BMX
Quick Link - Good Points - Bad Points - Tips - Costs - Resources
Introduction
BMX originally began in the shadow of motocross (hence the "MX" bit in BMX). And still popular today, races are organised on a dirt race course with jumps, similar motocross tracks but just on a smaller scale.
Versatile
With high popularity gained from it's status boost as an extreme sport, BMX is now regularly being featured in televised events like the X-games.
Although the bikes are small, the age range of riders is wide. The common focus of riders is to concentrate on mastering the unlimited number of tricks and stunts achievable on the versatile BMX.
Stunts
The pro's make it look easy, but it takes a lot of balls to pull off some of the stunts on a BMX. The combination of skill and confidence can result in some unbelievable stunts! There is a constant evolution of the sport, as riders invent brand new stunts never attempted before, pushing the limits of the bikes, the rider and his creativity.
What's unique to these kinds of extreme sports is the glossary use to describe the stunts. Phrases like: "540", "one-handed ally-oop" and "boomerang" give accurate and unique descriptions of a stunt. But to people unaware of the meanings, it is all gobbledegook!
Check out the glossary in the resources section to de-mistify the language of BMX.
BMX bikes are small, light and maneuverable, both on the ground and in the air. It is these attributes which make the bikes so suitable for stunts.
Environments
The several main areas in which BMX takes place are:
Half pipe ramp is a purpose built semi circle, usually of wooden structure, in which riders perform stunts at each end in order to turn around 180 degrees and travel down the other side. This format is popular with Tv. Also know as "Vert".
Dirt utilises primarily outdoor jumps of sculpted dirt to provide the right angle of take off. This also forms grass roots BMX, where anyone can enhance natural bumps in the land with a spade, and begin learning the tricks close to home. Another benefit of dirt is that should you drop it and crash, mud is quite forgiving!
Street In competitions, street arenas include purpose built wooden ramps, metal rails and other obsticals which try to recreate the obsticals found out on the street. Competition riders have a set time to perform as many impressive and technical stunts as they can.
At grass-roots level it is just you and your mates cruising around on the BMX looking for some evil steps to jump off, bars to rail, angled walls, and any piece of street architecture which stunts can be performed off of. Although unorganised, this is still a very creative area of BMXing, often the test-bed for inventive new tricks.
Summary of BMX
Good points
Exciting stunts, TV friendly events.
Very accessible - any rider, even at the most basic level can attempt BMX.
Can be practiced almost anywhere, no special equipment/sites needed.
Bad points
Injuries are possible.
small space needed to store bike
Minor issue of bike security, (the same as most things).
When learning your first stunts, wear elbow & knee pads.
Master smaller basic stunts to build up confidence before attempting bigger stunts.
If you fall off, get straight back on the bike immediately and carry on (injuries permitting) otherwise your confidence will be dented.
Good new bikes are only a few hundred pounds, check businesses below for current prices.
Your money pays for ultra strong and light frames, which can handle high stresses generated from all the stunts.
There are lots of extra parts, to make your BMX look more stylish.
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Tips
Costs
BMX Resources
Wiggle - Superb online cycling shop covering BMX, clothes and accessories as well.
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Suntal Cycles - Manchester based bike shop, stocks BMX's. Can't buy online, have to email request.
Decoy BMX - Decoy BMX club, have their own race track, based in Devon.
Cycleweb - Fantastic UK information site, with a long list of British clubs, events, cycle shops on & off-line, and more.
FatBMX - International BMX site focusing on the freestyle elements of BMX.
BCF - British Cycling Federation Website, good index of BMX clubs in the UK.
EXPN - Glossary of BMX and extreme sport language, terms and phrases used.
Insane Riders.com - UK site with tips and information on skateboarding and BMX.
Related sports featured on Adrenaline-Sports.net include: Motocross, Mountain Biking and Rollerblading.
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