The first step in picking a bike is deciding what kind of riding you want to do and knowing your skill level. Note: when ascertaining your skill level “To thy own self be true.” The worse thing is choosing the wrong bike for your build or skill level or application. So here is what to take into consideration when choosing a bike.

1.                  Build (Height and Weight)

a.   You don’t want a bike that’s oversized because you’ll end up having to manhandle it. It will be hard for you to get up when you go down, it will be hard for you to manually start.

b.      On the opposite end of the spectrum, having a bike that’s to small will loose its appeal very quickly. The bike will not be comfortable to ride and will not have the power for more than backyard riding.

2.                  Skill (To thy own self be true)

3.                  Application (What Do I Want To Use The Bike For)

a.      Those who want to trail ride may want to consider a 4-Stroke over a 2-Stroke. The 4-Stroke has a much smother power range and more pulling power at low speeds.

b.      Those who want to race may want to consider a 2-Stroke over a 4-Stroke because of lighter weight and explosive power. Although racing 4-Strokes have come a long way they have a long way to go.

This is where your dealer can help you out a lot.

Picking A Bike For Your Child

Most of the same rules apply when picking your child’s bike. The biggest difference is that children are going to grow and you don’t want to have to buy a new bike every time he or she goes through a growth spurt. On the other hand you don’t want to put too much bike under a new rider and scare them into not wanting to ride.

1        Build (Height and Weight)

a.      The best rule of thumb for buying a child’s bike is Tiptoes. This means the child should be able to reach the ground using his or her Tiptoes.

b.      If the inexperienced rider can’t touch the ground he or she will have a difficult time starting and stopping the bike without assistance.

c.      If the rider can stand flatfooted, the bike is more than likely too small and the rider will outgrow it quickly.

2        Skill

a.      First thing to remember is that a child should be able to ride a bicycle before trying to teach him or her how to ride a motorcycle. If you think chasing a child on a bicycle is hard, try chasing one on a motorcycle.

b.      Don’t kid yourself; training wheels are only good on pavement.

3        Application

a.      Those who want to trail ride may want to consider a 4-Stroke over a 2-Stroke. The 4-Stroke has a much smother power range and more pulling power at low speeds.

b.      Those who want to race may want to consider a 2-Stroke over a 4-Stroke because of lighter weight and explosive power. One thing to remember is that that same explosive power can get an inexperienced rider in trouble very quickly.

Whether you already own a bike or your in the market to buy a bike you will need to find a dealer to get parts and service from as well as additional advice on getting started.

Finding the right dealer can be invaluable. They understand finding out on a Friday afternoon that you have a broken part and will often go the extra mile to help you get it fixed. They can also help you with things like tire selection for local tracks, bike setup, and can hook you up with other riders in the area.

There is a simple rule in riding, its not if you’re going to crash but when. The more gear you have on the more likely you are to go home sore and not end up in the emergency room. Once you get the gear it’s important to practice with it on so that it feels like your everyday attire. A Note For Parents: You will get every excuse in the world tossed at you but it is imperative that you make and hold to the rule “IF THE GEAR IS NOT ON, YOU DO NOT RIDE.”

Off Road Riding is not a fashion show. Amateur riders, especially young beginning riders should be more concerned with wearing as much protection as possible than with looking like Jeremy McGrath. Buying safety gear is something that a good dealer can really help with. Sizes on gear vary a great deal and are not always accurate. Dealing locally will allow you to try on stuff before buying and also can help if there is a warranty problem later.

HELMET.

This is the single most important piece of protection you will buy. A helmet should be snug going on and off but not so tight it is uncomfortable. There are different DOT and SNELL certification ratings that dealers can explain to you. A full-face helmet offers more protection against both front and side impacts than an open face helmet or a helmet with a bolt on mouth guard.

GOGGLES.

These should always be worn. Get used to them when you practice so that you will feel naked without them. Try different brands on while wearing your helmet to find the ones that are most comfortable. Make sure you get a lexan or similar lens and learn to clean them with care so they will last. You only have two eyes and they need protecting.

BODY ARMOR.

Also know as chest and back protectors or deflectors. It is important to learn to ride with these from the beginning since they can take some getting used to later. These can help protect from an impact injury by spreading the impact over a wider area. They also protect from roost (dirt thrown up from tires). There is a huge selection of makes and models in different colors available in both body armor (front and back) and chest only protectors.

