Start riding
Your first night at the track
This page is written for a parent who has never seen a BMX race. Read it in five minutes, then come out on a practice night. We will handle the rest.
Best first visit
Thursday practice, 6 PM to 8 PM. Open track for every age and class. The best night for a first visit: no clock, no motos, plenty of gate starts.
ScheduleQuestions parents ask
The short version
Any bike, any kid, a helmet, long sleeves and long pants. Come to a practice. That is 90 percent of it. The rest is below.
- What is BMX racing?
- Eight riders line up behind a starting gate at the top of a hill. The gate drops, they sprint down the hill and race one lap over jumps and through banked turns. A race takes about 40 seconds. Riders race three rounds a night, called motos, and finish positions are scored across the rounds.
- What ages can participate?
- Balance bike racing starts at age 2. Pedal bike classes run from age 5 through adults, and plenty of parents race the cruiser class. Riders are grouped by age and skill level, so a first timer races other first timers.
- Are beginners welcome?
- Yes. Every rider at the track started as a Novice. The Novice class is for riders learning the sport, and nobody moves up until they have earned enough wins to do so.
- What are balance bikes?
- A balance bike has no pedals. Young riders push with their feet and coast. Balance bike racers use the same start hill and gate, on a shortened course, and get their own motos and number plates.
- Does my child need an expensive bike?
- No. Any bike with the kickstand, pegs and reflectors removed is fine for a first night. Racing bikes are lighter and faster, but that is a decision for later, after your rider knows they love it.
- Can we borrow a bike or helmet?
- Sometimes. Loaner availability changes week to week, so tell us what you need on the inquiry form below and we will let you know before you come.
- What should my child wear?
- Long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes and a helmet. A full face helmet is strongly recommended and required for racing. Gloves are a good idea. These rules follow USA BMX and local track requirements and apply to practice as well as racing.
- Is a membership required?
- A USA BMX membership is required to ride the track, including practice, because it covers insurance. You can buy it at usabmx.com or at the registration window on your first night. Ask about a trial membership option when you arrive.
- Is there a free trial?
- Practice is the cheapest way to try the track. Fees are listed on the schedule page. Ask at the window about any first visit options currently offered.
- Can parents watch?
- Yes. Spectating is free and families line the fence on race nights. Bring a chair, a cooler and a jacket in the fall.
- What happens when we arrive?
- Park beside the track, walk to the registration window and tell them it is your first night. You will sign in, get your rider on the track for practice, and a volunteer will walk you through how the gate works and where to stand.
- Who can help us get started?
- Any volunteer in a Shelby Farms BMX shirt. The registration window is staffed every night the track is open, and the inquiry form below reaches the people who run the track.
What to wear and bring
Gear check
These follow USA BMX and local track rules and apply to practice as well as racing. Nothing on this list needs to be expensive.
Helmet
Full face strongly recommended. Required for racing.
Long sleeves
Any long sleeve shirt or jersey.
Long pants
No shorts, even in July.
Closed toe shoes
Sneakers are fine. No sandals or slip-ons.
Bike
Any bike. Remove the kickstand, pegs and reflectors.
Gloves
Optional but recommended.
When you arrive
The first night, start to finish
- 1
Park beside the track
Off Farm Road, across from Hyde Lake. Walk toward the lights.
- 2
Find the registration window
Tell the volunteer it is your first night. They will take it from there.
- 3
Practice first
Walk the track, then ride it. There is no rush and nobody is watching the clock.
- 4
Race when ready
Most riders race their first moto the very next visit.
Ask us anything
Tell us about your rider
Age, what they ride now and whether you need to borrow a bike or helmet. We will reply with the best night to come and anything else you need. No account, no commitment.
Prefer email? REPLACE-ME@shelbyfarmsbmx.com