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Why race BMX? | www.mkbmx.com |
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BMX racing has a number of features which combine to make it unique among cycle sports: It’s fun – along with Downhill mountain biking and Four-Cross (4X – BMX’s mountain bike equivalent), it’s one of the most exhilarating cycle sports. It offers very close and exciting racing, due both to the nature of the racing itself and the race class system which ensures that the competitors in any given race class are closely matched. It’s affordable – BMX race bikes can be bought from around £220 new (and usually around half that amount second-hand). A full-face helmet and gloves would be from around £50 – and that’s all a racer needs to compete. Furthermore, almost all race meetings feature novice classes which allow anyone to try racing using the equipment they probably already have (a safe bike of any type, a cycle helmet, and gloves), so it is possible to get a feel for the sport with little outlay. Race entry fees are low in comparison with other cycle sports – around £7 for a Regional race, and £12 for a National. It’s accessible to everyone with the race class system offering competitive racing for all regardless of age. ( Fitness/personal development - BMX racing promotes strength, fitness, tactical awareness, and unparalleled bike handling skills. It is both a means and a motivation towards getting and keeping fit. The atmosphere - although the racing itself is highly competitive and frequently “elbow-to-elbow”, the camaraderie amongst racers is exceptional and nearly all newcomers to the sport comment on this. There is a very strong feeling of community and racers will always help each other, lending tools and components. The atmosphere is also very family-friendly, and the younger riders very quickly absorb the values of sportsmanship and respect for fellow racers that they observe from the adults. |