CLOTHING.

Long sleeve shirts and long pants are required to race and are recommended every time you ride. 100% cotton will be cooler but fades quicker. Racing pants are not required to race. Jeans are okay to start out in. We do recommend buying some sort of kneepads. When looking for kneepads, the biggest problem you will have is finding a set for a smaller child. I found that roller blade pads work great for the kids. If you want to know what happens with out kneepads, let a friend hit you with a hammer on the kneecap. Gloves are also recommended. Elbow pads are optional also and are a good idea for beginners.

BOOTS.

Some sort of boot that covers the ankle is a must. A steel-toed boot is recommended. When you buy Motocross Boots it is important to take the time to break them in properly. If you try to race with them before they are you will have a hard time working the controls on your bike, which could result in an accident. If you are buying for your child get them a little big, but not too big, to allow for growth. If you take care of boots they will last quite awhile and then you can sell them to another rider.

YOUR BIKE OR ATV.

It is important to carefully maintain your machine. Inspect it carefully and look for any sharp edges or protruding bolts that can be eliminated to keep them from catching clothing or injuring a rider. Make sure grips are glued or wired on so that they will not come loose. Do not run broken clutch or brake levers because of the sharp point they have. If you plan to race, remove your kickstand, otherwise keep a close eye on spring to make sure it is not worn out.

Motorcycle riding/racing is a great sport. It teaches discipline, the importance of preparation, concentration, goal setting, and the satisfaction that comes from reaching them as well as dealing with the disappointment of working hard but coming up short.

Motorcycle riding/racing differs from a lot of sports because unlike team sports like baseball, football, soccer, etc. it is an individual sport. This can be helpful in teaching young people personal responsibility. If they set a goal and come up short there is no one else to blame.

As in any sport that involves young people there are parents that sometimes push to hard for success. It is the classic "Little League Parent Syndrome". The difference is that if you push to hard in Motorcycle riding/racing it can result in your rider and possibly other riders getting injured. Motorcycle riding/racing is hardly as easy as the pro riders make it look. There are skills that will develop only with time and practice. If you stand on the side of the track and yell at your rider, they will not be able to hear you and you might distract your rider causing an accident

It's a good idea to step back occasionally and look at racing through your child's eyes. Remember that the most important thing in riding is to have fun. Very few riders make it to the Pro’s. Your child has a better chance of making it in the NBA or NFL than he or she has of becoming a Factory Rider. So Let Them Have Fun.

Know and Teach your rider.
1. The rule of the area or track that you are riding.
2. The flags and what they mean.
3. What to do if they go down.
4. If you see something that you feel is unsafe do not put your rider on the track and notify the promoter.

 

The best thing that you can do to become a better rider is to ride. There is no substitute for seat time. When you go out to ride don't just ride in circles all day. There are different things you can do to improve basic riding skills. Practice riding wheelies and doing power slides. Concentrate on using different controls like the clutch, front and rear brakes, etc. so that you will know their limits. Using the clutch will help you attack corners harder. Proper use of the brakes will shave seconds off your lap time. While jumping is important in Motocross, races are still won and lost mostly in the corners. Practice corners by doing circles or figure eights to get better with the clutch, brakes, and throttle control. Practice riding berms and ruts to get comfortable in them. Do not watch your front wheel or you will pop out of the rut or berm every time. Practice looking further down the track. This will make you a faster and safer rider.

Motorcycle riding/racing is kind of like golf and tennis. Learning proper form early will make it easier in the long run. Keeping the elbows up and learning to stand up on the bike are very important. Learning proper body position will help you save energy and make you a safer rider because you will be in better control of your machine and will be able to respond easier to what the bike does when it hits ruts, bumps, and holes on the track. Watch faster riders when you go to practice and try to copy what they do. Most experienced riders are happy to offer riding tips because they had help when they were learning. Try to find someone that is close to your speed, maybe just a little faster and ride with him or her. Have pretend races for a set period of time and ride it like a race. Even if you fall off, get up and keep riding until the time is up just like you would in a race. One thing to remember is to NEVER QUIT during a race because anything can and will happen.

