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Beginner Rider Information
Welcome to Shelby Farms BMX Track. BMX is a sport where the whole family can participate. There are age classes and skill levels for boys, girls, men and women. At Shelby Farms BMX nobody has to sit on the bench. The following is some information that will help introduce you to our track.
We are sanctioned by the NBL (National Bicycle League) and hold all events in accordance with NBL rules. The operation of this track funded solely by its riders, concession stand sales, and those who volunteer their time, effort and in-kind donations. Please support the track by visiting our concession stand. If you feel that BMX racing is for you and your family, please find a way to assist and volunteer so that we may all enjoy the races.
At Shelby Farms BMX we strive to promote a healthy, safe environment while at the same time encouraging good sportsmanship. Riders and spectators are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner while at the track. BMX is a family affair. Alcohol, profanity, fighting, vandalism, theft or unsportsmanlike conduct are grounds for the rider and/or spectator to be disqualified, removed from the track or have their license suspended.
LICENSES
In order to race on our track you must hold a NBL license. First time riders may apply for a full-paid membership ($45.00) which is good for twelve months. A PARENT MUST BE PRESENT TO SIGN THE APPLICATION FOR ALL RIDERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18. We will also need a photocopy of the rider’s birth certificate. Once the application process is complete, you will receive a membership card in the mail. On this card is your membership number which you will need to know in order to register for races. This number can stay with you as long as you are an NBL member. The last three numbers will be your plate number, however you need to know the complete number to register. Your membership entitles you to compete in local, state, regional and national competitions, receive monthly issues of BMX Today and secondary medical insurance during all events. You may also wish to take advantage of a trial membership ($30.00) which is good for thirty days. You can then decide if BMX is for you. Pay the remaining $15.00 and you will then enjoy the benefits of being a fully licensed rider (earning points, getting BMX Today, etc.). Your license will then expire one year from the original trial application. Remember, you must convert to a fully paid license after thirty days or you will not be allowed to race. Each race day you must pay an entry fee at the time of registration. Registration at Shelby Farms BMX is currently $10.00 per race.
AGE AND CLASS
One of the things that make BMX so great is the wide range of ages and skill levels available. Races are organized into girls classes and boys classes, and then subdivided into age groups and skill levels. There are three skill levels: Rookie, Novice and Expert. All first time riders are classified as a Rookie. Don’t expect to start winning right away. The key is to not give up. Eventually you will get used to the track and then you will be able to start winning. After you win 15 qualifying races you’ll move up to the Novice class. After 20 more qualifying wins as a Novice, you’ll move up to the Expert class.
THE BIKE AND EQUIPMENT
You don’t need an expensive, fancy bike to race. Just about any bike will do starting out. When you get better at BMX you might decide to get a better bike, but for now that old reliable you currently have will probably do with a few modifications. Here are some “track ready” guidelines:
Fenders, kickstands, reflectors, and chain guards must be removed along with all bells and horns. The handlebars must have handgrips in good condition; no torn ends. All bikes must have working brakes, either hand or coaster type. It is recommended that you have pads on the crossbar, frame and stem. These can be purchased or made inexpensively from foam pipe insulation. You will also be required to have a number plate. You will be provided with one when you first apply for membership; however you will be expected to provide your own after that if you need to replace it. The number plate should be clean and legible with numbers about three inches high.
Besides your bike you will also need to get some gear together. The mandatory requirements include a long sleeve shirt, long pants, a soft sole enclosed shoe, and a helmet. You do not need a race jersey and pants; you can get by with any long sleeve shirt and a pair of blue jeans. A full face helmet is recommended. NBL requires that you wear a mouth guard if you do not have a full face helmet. Shelby Farms BMX has a limited amount of full face helmets that you may rent. Some optional equipment includes gloves, shin guards and chest protector.
A NOTE ABOUT SAFETY
Statistics have proven that BMX racing is one of the safest of all sports today. Part of this is due to the mandatory safety requirements. We ask that you be a responsible rider/parent and ensure that you and/or your child have the minimum requirements necessary. Please keep in mind that an official at the track can refuse a rider admission to the track if he/she determines that the rider or the rider’s bike/equipment is unsafe. Remember that the safety of you and those around you are our primary concerns.
RACE DAY
On race day, the first thing you should do is register. Normally registration is open for one hour prior to the start of the race. You will need your NBL number and any applicable fees. While registering you should confirm your age, class, plate number and indicate whether you would like a trophy. Please try to register early. We do our best to start racing thirty minutes after registration closes and this can be facilitated by registering early.
Before practicing you should always do a bike and equipment check. We periodically conduct bike inspections but as a rider you should make it a habit to check yourself. After you register and inspect your bike you will be able to practice. Keep in mind that all levels of riding abilities will be on the track at this time. If you have a child who is inexperienced on the track you should make sure you review some of these basic track rules with them. The track is a one-way track; no riding backwards on the track. Al required safety equipment must be worn at all times on the track.
Chin straps need to be fastened and secured.
Be alert and careful around the gate when it is in operation and obey the instructions of the gate operator. No stopping on the track. No playing or horsing around on the track. Look behind yourself before you exit the track. Please watch your non-racing children to make sure that they don’t endanger themselves by accidentally wandering onto the track in front of a rider.
After registration closes, you’ll hear an announcement “Motos are posted”. You need to go to the moto board and look for the sheet with your name on it. After checking that your information is correct you need to write down two things. The first is your moto number. This number is located at the top of the sheet that your name is on. This will be the same for all three races today. To the right of your name will be three separate numbers. These are the gate numbers you will be starting from for each race. It is your responsibility to remember your moto and gate numbers. Once you have your moto and gate numbers you need to go to staging at the top of the hill. The stager will tell you when each moto is to get in the gate. The gates are numbered from left to right from one to eight. If you are having problems, let the stager know by raising your hand. Note: Parents may assist 6 and under boys and 7 and under girls to balance on the starting gate. Someone on the starting hill will demonstrate the correct stance if you have questions.
WHERE
Take I-40 to I-240 West (exit 10A) toward Jackson, MS. Go approximately ½ mile to Walnut Grove Road (exit 13), South on Walnut Grove. Track is approximately 1 ½ miles down Walnut Grove Road on the right, just past Wolfe River.
WHEN
Races are conducted on Saturdays. Registration is from 4:30 to 5:30 with racing to begin soon afterward. Practice is on Tuesdays from 6:45 to 8:30. All practices and races are held weather permitting. Call our hotline number at 756-BMX1 (2691), for the most current information.
ONE FINAL NOTE
The information contained in this pamphlet is only to help you understand the basics. The NBL Rules of Competition, which is located in each issue of BMX Today and on the NBL website at www.nbl.org, are the governing rules of our organization. If there is conflicting information contained in this pamphlet, the NBL Rules will supersede any information contain herein. If you have any further question, just ask. There’s sure to be someone here that can help or direct you to the answer.
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Helmet
I good helmet is needed to ride on the track during practice and racing. Any helmet will do, but a full face helmet is reccomended
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Long pants or racing leathers
Any long pants. NO SHORTS. You can wear jeans, slacks, corduroys or racing leathers.
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Long sleeve shirt
Long sleeve shirts are to be worn on the track when riding. Any long sleeve shirt.
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