THE EDMONTON BMX ASSOCIATION IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT OPERATES STRICTLY ON CLUB MEMBERSHIPS, DONATIONS, AND GRANTS.
Founded in 1995, we are one of the largest BMX clubs in Alberta, with members ranging in age from 5 to 55, with 90% under 16 years of age. Edmonton BMX is dedicated to the promotion and practice of health and fitness, while providing opportunities for families and our youth. We also openly practice of true sportsmanship and respect in order to instill a healthy value system in all of our members and visitors. Edmonton BMX would like to welcome you to the sport of BMX racing! BMX is an excellent individual and family orientated sport.
WHAT IS BMX RACING?
BMX race is a "sprint cycling over a specially prepared dirt race track". Races are run on tracks that are usually 300-400 meters long and consist of a series of jumps, straights, banked corners known as "berms". Riders race each other over one lap with a maximum of eight riders in each race. They race against riders of their own age and/or ability group. The sport also prides itself on the ability to offer equal opportunities to both sexes and top class competitive sport to all members.
A BMX race bike is a lightweight bicycle made of steel, carbon, or aluminum. They're designed for speed and agility on dirt tracks or paved courses. It typically has a small frame, narrow tires, high handlebars, and a rear brake only. The bike is built for quick acceleration and tight turns, with minimal suspension to maximize efficiency. The bike is made to have a high gear ratio, enabling the rider to ride at top speed.
To size a BMX racing bike, you should consider your height and inseam measurement. Generally, a rider's height should match the top tube length of the bike, and the inseam measurement should match the standover height.
LICENSING AND INSURANCE
The first requirement is an ABA/UCI license, either General Membership or a full Race License. This acts as your insurance so you are covered by a secondary medical policy. Then you require a club membership to Edmonton BMX. The link to register is on our website. You don't HAVE to join our club, but loaner equipment, coached practice nights and open tracks are only open to club members.
RACING
A BMX race is a series of 3 "motos" and could also include quartersm semifinals, and a main. Depending on the number of athletes registered in your group. A moto starts from the starting gate where a maximum of 8 riders of the same age and ability level leave at the same time and race as fast as they can.
The winner of the moto is the racer who crosses the finish line first. Athletes race at least 3 motos in a race, and the riders are ranked based on how they finished in the 3 motos with "points" being awarded. The rider with lowest "points" wins.
ex: If "Rider A" got a 1st - 2nd - 3rd (6pts), "Rider B" got a 2nd - 1st - 1st (4pts), and Rider C finished 3rd - 3rd - 2nd (7 pts). Rider B would win the race.
There needs to be at least 3 racers in a category to run a race
If there are more than 8 but less than 17 riders registered there will be a "Main"
If there are 17 but less than 24 riders there will be a Semifinal, then a Main.
If there are 24 riders but less than 32 there will be a Quarter final, Semi, and a Main.
BUILDING MOTO’S
In the event there are not enough riders to make your class (3 riders to make a class), you will have to move up to the next age group at your skill level. If that still doesn't make a class you will go back to your own age group and then move up to the next higher skill level. If that still doesn't make a class you will be moved to the class that is closest to your age and skill level. It can get confusing how we build races, but there is a set of rules that the ABA has created that we follow closely.
This is true for all ages and skill levels, so it may be that younger riders get moved up to your age and skill level. If you do happen to get moved up in age or skill level don't get discouraged, it won't happen all the time and it gives you the opportunity to see how you stack up against older or more experienced riders.
Male athletes have 3 categories. Novice, Intermediate, and Expert. Female athletes have two, Novice and Expert. Athletes will upgrade ability levels based on the number of wins they achieve. This is race wins, not moto wins. District racing (club level) and Provincial wins both count towards the upgrade, though a win at a Provincial race counts as two wins. Wins do not expire, so you don't need to acquire all your wins in a single season to upgrade.