The more parts and tools you have the better your chances of dealing with a mechanical malfunction. There’s nothing worse than getting to a race or riding area just to have a .25 nut or bolt blow your day. Other riders are very generous and helpful when a rider has a problem but there is not always time to find someone that has the parts or tool you need. Here is a list of items you will need to take when you go riding.

Tools
Spare Parts
Chain Lube
Oil
2 Cycle Oil
Air Pump
Gas
Plugs
Helmets
Gloves
Goggles
Pants
Shirt
Boots
Shorts
Socks
Water Packs
Chest Protector
Knee Pads
Money
Chairs
Flash Light
Cups
Water Cooler and Water
Ice
Bananas
Food

Above all else expect to be nervous. It’s natural. Riders that have been racing for years still get butterflies on race day. The secret is to accept that is a part of racing. Get to the track or course early so that you won't feel rushed. When you are about to ride concentrate on taking some deep breaths and stretching before going out on the track. Try to watch as much of the racing as you can so that you can see how other riders are doing different sections and obstacles. When you go out to ride concentrate on not riding over your head. You will only have one first race. It is rare that riders win their first race so just try to relax, learn, and have fun.

What to Do
Start the night before by going over your checklist and making sure you have everything organized and ready to go. On race day load up early so that you don't feel rushed. You should already have directions and know how long it should take you to get to the track.

PIT PASSES: The first thing you will have to do when you come into the track is to buy a pit pass. Everybody will sign the required releases when they come in.

PARKING: Where you park is a personal preference. At most tracks there is parking next to the racetrack. Some riders look for shade if there is any. Others prefer to be as close to registration as possible. When you park make sure you are not blocking any driveways or fire lanes.

REGISTRATION MX: Find out where rider registration is located Riders under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or another adult with a notarized statement authorizing them to sign for the minor, no exceptions. Fill out a registration form and a minor release (under 18 only). Be sure to write legibly and then sign the forms. Do not leave sign-up until the staff has told you your riding number is good. If someone else has already registered with the same number you will be asked to change yours. You will also be given a practice sticker that needs to be put on your front number plate to practice.

REGISTRATION HARE SCRAMBLE: In addition to the MX: In the case of  most Hare Scramble you will be required to place barcodes on your helmet and a punch tag on your bike. Be sure you understand where the officials want the placement of these items before leaving signup.

WALK THE TRACK: When you have everything set up, go walk the track. This will help you relax as well as learn the track. Take time to look at the different obstacles. Find a high spot and stand and look at the track like you are watching a rider go around it while they are racing. This will help you learn the layout. Take your time.

PRACTICE MX: In the case of an MX Race the practice order will be posted at sign-up and/or announced so take a pen and paper to write it down. The race order will made up and posted during practice. About 30-45 minutes before your practice start getting dressed. Check the gas in your bike and then warm it up. Ride in first gear to the staging area at the start gate. Do not pull into the staging lane until it is time for your group. Remember to take some deep breaths and stretch to help you relax before going out on the track. Use the practice session to learn the track and warm up. Try different lines so you will know what to expect if you need to take them later. Pay attention to the track flags. Be sure and hold your line (don't zigzag) so that faster riders can pass you. Don't worry about racing with anyone and remember not to ride over your head.

When you are flagged off the track, slow down to 5 mph (first gear) as you exit. It is easy to go too fast because you are nervous and have a lot of adrenaline. Calm down and take some deep breaths again. Ride back to your pit and look your bike over. Refuel and lube the chain. Relax and drink something. If you are done then go to sign-up and write down the race order. Watch some other groups.

After you have signed up go back and unload your bike and set up your pit. Look over your bike and get it ready for your practice session.

RIDER'S MEETING: Get somewhere near the PA speaker so that you can hear the rider's meeting. IF there are any changes in the race order they will be announced. If there are any problems that have come up during practice they will also be addressed. Following the riders meeting there will usually be a short break and then a prayer and national anthem. Riders in the first couple of qualifying races need to work their way to the start gate during the break so all bikes can be shut off. Riders in bigger classes will either get to pick gates by number draw or sign-up order.

