Getting into BMX Racing: Why Do We Stand?

Are you thinking about getting into BMX racing in Alice Springs? Whether you're looking to race with RCBMX (Red Centre BMX), explore the world of NT BMX (Northern Territory BMX), or join AusCycling, it’s one of the most exciting, high-adrenaline sports that anyone—regardless of age—can enjoy.

BMX racing is especially popular for juniors, providing a perfect entry point into competitive sports for young riders in the Alice Springs and NT region.

With a mix of speed, skill, and strategy, BMX racing isn’t just about who pedals the fastest. It’s also about technique, coordination, and mastering the art of standing while riding. Yes, standing! But why do we stand in BMX racing? Let’s break down the steps to getting started and why standing is crucial for success on the track.

Step 1: Getting the Right Gear for BMX in Alice Springs

Before you hit the track at RCBMX or any NT BMX venue, having the right gear is essential. This will ensure a safe and fun experience, especially for juniors eager to race. Here’s what you’ll need:

- BMX Bike: Designed specifically for racing, these bikes are lighter, smaller, and more agile than a regular bike. Look for a bike that fits your height and skill level—whether you're racing at Alice Springs BMX or any other Northern Territory BMX track.

- Safety Gear: Helmets, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads are good for protecting yourself while racing at RCBMX or across NT BMX tracks.

Junior riders especially need to be well-protected. Safety always comes first.

- Clothing: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows for flexibility and movement.

Full-length trousers and long sleeves are a MUST to protect against scrapes during falls, especially for younger riders starting out in junior BMX racing.

- Helmet: Full Face Only

Step 2: Learn the Basics of BMX Racing in the NT

RCBMX and Alice Springs BMX tracks are known for their exciting, fast-paced layouts, perfect for riders of all levels. Before jumping into your first race, familiarise yourself with some key concepts that will help you at any NT BMX track:

- Starts: BMX races begin with a gate start, and mastering the right position at the start gate is crucial to accelerating quickly.

Practise your starts regularly at RCBMX Alice Springs.

- Jumps: NT BMX tracks are full of jumps and obstacles, and knowing how to approach and land them safely is a key skill.
This is especially important for juniors who are learning the ropes.

- Turns: Sharp turns on the track, known as berms, require strong bike handling skills. Knowing when to slow down and when to accelerate will help you get through turns smoothly, whether you're racing at RCBMX or other NT locations.

Step 3: Get Your BMX Racing Licence with AusCycling

To race at RCBMX or any NT BMX track, you’ll need a BMX racing licence through AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling in Australia.

AusCycling offers a variety of licences, ranging from just starting to full annual memberships for competitive riders.

Getting your licence is the first step to joining BMX competitions across Alice Springs, NT, and Australia.

You can apply for your BMX racing licence here AusCycling

Make sure you select the right membership level based on how often you plan to race, whether you're going for fun or aiming to compete in national BMX events!

Step 4: Understand the Importance of Standing While Riding

In BMX racing, especially on tracks like RCBMX Alice Springs, riders spend most of their time standing on their pedals.

But why is this so important? Here’s why standing is a game-changer:

1. Better Balance and Control:

  Standing while riding gives you better control over your bike, particularly when navigating jumps and corners, which you’ll encounter at any NT BMX track. Sitting limits your ability to shift your weight quickly, but standing allows you to move your body to balance the bike, helping you steer and avoid crashes.

This is especially helpful for juniors learning how to ride safely.

2. Absorb the Impact of Jumps:

  Tracks like RCBMX have jumps, rollers, and berms, and standing allows you to absorb the impact with your legs, acting as natural shock absorbers.

This technique helps maintain your speed and reduces the strain on your body compared to sitting, a crucial skill in BMX.

3. Improved Acceleration:

  Standing enables you to generate more power and speed, particularly when pedalling hard out of the gate or after a turn.

This extra burst of speed can give you a competitive edge, helping you outpace your competitors on the track and beyond.

4. Agility for Quick Manoeuvres:

  BMX races at RCBMX or NT BMX tracks are fast-paced, with riders competing for position at high speeds. Standing allows for quicker, sharper movements, helping you avoid crashes or dive into tight turns with ease.

For junior riders, this is key for developing strong bike-handling skills early on.

5. Energy Efficiency:

  Standing might seem more tiring, but it can actually help conserve energy.

Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice – Especially for Junior Riders

The more time you spend practising, the better you’ll get at mastering standing and other racing techniques. Remember, BMX is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Stay focused, keep pushing yourself, and you’ll see improvement.

Step 6: Join RCBMX or Another BMX Club in the NT

One of the best ways to improve your BMX racing skills is by joining a local BMX club like RCBMX Clubs offer training sessions, races, and events where you can meet other riders, learn from experienced racers, and have fun in a supportive environment.

Conclusion: The Stand-Up Strategy

BMX racing in the Northern Territory, especially at RCBMX in Alice Springs, is a thrilling sport that demands both skill and determination. Standing while riding isn’t just a style—it’s a key technique that sets successful racers apart. Whether you're attacking a jump, speeding out of a turn, or navigating a tricky section of the track, standing up gives you the control, power, and agility needed to perform at your best.

So if you’re ready to get into BMX racing in Alice Springs or anywhere in the NT, remember: stand up on those pedals and race towards your BMX dreams.

And don’t forget, to race in AusCycling competitions or local events at RCBMX, you’ll need a valid

Get started today and join the fast-paced world of BMX racing!