Safety Gear
When you’re just starting out, you’re more likely to fall off your bike as you won’t be quite used to it yet. You’ll need a helmet to protect your face and head; it should have a chin bar and extended coverage. If you do not have the right helmet you may not be able to compete. Gloves will protect your hands from scrapes and bruising, so look for a pair that are tough but lightweight and flexible. They should also be breathable so you won’t get too sweaty and you’ll be comfortable too. You should wear elbow and knee protective pads too as, along with your hands, these are parts of your body that are most likely to break your fall. Not as crucial as a helmet, these pads mean that you’re less likely to injure yourself and therefore more likely to ride for longer. They should be easy to put on and take off, and not pinch you when you’re riding. As you begin to race and ride more aggressively, you might want to consider BMX body armour. You should be wearing long sleeved tops and full length trousers as protection anyway, but you can get chest protection, leg and arm protection and shin protectors to protect more tender or vulnerable areas. 
One of the most famous brands for BMX clothing and protective gear is Fox Racing. Built specifically for BMXers with the guidance of pro BMX racers, if you wear the Fox Head logo you will be respected on the track before you’ve even started racing, and feel safe in the knowledge that it will protect you from the falls that you will no doubt take. Get Into Racing
Find your local BMX race track and join the club. You’ll be able to use the track for practicing as well as enter races through the club. You can compete with riders the same age as you, or ones in the same region, it’s up to you which races you decide to compete in, though obviously there will be restrictions depending on how you’re classed. BMX racing is now an Olympic sport, so why not give the Olympic champion a run for his or her money.
By Daniel Stratton
Pics by BdJ
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.