Each racer starts as a NOVICE. Boys can then move to Intermediate after 10 wins, then Expert after 20 Intermediate wins. Girls move straight from Novice to Expert after 25 wins. Although these wins are tracked by Alberta Bicycle is it a good idea that you keep track of your own wins. Wins refer to an overall win for a particular race night and not a “per moto” win.
HOW A RACEDAY WORKS
Monday Race Nights (varies ~ please refer to TeamSnap/website calendar to confirm)
5:30 - 6:45pm Open Track
6:45pm Strider races.
7:00pm Gate Drops!
Tuesday Practice Nights
5:30-6:30pm New/Novice Riders
6:30-8:00pm Intermediate/Expert Riders
Wednesday Race Nights (every week)
5:30 -6:45pm Open Track
6:45pm Strider races.
7:00Gate Drops!
Thursday Practice Nights
5:30-6:30pm New Novice practice (1st year novices only)
6:30-8:00 Open Track (every other week)
or 6:30-8:00 Team Practice Nights - check schedule on website.
The track is closed on Holiday Mondays. The Mondays following a provincial race typically will be open track. But if we've had a lot of rain outs we'll race. We'll update TeamSnap/Social Media the day of with the status.
Please remember, you must pre-register by 5pm. Registration link on website front page.
RACE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 5:00pm ON RACE NIGHTS - NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
Please MAKE SURE that you are at the track by 6:30 and look at Sqorz or the Information Sheet that is posted to make sure all your racers information is correct. Riders that neglect to do this can cause the races to be delayed, and can result in disqualification. If the rider races in the wrong group, or rides with a plate number that is not the same as what is on the info sheet.
Rider sheets are posted on Sqorz by 6:30pm. One printed copy will be posted on the outside of the bike repair shed next to the start hill. The Sheets will remain posted for about 10 minutes, then we pull the sheets we begin building the Motos. Once we are done building the races we will post the Moto Sheets on Sqorz and in the same area that you found the Rider Sheets, and we will announce that they are posted. You will then check the Motos Sheets to see what race number, and gate number you/your child will be racing in. It's a good idea to bring along masking tape, or painters tape, and a marker. Write down the Motos that you/your child is in, as well as the gate, and stick it on the top tube of the bike.
As soon as you have the moto and gate info, get into staging, we start racing VERY shortly after motos are posted. We will call “Rider To Staging” and we will start racing at Moto#1 and go from there in numerical order. It is up to you to make sure you are in the gate for your moto.
After you have completed your moto, proceed through the finish area. DO NOT STOP at the finish line, this is a safety issue. PLEASE DON’T RIDE STRAIGHT THROUGH THE PARKING LOT! We would like all riders to come to a complete stop by the time they are at the property fence, by the pylons.
Once you are done your first moto, grab a quick drink and then get back into staging. Some nights these races go very quickly.
You also need to pay attention to how many riders are in your class. If it’s more than 8 you will have a Main at the very end of the night. So don’t leave after your third moto until you know if you have qualified for the Main.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
Helmet must meet CSA standards.
You will require a long sleeve shirt, tear resistant long pants, no denim, full finger gloves and closed toe shoes. Shorts are acceptable but shin and knee protection MUST be worn as well.
Body armor, neck braces, elbow pads, knee/shin guards are highly recommended but not mandatory.
Jerseys should be tucked into pants, and the sleeves should be long enough to leave no skin exposed between the cuff and the glove.
Sweat/track pants are frowned upon at district racing and prohibited at Provincial level and higher races.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR BIKE:
Do a check of the frame, fork and wheels to make sure that nothing is cracked or broken
Remove/disable front brakes, remove axle pegs, reflectors, chain guards and kickstand if necessary.
Position your handlebars so that they are close to vertical or in line with the fork.
You need a number front plate, 1st time riders use the last 3 digits of your UCI licenses.
