So you want to race?

 

Getting started in BMX is easy and the ABA has put this page together in order to help.

 

The most common questions:
 
 How do I get to your track?   
We're located Northeast of Columbia, SC, off of I-20E between Exit 80 and Exit 82. You can use mapquest or googlemaps to get our exact location.
  		 
How much does it cost to come out to practice and race?   
Practice fees are $5 for non-members, and $3 for members. Members should bring their ABA license with them to practice.
Free one day ABA memberships are available and 30 day trial memberships can be purchased for $25.00. Annual memberships are $45.00 with second and third family member discounts. Please bring a copy of birth certificate when applying. You can download the application for membership by clicking *here*. You will need the Adobe Reader to open and print the application.

 		  
I'm traveling to the Columbia area to ride the track. Are there any hotels nearby?  
There are two hotels within a 5 minute ride from our track. Holiday Inn Express (1011 Frontage Rd) and Hampton Inn (1021 Frontage Rd). 
 
Do you have a Beginner Day or clinics available for new riders?  
We hold clinics for new riders frequently and announce the clinics when they are scheduled. We also have some of the most experienced and friendliest members in the Carolinas calling ColumbiaBMX their home track, and they're always willing to help spread BMX fever to new riders!
 		  
When are your sign-up and practice times?  
Our practices begin at 10am every Saturday and end at 12pm on race days. Saturdays that we aren't racing practice times are from 10am to 2pm.
 		  
What time do you begin racing?  
Race days we start racing at 12:30pm unless otherwise posted. Last minute changes due to weather are also posted on facebook and announced on our track voicemail.
 		  
What kind of bike do I need?  

A bicycle - any BMX type and size will do, but it is recommended that you start with one that has no more than a 20" wheel diameter - as that is the allowable limit in the Novice class.  Our track has a selection of "loaner" BMX bikes, including 3 BRAND NEW Redline bikes donated by Southlake Cycles.

  

  

 

Once you have your bike, there are two simple checklists to follow.

Your Bike:
 - Make sure all bolts are tight - especially your axle and stem bolts. 
 - Remove any freestyle type axle pegs. 
 - All reflectors/brackets must be removed for safety purposes.
 - If your bike has a kickstand, it must be taken off. 

 

 

Clothing and safety equipment:
 - Long sleeve shirt. 
  - Long pants or jeans.
 - A helmet. The ABA recommends a full-face helmet. Our track has a selection of "loaner" helmets for beginners to use.
 - Any enclosed shoe is sufficient. Skateboard style shoes are suggested. 


Now that you have everything ready, we`ll see you at the track!