Entering a Regional BMX Race?
Here’s our guide to: preparing for a BMX race
Here’s some essential info for you to plan and prepare for a Regional Race.
We know there is quite a few things to sort and have in place and so it can be confusing and overbearing, especially if you haven’t entered a race before.
We’ve kept it concise with as much info to help you ensure you are properly prepared and know what to expect, so your race day goes as smoothly as possible!
Get these in advance of the race
British Cycling (BC) Membership
You will require BC membership, do this online and put your club as who you’re racing for – Llynfi BMX Racing Club.
If you’re in under 16 years this is usually free (code is on the BC website)! If you’re racing as a ‘Novice’ rider and entering on the day you usually don’t need it immediately!
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk
Transponder
Transponders go on the front forks of the bike and give you your placing and lap times.
‘Expert’ and ‘Elite’ riders need to purchase an annual subscription online from HS Sports (link gives you 1/2/5 year subscription prices).
If you’re racing as a ‘Novice’ rider you can hire one for the day from the SW Region (£5 for the day), however there is limited availability on the day so let us know you’ll need one!
Buy a transponder.
Plate
Both handlebar plate and frame side plates.
Front plate:
20” BMX – yellow (if also racing Nationals as per our Moto1 plate design) or green (regional racing only but easier to have the yellow as per our club plate)
Cruiser – red
Also a wrapped frame side plate – white with black numbers.
You can order online for our Club plate with Moto1, or make your own, or buy on the day (ie a front plate and side plate), then get a plate sticker or any green/red sticker and sticker numbers to place on it! If you haven’t got one yet let us know and we’ll loan you one of our spares for your first race.
Register to race the Regional event
Register to race – online on British Cycling website for relevant round see link posted on our page, age category is age on 31st December this year, online booking is cheaper in advance than on the day and less stress on the day.
Register as either; novice, expert or elite and in the relevant bike discipline (eg 20” bike or Cruiser bike)
If you have more than one family member racing you can have discounted entry by selecting the additional family member option on online entry.
Registration closes on the Wednesday evening at 23:55 of the week of the race.
You can register on the day, but it’s more expensive (£7 more) if your racing ‘Expert’ or ‘Elite’ and takes a little more time, it’s the same cost either way if you’re racing ‘novice’!
British Cycling Website: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/bmx
What you need for the race day
Bike
Race bike or other bmx/mtb for racing, members can loan from Llynfi BMX club for the race weekend if you don’t have a bike.
Get in touch with the club to loan a bike for race day.
Ensure you have checked your bike over in advance of race day so it’s safe and ready to ride – ‘M’ Check!
Helmet
Full face helmet required, you can use your own or members can loan from Llynfi BMX Club. Get in touch to loan a helmet.
Protective equipment
Body armour, elbow pads, knees and shin pads all highly recommend, full face helmets, gloves, long sleeve top (club jersey), long trousers or shorts with your pads (and skins) are all essential – no skin showing!
Plate
Front and side plates as stated above
Jersey
Wear our Llynfi BMX Racing Club jersey (or use your own if you haven’t one yet).
Order from us to have Llynfi club colours and name on the jersey!
Parts and tools
Bring some spare parts such as inner tube, zip ties, a pump, bike tools for adjustments and fixes!
Parts are usually available from the trade bmx bike shop at the race track.
Race updates and more info
Check the South West BMX Region page and the host BMX club page for info and updates leading up to the specified round of racing!
Follow the regional races on the Sqorz website.
Anything else?
Any other questions just see us trackside at Llynfi Track or drop us a message!