Getting Started
If you’re brand new, don’t stress!
Everyone starts somewhere.
We recommend attending a few coaching sessions and hitting the track for practice to build confidence.
Chat to us about borrowing gear for your first few coaching sessions. Once you or your rider can get down the start hill (even from halfway (not for mini wheelers) and make it around most of the track, it’s time to jump into a fun clubby or club round.
These are low-pressure races that help build confidence fast.
Gate nights are a great way to practice gate starts and build confidence around other riders too.
Hot Tip: The sooner you start racing, the faster you learn.
It’s about fun, friends, and progress — not just winning.
Check our FB page on Sunday evenings, where we post what’s on for the week including coaching sessions.
Checklist - What you need
To ride or race, your rider will need:
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BMX race bike (20” or 24” Cruiser) or a balance bike
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Full-face helmet (buckle up!)
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Long-sleeve top & long pants
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Gloves
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Enclosed shoes
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Auscycling Licence
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Race Plate
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only required if racing (can be purchased from our club)
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your race number is the last three digits of your AusCycling licence number
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Bike
Almost any bike can be used for starting out, however a BMX racing bike is strongly
recommended as they are suited to the needs of BMX racing.
Check out Facebook Marketplace & BMX Racing Buy/Swap/Sell pages (as always, be aware of scams).
New bikes can also be purchased from many bike shops.
If you are unsure of whether a bike you find is suitable, feel free to message our FB page or ask one of our coaches to advise you.
Balance Bike - no pedals (2 to 5 year olds)
20-inch (Standard BMX): Most common size
Cruiser (24-inch): Bigger bike
Retro: Says it all.
Yes, you can ride both… just register separately for each category.
Note - 20 inch and 24 inch refers to wheel size
Full face helmet
A full face helmet is required for BMX racing. Don’t compromise on safety.
It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED you get a brand new helmet fitted at a bike shop, as a poor fit helmet or ahelmet that has suffered an impact will not provide the best protection for riders.
Key things to know:
Must be full-faced with a properly working buckle or D-ring strap.
Helmets come in a range of prices — do your homework, invest in good tech.
Look for features like MIPS and breakaway visors.
A helmet should fit snugly without wobbling.
Ask club members or coaches for recommendations — we’ve all been through the helmet maze.
Clothing
When starting out, any long sleeve top (without a zip) & pants will do. However,
BMX race specific jerseys & pants are sold at bike shops. These can provide the best
protection & comfort while riding. Motocross specific gear is acceptable too; it is
generally just a bit baggier and thicker to accommodate additional armour.
Gloves
Full finger gloves are required. Many bike shops including those listed
below carry gloves for purchase.
Optional Equipment
Many riders choose to use combinations of the following equipment as further protection and can be purchased from most bike shops:
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Elbow pads
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Knee pads
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Body armour
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Goggles
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Mouthguard
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Neck brace
Auscycling License
Auscycling is the national sanctioning body for all cycling disciplines in Australia.
You must have a current Auscycling licence before attending coaching sessions or racing.
Sign up at https://auscycling.org.au/become-a-member
Choose:
Club - If you race at your local club or race local competition
or
Race - If your year is built around the race calendar
Select your age group (the age you are turning in that year)
Nominate Knox BMX Club as your home club
New riders can apply for the 4-week free trial as a once off only.
Keep your licence number handy or save it to your digital wallet.
You can manage licenses through Just Go - https://auscycling.justgo.com/