Getting Started @ Sycamore BMX
Required Equipment: Long pants, Long sleeve shirt, Helmet, Shoes and bike pad set
The ABA
The American Bicycle Association was formed to provide organized racing and give national prominence to the sport of BMX. Under ABA rules of sanction and to give all members an equal and fair opportunity, riders may accumulate district points at any ABA sanctioned track in the U.S.. Additionally, a national level points program will be offered for an increased interest of competition.
Each ABA BMX facility is a separate entity with the common goal of providing competitive yet safe and fun BMX racing. The staff of each track is committed to operating under ABA guidelines to insure those goals, It is, however, the riders and his/her parents responsibility to understand and follow the racing regulations.
With these ideals in mind, the only requirements needed to excel are skill and determination.
ABA Membership
Every rider practicing or competing on any ABA sanctioned track must attain prior ABA membership. Memberships can be purchased at the track. There are two types of memberships available that are as follows:
- Temporary-This membership is intended only for new riders to the sport and is valid for 30 days only at the track where it is purchased. A rider may hold a temporary membership only one time in their BMX career. This membership allows riders to compete at single point races only yet no ABA points will be awarded. If within the 30 day period the rider wishes to become a full (annual) member, the initial $25 fee will be applied to the full membership fee with presentation of the temporary membership receipt.
- Full (annual)-This membership is valid for 1 full year at any ABA sanctioned event in the U.S.. Points will be awarded to all riders competing in any ABA sanctioned race with those points returning to each rider's home district. Full membership riders will receive the monthly publication of the BMXer magazine and all pertinent information mailings. Also, each rider will receive a current rulebook and official membership card. New full members will additionally receive a ABA number plate and numbers.
All ABA members also have a secondary medical insurance benefit with a cash deductible.
Important: Every rider must show proof of membership each and every time they sign up to race. This must be either a current ABA membership card or a renewal receipt.
Apparel and Equipment
- All riders must wear helmets with a permanent strap attached: snaps are not allowed. Helmets must have sufficient padding and be of good quality. The ABA highly recommends a full-face helmet or a helmet that covers the ears.
- All riders must wear enclosed shoes that are sufficient to protect the rider's feet.
- All riders must wear long pants (waist to ankles): No shorts, with or without shin and/or kneepads, will be allowed.
- All riders must wear long sleeved shirts, Short sleeved shirts and sufficient elbow padding is allowable.
- All riders, mechanics and pit crews should have a clean and neat appearance.
- Handlebars may not exceed 30" in width.
- Handlebar grips are required and must be sufficient to cover any metal on th ends.
- All kickstands, chain guards, fenders and reflector brackets must be removed.
- Padding of 1/4" thickness is required on the frame's top tube, stem and handlebar crossbar and must be securely fastened.
- The bicycle frame and it's parts must be in good condition with no broken welds ar jagged exposures.
- Axle ends may not exceed 1/4" beyond the axle nut or must be cut.
- No wing nuts are allowed to secure the wheels to the frame or fork.
- No bicycle with any freestyle type pegs will be allowed on the track at any time.
- Face protection is recommended but not mandatory.
- Seats must be fastened so as not to slip during competition. The seat must not have any exposed metal or sharp edges.
- All bikes must have some form of operating braking system-hand and/or coaster (foot) brake.
- All equipment must be safe and in good condition in order to compete or practice.