BREAKDOWN OF A BMX RACE TRACK

No two BMX tracks are the same, but they are composed of the similar elements!

There are tracks in the shape of ’M”,’W’,’S’ and ‘U’ inside of a ‘U’, however they are configured each track is unique, and all are challenging, but they are composed of the similar elements!

Lets start at the beginning – before you get to the starting gate, you will go into the …

  • STAGING AREA

    The staging area is usually located at the bottom or back of the starting hill. In this area, you will line up into your age/ moto, and wait to be called to the start gate.

    Staging Area - BMX

  • THE GATE

    This is located at the top of the starting hill, there are 8 lanes at the gate. You are assigned your starting lane for each race.

    The BMX starting voice commands “Ok riders, Random start. Riders ready? Watch the gate.” This command is followed by four beeps that coincide with the lighting up of four lights: the start gate starts to drop on the fourth beep and light.

  • STARTING HILL

    The start hill comes in all different heights and lengths – some are short and flat, others are tall and long.

    The amateur start hill is 5 meters (16.4 feet) tall and the supercross start hill is 8 meters (26.3 feet) tall

  • STRAIGHTS

    This is everything between the turns, it would be a straight line if it weren’t for all of the bumps and jumps between the starting gate and the finish line!

  • BERM

    This is the ‘turn’ or corners on the BMX track, they come in all shapes and sizes, some are large 180 degree turns, and others are sharp 90 degree, some may be long and sweeping. Taking the fastest line across the corner can move you from almost last to fast and out front!

    BERM

  • DOUBLE

    This is the classic BMX jump, two hills spaced just far enough, or close enough apart, this with an experienced rider will enable the rider to ‘manual’ or get ‘air’ through this section.

    DOUBLE

  • STEP UP

    This is a short hill followed by a taller hill, hence the term ‘step’

    STEP UP

  • STEP DOWN

    A tall hill, followed by a shorter (smaller) hill, push down as you ride to push your speed.

    STEP DOWN

  • ROLLER

    A small hill, they can be placed with 2,3 or 4 or more in a row

    ROLLER

  • RHYTHM SECTION

    Is a combination of bumps and jumps, this section is all about the flow

    RHYTHM SECTION

  • TABLE TOP

    It is flat like a table on the top, table top jumps are good for trying to get air, unlike jumping doubles, the table top provides a bit more safety cushion, in case you come up short. Once you learn the technique to jump these, catching air can be a BLAST!

    TABLE TOP

  • FINISH LINE

    DO NOT STOP pedalling until you have crossed this line, races can be lost in the last few seconds before crossing this line. CONGRATULATIONS, you have made it through the course, next step…go back and start again!

    FINISH LINE