Lubricate all moving parts such as cables, brake pivot bolts and chain
Put the correct amount of tension on the chain so that it doesn’t fall off when you are racing
Please ask any track executive member or volunteer if you require any help!
HINTS FOR THE NEW RIDERS:
Try to attend any BMX clinics that are offered throughout the season.
Standing up for the whole lap allows you to handle your bike more easily and get over obstacles faster.
When practicing focus on all parts of the track
Stay low on the jumps.
Learn to balance at the gate with both feet on the pedals.
Practice gate starts from all 8 lanes.
Practice at as many different tracks as you can. All tracks have different start gates, start hills, jumps, berms and rhythm sections. Be prepared for anything.
Do I leave right after racing is over?
Once racing is done the track is immediately closed and all Track Officials and first aid leave the track. We hand out award stickers after each race night based on the riders placing. Proceed to the registration booth and line up. The points from your motos will be tabulated (lowest points takes first, highest takes last) and you will be presented with an award sticker based on your finish.
in summary:
Register up until 5pm day of every race night
Check Sqorz/the Rider Sheet at 6:30.
Make sure that you are on the list and that you are in the correct age class and that your plate number is also correct.
We will then announce that the Moto Sheets are posted. Please be listening for this because then you find out which races you have been put in, and we will then run according to the sheets.
Racing will start around 7:00pm, as long as everyone is organized and ready.
Alberta Bicycle Association Code of Conduct link to official code of ethics by UCI
Athletes, Parents, Volunteers and Spectators are expected to adhere to the ABA Code of Conduct.
Compete/participate in a spirit of fair play and honesty. Compete/participate within the rules of Alberta Bicycle/Cycling Canada/UCI
Avoid the use, advocating, condoning, promotion and distribution of banned substances
Refrain from using profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language
Address fellow athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, event organizers, spectators and others associated with BMX in a courteous and respectful manner.
Act in a manner that will bring credit to the BMX Community and yourself, both within and outside the competition arena and/or competition area.
Respect an individuals' dignity; verbal or physical behaviors that constitute harassment or abuse are unacceptable.
Ensure the safety of others when taking part in BMX. Remember to:
Display good Sportsmanship
Cheer good riding by ALL participants
Respect the RULES, the OFFICALS, and the FACILITY
Maintain your SELF CONTROL at all times Users are reminded that participation in BMX events is a privilege not a right.
EDMONTON BMX VOLUNTEER POLICY
Each family MUST complete 20 volunteer credits over the season (May-Sept) or their $400.00 deposit cheque will be cashed.
NOTE: Volunteer policy is for each FAMILY, not each rider. Cheques should be dated for Oct 1st of the current year.
Each family MUST complete at least TWO shift for the Provincials, or a Casino shift, depending on the year. Credits earned at these events will NOT count towards the required 20 credits.
Independent riders over 16 years of age only need to complete 10 credits during the season. Independent Rider means any rider who independently gets themselves to the track, pays their own fees, races and does not in general have “family support”. They are adult racers who find it difficult to complete volunteer credits during race nights because they themselves are racing.
Positions and their brief descriptions can be found on the website here.
All credits will be tracked via the email used. Therefore all members in a family MUST use ONE email to have the credits tracked to the same family.
Families may signup using this SignUp link or at the track if open spots are available.
Families must give the volunteer coordinator a minimum of 24 hrs if they are unable to fulfill a position they have signed up for.
Families signing up for a shift and then not showing up will be deducted 1 credit.
A family summary of credits will only be done by request to the volunteer coordinator.
For those that join after July 15th the credits required will be pro-rated down to 10. The deposit cheque amount required will not be pro-rated.
Reimbursements for injuries or other possible exemptions such as a family transfer over the summer to a different area will be at the discretion of the board. There will be no reimbursements if a child simply decides they no longer like participating and will not be continuing. Trial license are available if a family wishes to try BMX before committing to the full season.
