BMX racing is an inclusive sport for all ages, with participants ranging from very young children to adults. We’ve had riders as young as 3 years old and as old as their 70s! For younger children, we offer special "Striders" classes where they can ride with family support. These classes focus on fun rather than competition.

If you’re new to BMX, we suggest starting at the lower half of the ramp to help ease your child into the experience. With practice, they'll quickly gain confidence and be ready to ride higher!

You can definitely start racing with your existing bike, as long as it’s in good working condition. Freestyle BMX bikes (commonly found in retail stores) are heavier and may have parts like footpegs and front brakes that aren’t suitable for racing. We recommend removing footpegs and front brakes to avoid potential hazards. Once you get into competitive racing, you might consider upgrading to a purpose-built BMX bike, which is lighter and designed for the demands of the track.

Safety is our top priority! The basic gear required for racing at Hamilton BMX Club includes:

• A BMX bike or a suitable bike
• A full-face helmet
• Full-finger gloves
• Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
• Lace-up shoes

We strongly recommend wearing elbow and knee guards for added protection. Some gear, including helmets and gloves, is available for rent during club nights, but it’s always better to have your own equipment to ensure the best fit and safety.

Not at all! We welcome riders of all levels, and you don’t need a top-of-the-line BMX bike to race. Many newcomers start on standard bikes or second-hand BMX bikes. If you're unsure of the right size or type of bike for your child, feel free to come to one of our race nights to get advice from experienced riders.

Remember, the most important thing is that your bike is in good condition and safe to ride. If you don’t yet own a BMX bike, we may have some loaner bikes available for use, but please contact us in advance to arrange one.

BMX racing is divided into several age and bike size categories to ensure fair competition. Here are the common divisions:

• Micro Mini (18” wheels): Ages 5 and under, up to 120 cm tall
• Mini (20” wheels): 115-135 cm tall
• Junior (20” wheels): 130-145 cm tall
• Expert (20” wheels): 140-160 cm tall
• Pro (20” wheels): 155-175 cm tall
• Cruiser (24” wheels): Popular among adults, and separated by gender in competitive events

Each class competes in separate races, with some divisions combined during club nights depending on numbers.

The cost to race varies depending on your commitment level. Here’s an idea of what you can expect:

• First three club nights: Free to try out the sport
• BMXNZ Annual Racing Licence: 
  • Strider $20 (Available for under 5 only)
  • Sprocket $120 (Available for 7 and under)
  • Regional $100 (Ages 8+ but only able to attend Category 9 events)
  • Challenge $150 (Ages 8+ attending all BMXNZ events)
  • Championship $150 (Elite Riders)
• Club night entry fee:
  
  • $5 per rider after your free nights
  • OR, $25 concession, valid from August to December 2024.
• Race meet entry fees: Around $25 to $30
• Larger meets: Around $100 for bigger events like the North & South Island Titles
• Transponder: Recommended for riders over 7 years old, costs around $93.50 for the first year, and approximately $45 for annual renewal.

Yes, the track is open to the public when it is not being used by the club for training or events. Typically, the track is available outside of our club nights, which are on Wednesday evenings, as well as on select weekends. Please be mindful of the track condition—if the track is wet, please refrain from riding as it can cause significant damage.

Remember, when riding, always wear a helmet and gloves, and protect exposed skin with long sleeves and pants.

To start racing at Hamilton BMX Club, you need the following minimum gear:

• A BMX bike (or a bike capable of racing)
• A full-face helmet
• Gloves (full-fingered)
• Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
• Lace-up shoes

For additional protection, we recommend wearing knee, elbow, and shin guards. We offer some gear for hire during club nights if needed.

In order to officially compete in BMX races, riders must obtain a BMXNZ racing license. After your initial three free club nights, you’ll need to apply for this license. For younger riders (under 8), there is a discounted fee. You can apply for your license directly through BMXNZ, and we’ll guide you through the process if needed.

Yes, club nights are a great way to get started with racing. Depending on your bike class and age group, you will be placed in the appropriate race. For club races, we do our best to group riders by skill level, age, and bike class. We encourage newcomers to participate, as these nights are a fantastic way to build confidence and enjoy the sport.

Absolutely! Hamilton BMX Club is passionate about helping riders improve their skills. We regularly run coaching sessions for riders of all levels. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to sharpen your racing techniques, our experienced coaches can provide helpful tips and guidance. Check our schedule or contact us for more information about upcoming training sessions.

No motorized vehicles, including motorbikes, scooters, or mini-bikes, are allowed on the track. Only BMX bikes are permitted to race or ride. Using motorized equipment on the track can damage the surface and pose a safety risk to others. Please respect this rule to help maintain the track’s quality.

Our track is approximately 350 meters long and features a combination of straight sections, jumps, and banked corners. The fastest riders can complete a lap in around 30 seconds, but it’s a track suitable for all skill levels. New riders can choose to ride conservatively and skip the jumps if they prefer.

Yes, we offer a membership for those who want to race regularly and get involved in the club. Members often receive discounted entry fees, priority registration for events, and access to exclusive coaching sessions. Check out our membership page for more details and to join today.

Many of our members trade, sell, or donate used BMX gear. We recommend joining local Facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling BMX equipment. You can also check out second-hand bikes and gear at the track. Be sure to check the condition of the equipment before purchasing to ensure it's race-ready!