Do you or any of your family want to get involved in BMX racing?

If the answer is yes then be sure to read the following!  In response to the number of emails we have received relating to our club and BMX racing we have provided a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q. What is BMX Racing

A.  Put in its simplest form, BMX racing is an individual sport where riders compete against each other in rounds of up to eight riders across a purpose built course.  The courses (or tracks) range in length from 200 to 500m and contain numerous man made obstacles including tight banked corners (or burms) and frequent jump features of varying size and design.  Being a good BMX racer requires a combination of skills including physical strength, bicycle handling skills and a healthy appetite for competition.  In any races riders have to balance the desire to go as smoothly and quickly as possible with the need to stave off passing moves from opponents whilst negotiating their way across and around extremely challenging terrain.

Q. What do I need to get started?

A.  One of BMX racings main appeals is its accessibility.  You don’t need to buy a full bore racing machine to enjoy the thrills and spills of the race, all you need is a bicycle that is in decent working order, a helmet and some gloves.  NEBMX offers free coaching sessions for all members at our Summerhill track, Hartlepool, every Saturday from 10am.  We have a team of dedicated fully qualified British Cycling qualified coaches who are able to teach riders of all ages and abilities the skills needed to get involved with racing.

Q. Who are NEBMX?

A.  North East BMX (NEBMX) is a community based organization that promotes the sport of BMX racing throughout the region.  We work in conjunction with local authorities, British Cycling and community funding bodies to improve facilities for BMX racing here in our region as well as promoting the sport to the community.  Our club is based at the Summerhill Country Park, Hartlepool but travels across the UK and Europe to compete in events ranging from local to international level.

Over the past four years we have worked in conjunction with Hartlepool Borough Council to improve the facilities at Summerhill and have been staging competitive events at the site since 2006.  Our club has grown to become a major player on the UKBMX racing scene, producing three British Champions in our relatively short lifespan as well as finishing second overall in the UK National series.  Our members come from all over the North East and range in age between 4 and 40!  We pride ourselves on being an open and welcoming club and support a variety of riders from all backgrounds and abilities.   Membership to the club is £5 for the year which entitles you to free coaching sessions and discounted gate practice sessions.