EDMONTON BMX FUNDRAISING POLICY
When you sign up for the club there is a fundraising requirement. This is per family, not athlete. So if you have three kids registered you have the same requirement as a lone rider.
1. Commit to selling $100 worth of $10 raffle tickets (or just keep them for yourself)
2. Commit to providing a raffle table item for the provincial race with a MINIMUM value of $50. This can be either purchased by you, or you can take the time to solicit a donation from a local business. You will be provided with a letter authorizing that you are acting on behalf of the club. Or you can drop off a cheque for $50 so that we can buy a donation item for you.
BASIC BIKE CHECKLIST
Wheels/tires
Inflated correctly
Good tread
Spokes in good condition
Axles not protruding more than 5mm
Tightened axle nuts
Wheel runs true and round
Bars
Grips covered at both ends
No cracks or bends
Angled correctly
Headset
Tight
All bolts present
Accessories
No chain guard
No pegs
No kickstands
No reflectors
Brakes
Brakes are effective
Cables are not frayed
Cable ends are present
Pads are even and not worn
Brake lever is smoothly rounded at end
Seat
Tightly fixed
No cracks
Safe
Cranks/Pedals
Tightly fastened
No movement on the pedal axle
Bottom bracket bearings must run smoothly and without play
Frame
No cracks
No additional parts have been added
Check welds
Number Plates
Cannot extend above the crossbar
Must be securely fastened
Numbers must be minimum 3” high and 1.5” wide
No stickers can cover any part of the numbers
The correct number plate must be worn for each race
How old do we have to be for BMX?
BMX racing welcomes male and females of all ages and abilities and offers the opportunity for riders to compete. Riders must turn five in the calendar year to be licensed by ABA/UCI . So if your child is 4 at the start of the race season, but turn 5 in October, they will be licensed as a 5 year old.
For children under 5 years, we have strider bike races on most race nights.
Can the parents be involved?
Our club runs on Volunteers! we need 10+ volunteers every Race night and practice night. We also have plenty of track maintenance and workBee’s to help keep us opertaional.
We also encourage you to ride, we have a great group of mature racers.
What is unique about BMX racing?
Riders of all ages can learn new skills, build self-confidence and make good friends . It is also one of very few sports that offer such a wide age range, and ability level that everyone can find a good fit to compete in.
I am just starting out, can I try it out before I commit to the year?
Yes, the first time you come to a BMX track you can try the sport by signing a one-event waiver. If you enjoyed your time you can then buy a yearly license through the Alberta Bicycle Association website. A full race license allows you to compete at any affiliated track in the Province. A General Membership which is a non-racing license, and allows you to ride open tracks, but only at the club you affiliated under.
I want to race every track and collect points. How do I do that?
This is the full UCI race license that is accepted globally. The license is issued by Calendar Year (Jan 1 to Dec 31) and can be purchased at any time throughout the race season. This license will also allow you to participate in Alberta BMX, CC and UCI sanctioned events worldwide, but we do strongly suggest that any time you race outside of Canada that you take out additional Insurance. You can race the complete Provincial, and National series on this license as well as any UCI event in the World.
Who owns and runs the BMX tracks?
Alberta BMX Race tracks are non-profit or not-for-profit Organizations, they are not owned by anyone, but rather run by a volunteer Executive or Board.
Who owns the land that the tracks are built on?
The City commonly leases the property to the track. Edmonton leases our land from the Velodrome Association, who lease from the City.
LEVELS OF RACING
DISTRICT LEVEL RACING (1st level of BMX)
This is the first level of racing when you start BMX. You will be competing against other local racers throughout the season and your points will be tallied up at the end of the year to determine your final year-end ranking.
PROVINCIAL LEVEL RACING
Alberta BMX holds a series of "Provincial" level races where you can test your skills against riders from your respective province. You don’t need to “qualify” for these races, and you don’t need to be an expert level racer either. Classes are run just like district races. They run as a series of 8 races throughout the province, plus the final race that is called “Grands” and held in early September. At the end of the year racers who compete in at least 4 series races AS WELL as Grands are awarded a “P” plate to use for the next year based on their results. Ask around at the track for more info, or go to www.albertabmx.com for all the info.
PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The day after Grands are held the Alberta Championships take place on the same track. This race is run differently than the Series or District races. There are no ability classes, simply sex and age. So ALL 9 year old boys race together, ALL 12 year old girls race together, and so on. There will be 1/8’s, Semi’s, and Mains. The athletes who make it to the Main are all awarded “AB” plates based on their finishing position.
CCA CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The CCA sanctions the Canadian Championships each year and the winners of each age class earn the highest recognized UCI/CCA Canadian ranking. Again, no ability classes just sex and age. Athletes who make the Main are awarded “N” place in the same fashion as the Provincial Championships. So if you see someone with an “N1” plate that means that person is the National Champion in their age group.
UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The UCI World Champion number plate is the highest ranking you can achieve in BMX. To earn a spot on Canada's Team you must first qualify through a series of events specified by the Canadian BMX Association the season prior. Athletes who make the Main are awarded “W” plates
RULES
Full UCI rules please reads here: UCI RULE BOOK
The following rules apply to most BMX racetracks; please make yourself aware of the rules at any track you may visit. These rules are in place for safety reasons. A full breakdown of rules can be found one the Alberta BMX Associations website, the Alberta Bicycle Assoc website, or the UCI website.
Alberta BMX racetracks are affiliated with the Alberta Bicycle Association; governed in Canada by Cycling Canada and worldwide by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
Helmets are mandatory at ALL TIMES.
If you’re on your bike you MUST HAVE YOUR HELMET ON. This applies to the parking lot as well. People caught not wearing a helmet will receive one warning. Repeated violations after that will result in membership suspensions.
Can my child use clipless pedals?
only racers who are 13 or over.
Can I help my child in the starting gate?
For kids 6 and under if they need assistance in the gate, a parent is allowed to hold onto their rear wheel while they balance in the gate.
What happens if my rider crashes?
In the event of a fall there are certified first aid officials on the track at all times. Parents are NOT ALLOWED ON THE TRACK DURING RACING. If your child crashes, please stay on the other side of the fence for your own safety. So please, unless we call you onto the track, stay where you are.
What you need to ride
If you plan to come out and want to ride the track, there are a few things you must remember to have with you:
wear a long sleeve shirt
full length pants, but NOT denim
full faced helmet
full fingered gloves
If your bike has pegs and/or reflectors, they must be removed.
In order to compete in a BMX race there are certain pieces of equipment you must have, and some other stuff that is good to have. First of all you need a BMX bike, preferably a BMX race bike. The bike must have a number plate of the proper colour with the correct number on it. Your assigned plate number is the last 3 digits on your UCI license. If you need a plate, we have some. If you don't have a bike, YEGBMX does have a large fleet of loaner bikes available on a first come-first served basis, and we do have a group purchase option available through Haro that gets you a sizeable discount.
I have a freestyle BMX – can I use it on the track?
With a few minor modifications:
•Remove or disable front brakes, remove pegs, kickstand, chain guards or additional items that could fall off on the track or cause an injury in the event of a collision or crash. If you want to make sure that your bike is safe, ask any track official.
GLOSSARY OF BMX TERMS
Alberta Bicycle Association: Our provincial cycling body
Alberta BMX: The organizing body of BMX under the Alberta Bicycle flag
Axle: The shaft on which the wheel revolves.
Berm: A corner on a track built up on the outside of a turn to create a banked curve.
BMX: Abbreviation for bicycle motocross.
Bottom Bracket: The mechanism at the bottom of the bicycle frame, which holds the spindle and crank.
Brakes: Any bicycle braking system that works by opening and closing two brake shoes on the rim in a clamping motion.
