The BMX Track
When you get to the top of the starting hill at any BMX track around the nation, you can’t help but feel this huge surge of adrenaline. As you roll your bike into the starting lane – whether it’s for the first time ever or the thousandth time in years, you know you’re about to experience the thrill of a lifetime. A thrill that no other sport can provide. As you scope out the track one last time before setting up to start, you feel that rush. Soon as the starting gate slams down, the next 30 to 40 seconds is like a wild dirt roller coaster that you are in complete control of.
From the two-year-old learning to balance on the Strider pushbike, to the expert athlete flying over the obstacles with the greatest of ease, to the seasoned rider who still digs the rush of the ride, every track has something fun for every level of rider. And that’s the really great thing about going to the BMX track; big or small, novice or expert, you ride at your own speed.
While in football, basketball, baseball, or soccer – every field of play will always be identical. Not so in this action sport. While every course has a starting gate and a finish line, that’s where the similarity begins and ends. No two tracks are identical. The lengths of tracks will vary as much as the size and arrangement of obstacles. Some are fairly flat while others have faster downhill sections. Some shorter tracks will be 900 feet long while others can be as long as 1,300 feet. Today’s USA BMX tracks are nothing like the rough and rocky tracks your dad or grandfather rode “back in the day”. Today’s BMX tracks are a thoughtfully designed and meticulously groomed racecourse.
BMX Lingo
Staging
Aka the “back of the hill”. Where racers line up in their “moto” waiting for their shot at a little BMX glory.
The BMX Gate
24 feet and 8 lanes wide. Racers start from their assigned gate ready and watching for the light to go!
The BMX Starting Hill
Some are big. Some are really big. And some, like the Olympic hill, is scary big! All give you the speed to get going in a hurry!
The Straights
Everything between the turns. They’d be a straight line to the winner’s circle if it weren’t for all those obstacles along the way!
The Berms
There are big 180s, quick 90s and long, long sweepers. Taking the fastest line around can move you from almost last to fast out in front!
Doubles
The classic BMX jump. Two hills spaced just enough apart to make the air the fastest line to success if you can. And a Triple has three hills spaced.
Step Up
A short hill followed immediately by a taller hill. Jump up to jump out front!
Step Down
A tall hill followed immediately by a smaller hill. Push down to push your speed!
Roller
A small hill. But they can come at you one, two, three, four at a time or more.
Rhythm Section
Like the name says. This combination of jumps isn’t about size but rather all about timing and “flow”.
Table Top
A flat top jump is good for learning to catch air and pose for the crowd!
The Finish Line
Where the fast times and fun ends. Until you do it again!