Getting started in BMX
What do I need to start racing BMX?
What kind of a bike do I need to race BMX?
BMX racing does not require you to have expensive equipment.
The bike you currently own is fine to race.
You just need to ensure you have removed the chain guard, kickstand, reflectors, bells, baskets and any other extra attachments.
All bikes need to have brakes which are in good working order. If you are riding a bike that has gears, you need to find a gear that will allow you to pedal the entire track as you may not shift gears during a race.
No training wheels are allowed, however, there is a Strider bike class for the little ones on a half track course.
What safety equipment do I need?
Helmet: A helmet is required for all riders on the track. It is strongly recommended that it be one with full face protection. Guidelines state that the helmet must have a permanent strap attached and snaps are not permitted. The helmet must have sufficient padding and be of good quality and fit properly.
Clothing: You will need to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants. Jeans work well tucked into socks on the chain side (or shorts with approved leg protection like knee and shin guards).
Running shoes with good gripping soles.
Gloves are also recommended.
When is the track open to ride?
The track is open to the public from April until November, 8am until dusk, weather permitting, with the exception of race times and special events.
Please check our facebook page for any track closures for special events.
Please stay off the track if it is wet or soft so that you don't cause damage.
When do I get to race?
In Penticton, our local race night is Thursday night, our season schedule is posted on the website.
Your first practice and race is always free.
You will need to fill out the one day trial waiver online HERE before you come to the track.
We will give you a temporary number and number plate (for your parents to frame later) at your first race.
After your first race, you will need to purchase a BMX Canada license for $75 for 12 months.
You don't have to come to every race, you can choose to do as many as you like and you don't have to worry if you need to miss one or some. With your license you can race at any of the 20+ tracks we have in BC including Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops in the interior, as well as Grand Forks, Salmo, and Cranbrook in the Kootenays. If you vacation in the U.S, you can also race there with the same license!
We have categories set up by both age and ability (Novice, Intermediate, Expert, Girl)
Depending on how many riders and what their ages and abilities are, you may get grouped with riders older, younger, of higher, or lower abilities. This is all determined by the rule book and is integrated into the race management software program we use to build motos.
The cost (after your first free race) is $7.50 per race, payable upon registering for each race.
Races start at 6:30 (Subject to change, check our facebook page for updates) and are usually complete by 7:30pm.
How do I earn club points?
Club points are based on overall finish for the evening. A rider earns local club points for each race they enter at Penticton BMX.
We have special awards for the top boys, girls, and cruisers ate the end of each season.
There are also other points systems for riders.
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District – Penticton is in District BC04.
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Provincial
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Canadian National
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USA National
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National Age Group points
The BMX Canada rulebook explains how a rider can earn these points. You can find the link for the rulebook on our mainpage.
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