internet | | | | know the layout pretty well from all those practise laps. |
| based motorbike sales sites are a great place to look | | | | Attend the pre-race riders briefing and get ready for |
| as well. | | | | practise. Practise shouldn't be a race, take your time |
| Riding Gear | | | | and have a good look at the track and then put on |
| The same rule about not needing the latest and | | | | some pace and do a couple of laps at a speed close |
| greatest applies to riding gear as well, the only item I | | | | to what you would race at. |
| really would stress that you buy new is your helmet. In | | | | Once the race program has commenced, wander up |
| that case, spend as much as you can afford on a | | | | and have a look at how the starts are run,take notice |
| helmet, your head is one of your most precious bits! | | | | of the procedure so you will know what to expect |
| The rest of your gear can be bought secondhand, | | | | when your race is up. Keep an eye on the race order |
| most motocross clubs have a newsletter that will have | | | | and get up to the start line with plenty of time to spare |
| a classifieds section selling riding gear and various bits | | | | before your race. Here in Australiathe most common |
| and pieces as well as secondhand bikes, again check | | | | ways to decide who starts from which gate is done |
| your local classifieds and the usual places like Ebay | | | | by a random draw, usually a numbered peg out of a |
| etc. | | | | bucket. |
| Secondhand gear is a really good idea for kids, even if | | | | Choose which gate you want to start from and then |
| they decide they love racing bikes they grow that | | | | get into position, put your bike in gear when the 30 |
| quick that you'll find yourself constantly getting your | | | | second board is up, load the bike up against the front |
| wallet out to upgrade their gear. | | | | brake (a technique where you apply the front brake |
| After getting a helmet the order of priority would | | | | and partially release the clutch until the bike is pushing |
| probably be goggles, boots, knee guards, gloves, chest | | | | against the brake) when the 5 second board is up and |
| elbow protectors then riding pants and a jersey. | | | | when the gate drops you're away! |
| Joining A Club And Practise Riding | | | | Motocross racing is a great sport but it can be quite |
| OK, you're all kitted out and you've found the | | | | daunting when you first start, just remember to go at |
| motocross bike of your dreams (or at least one you | | | | your own pace initially and build your confidence and |
| can afford!), now you need to go riding. Find the local | | | | above all have fun! |
| motocross club in your area and join up, they'll be able | | | | |