Okeeheelee BMX is a Non-Profit Organization sanctioned by the National Bicycle League

: This website is best viewed with IE6+ :: 1024X768 screen or better :: HIGH SPEED Internet access :

 FLORIDA NBL TRACK #1017

 GETTING STARTED
Download the printable PDF file from NBL

Okeeheelee BMX has racers aged 3 to 63! Anyone can race and it is a great sport for the whole family to become involved in. No one has to sit on the sidelines...
First you need a bike. You don't need an expensive bike to race. When you get better at racing you might decide later you want/need a better bike. Check with your local bike shop for information on upgrading your bike for a better one.

The basic requirements for bikes to race is that the reflectors, kickstand, chainguard and pegs be removed. You need pads covering the handlebar crossbar, the stem, and the top tube of your bike. Your handlebars cannot be sticking through the end of your grips. If this happens, you need to buy end caps at your local bike shop. You should make sure your bike is tuned up - check your tires for wear and tear, and make sure everything is good and tight. It is recommened that you can use rear hand brakes instead of the coaster brakes that the smaller bikes usually come with.
You will need a helmet to race, which can normally be rented for $3.00 at the track if you don't have one yet. It is highly recommended that you use a full face helmet. It is also required that you wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants.

New Rider Clinics are offered, free of charge, and are usually held on the first Sunday of each month. Check the schedule for the date and time.

You'll need an NBL membership which runs $45.00 and can be purchased at the track. The track operator will help you out with anything else you may need and can also provide you with a temporary number plate if you need one. See the "Registratrion" section for more information on signing up to ride for the first time.

When you get on the track for the first time, go slow and be careful. Watch the other riders to see how they balance at the starting gate, ride the jumps and handle the turns. Don't worry if you can't clear the jumps or handle the track very well at first - it takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you end up racing people who have been racing longer than you, or who are older than you.

Since BMX is a "short sprint" sport (with most races lasting 35 to 45 seconds), the start of a race is usually the most important. When you first begin racing, you'll most likely do what is called a one-footed start. Which is having one foot on your pedal and the other foot acting as a "kickstand," resting on the ground to keep you balanced. The majority of riders start with their right foot "forward" (on the pedals). Much like skateboarders or surfers, racers who line up in the gate with a left foot forward are called "goofy footed." Find out which feels most comfortable - there is no right or wrong way.

Soon, you will want to learn how to do the normal "two-footed start." Some riders can pick this up on their first day at the races and some beginners take weeks to learn how. You can practice the two-footed start anywhere - find a wall and ride up to it, with your front wheel touching. Apply a little bit of pressure on your forward pedal - just enough to keep your front wheel solid against the surface of the imaginary starting gate. Stand in an upright position, relax, and use both of your arms to balance the bike.

Once you've got the feel of balancing your bike on the gate, then you'll need to learn how to "snap" out of the gate. This is the motion of thrusting your hips into your handlebars and cranking down on your forward pedal as the gate is falling. The best way to learn this is watching the local pros and experts at your track, and constantly practice.

REMOVE
*   reflectors
*   pegs
*   chainguard
*   kickstand

KEEP
*   pads on handlebar crossbar
*   pads on top tube
*   pads on stem

DON'T RIDE WITH
*    Front brakes
*    Coaster brakes
*    Plastic pedals
*    Plastic mag wheels
*    Bald street tires

HINTS
*   Clip-on pedals can be dangerous for beginners
*   Make sure end caps are on handlebar grips
*   Brakes should stop you well w/o rubbing the rim
*   Lube moving parts (chain, cranks, etc.)
*   Check tire pressure and wear and tear
*   Tighten nuts and bolts (especially stem, wheels, cranks