Brake Lever: A lever mounted on the handlebar used for activating the brake.
Cables: Steel wires braided into cables and sometimes covered with plastic coating. Cables are used to connect the brake levers to the brakes.
Case: Coming up short on a jump & the back wheel of the bike hits the peak of the landing.
CC: Cycling Canada, our national body
Chain Stay: The part of the bicycle frame that runs parallel to the chain. It connects the bottom bracket to the rear dropouts.
Chain Wheel: A one-piece front gear. The chain wheel is attached to the bottom bracket and crank.
Clipless Pedals: attach or “clip” to your clip less shoes. Some clipless pedals have a cage around the outside of the pedals.
Crank: The L-shaped metal arm to which the pedals are attached.
Cruiser: A BMX Bicycle with 24 " wheel diameter.
Down Tube: Part of the bicycle frame, which slants downward at an angle. It runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket.
DNS: Destination on a moto sheet that a rider “Did Not Start" in any particular race.
DNF: “Did Not Finish” usually due to injury or mechanical difficulty.
Dropouts: Small, slotted openings, which hold the front and rear wheel axles.
Entry Fee: Paid to register for any sanctioned event.
Expert: Highest level of amateur competition.
Fork: The double-pronged section of the frame, which holds the front wheel in place.
Freewheel: A one-piece rear gear that allows the rider to back-pedal. Bearings are built in.
Gear Ratio: A number, which indicates the relationship between the two gears and tells you how much work a particular combination of gears will do.
Grips: Rubber or Plastic cover who goes on the handlebars at the end to aid in grip.
Headset: Bearing set for which your front end rotates on and your fork/handle bars slide into.
Head Tube: A short vertical tube at the very front of the bike. The front fork fits inside the head tube.
Hole Shot: Taking the lead position out of the starting gate and going into the first turn.
Hub: Cylinder, which holds the axle of each wheel.
Intermediate: Skill level for riders with limited experience and ability.
Lane: Position 1 thru 8 on the starting gate.
Main Event: Final class race, after all qualifying has taken place, to determine class placing.
Manual: The act of riding a wheelie without pedaling typically over the top section of various jumps.
Moto: a) A single racing heat. b) Any riders specific race.
Moto Board: An area where the moto sheets are posted before and during the race.
Moto Number: Number corresponding with any specific race (moto).
Moto Sheet: Paperwork displaying the races in moto number order.
Novice: New rider to the sport.
Number Plate: Displays riders’ earned or temporary number for identification purposes
Platform Pedals: Are the most commonly used pedals for trails, street, and ramps. They have a platform that your foot rests on with little pegs that stick to your shoe.
Rhythm Section: A series of jumps or rollers back to back on a track that pose as an obstacle.
Rims: Round part of the wheel that the tires attach onto.
Registration: Where you go to sign up to compete in a race (moto)
Roller: An obstacle on a track that is rolled over as opposed to being jumped.
Seat Stays: Section of the frame, which runs from the seat tube to the rear wheel dropouts.
Seatpost: The tube, which holds the seat and goes into the frame.
Staging Area: The area where the riders gather for loading into the gate.
Starting Gate: Flat formed area with a hinged portion. This is where each race commences.
Stem: The part connected to the forks that hold the handlebars. Sometimes referred to as a gooseneck.
Step-Up: A jump in which the landing is elevated above the launch.
Sprocket: Same as a chain wheel or either the front or rear gear assembly. Sprockets are strong. They are a combination of a chain ring and a spider together
Table Top: A jump on a track that is completely level or flat all the way across it from the lip to the landing.
Top Tube: The top horizontal tube on a bicycle frame, between your head tube and seat tube.
UCI: United Cycling International: International cycling body
Volunteer: 1.a VERY special person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake help for the track and riders for no pay or free merchandise.
Additional Information can be found on our website at www.edmontonbmx.com and on both Facebook (Edmonton BMX) and Instagram (yeg_bmx).