MX START PROCEDURE: When you get up on the starting gate leave your bike shut off until the white flag comes out for the class racing. Start your bike and make sure the gas is turned on. The start card will go up with a 2 showing. If you are having problems starting your bike let the card man know by waving your hand so that you will get 2 minutes to correct the problem. If everyone is ready the card will be turned to one. The card man will check down the line again. If everyone is ready there will be a slight pause then one will be turned sideways. The gate will fall 2-7 seconds later.

STAGER START: Sometimes if there are several small classes that can be run on the track at the same time they will be combined and scored separately. If they are very small they leave the gate at the same time. If there are enough riders than the classes will be stagger started. One class will leave the line, the gate will reset and then the second class leaves. Stagger stars are usually marked on the race order with slash marks (/) between the classes. If you are supposed to start with the second group and you start with the first you will be penalized one lap. Don't get excited and start with the wrong class. The second group must be ready when the card goes up for the first group.

QUALIFIERS: Qualifiers are used to determine gate pick for the mains. If there are more riders than will fit on the starting gate these qualifiers will be used to narrow the field down to a full gate. Depending on how many extra riders are in the class there will either be a last chance qualifier or the extra riders will get to start on the back row. If the class is really big it can be split into two different divisions and each division will get separate points and awards. The details will be in the race order and rider's meeting. The qualifiers will go very quickly so be sure and keep up so you don't miss your race.

RESULTS: Shortly after your qualifier the results will be posted on the posting board at sign-up. It is each rider's responsibility to check the results for errors and notify the score clerk if there is a problem so it can be corrected. Once the results have been posted for 30 minutes they will be official unless it is changed because of a protest that came during the protest time. Riders get gate pick for the main by their qualifier finish. There is usually no intermission between qualifiers and mains.

AWARDS: The location that the awards will be handed out will be announced at the rider's meeting. Please check the posted results before coming to pick up your awards so that if there is a mistake it can be corrected. No awards will be given out until the protest time for a class has expired. The number of awards and protest time should be posted.

HARE SCRAMBLE START PROCEDURE:

1. First thing to remember is that most Hare Scramble starts are what’s know as COLD STARTS. (Meaning that when the green flag is dropped, you then must start your bike and go) so make sure that your bike is warm before you get to the line. If you have someone with you, have him or her take a plug and plug wrench to the starting line.
2. On the starting grid you will notice signs that display the classes. Find your class sign and line up with it. Unless you’re late, Take off your helmet, and gloves so as not to get overheated.
3. The scorekeepers will come around and check your numbers and barcode.
4. An official will then discuss the course and any problems areas
5. An official will ask if there are any first time riders that have any questions. If you do, now is the time to ask.
6. A 10 second warning will be given and the first line will go. Note: Most riders in the rows behind the first row will start their bikes at the same time just to keep them warm.
7. Once the first line goes off you will be told to shut down your engines. Every line after the first line will go 1 minute apart.

Extra Tips
1. Learn to service your own air filter. This and being consistent with your premix are the two most important things you can do to keep your bike running trouble free.

2. Loosen your front brake and clutch lever mounts enough that you can hit them with your hand to pivot them on the handlebars but tighten them enough they will not move around while you are riding. This can help keep the brackets and levers from breaking if you fall.

3. If you bend a lever take it off and put it on a hard flat surface and tap it with a hammer to straighten it. Replace it with a new one as soon as you can and keep the other one as a spare.

4. Do not fill your gas tank completely up. A full tank will last 35-45 minutes of riding. Running a third of a tank should be enough for a 12-15 minute race and will shave as much as 10 pounds of extra weight. Experiment when you are out practicing and mark a level to fill for racing.

5. Tire pressure can make a big difference in how your bike will hook up. Talk to other riders to see what they are running for each track, different track conditions, and tire compounds.

6. If it is muddy spray WD 40, silicone spray, or Pam cooking spray on your plastic and riding gear. This will help the mud fall off and make clean up easier. DO NOT spray on your seat or gas tank. You will slide all over will not be able to grip the gas tank with your legs like you should.

Tracy Hall
 

MX Scoring System

Here is a quick lesson on the basics of scoring.

The riders finishing position in the first moto is added to the second moto and the lowest number wins. In the case of a tie the highest place finish of the second moto will prevail.

THAT'S IT! SEE YOU AT THE RACES!

Copyright 2007