Confused.com Have Some Wheelie Good Tips to Achieve BMXcellence

Publication Date: Tuesday, August 05, 2008

There are a handful of new events at this year’s Olympics in Beijing, but only one entirely new sport – BMXing. Up to eight riders race motocross-style around an earthen course filled with bumps, jumps, banks and obstacles... And it rocks! So put on your helmet, and let Confused.com race you around a guide to BMXing, where you can watch it and where to take part. 

What it’s all about 

In California in the early seventies, kids started to echo their motocross heroes on bicycles, and an entire new sport was born. The word BMX itself is an acronym of bicycle motocross. 

And it’s not just the kids that enjoy it. The cross-age appeal makes it the perfect family sport – whether the family members are actively participating or cheering from the sidelines. 

The bikes themselves are specially designed, and usually have 20-inch wheels. Due to the type of punishment that they tend to receive, they are built to be robust. If you’re thinking of getting into BMXing, then you don’t necessarily need the best machine that money can buy – as long as you have good brakes and tread on your tyres, you should be ok. 

In terms of safe clothing, first and foremost you need a BMX helmet (it has to be a BMX helmet specifically – other types of cycle helmet won’t do). You may well be able to borrow one from your nearest club if you are a beginner. On your feet you should aim for something light with rubber soles, such as skate shoes. You also want to expose as little skin as possible, so long tops and trousers are in order. Plus elbow, shoulder and knee pads are advisable if you expect to wipe out a lot. And if you’re a beginner, you almost certainly will. 

Where to go 

There are plenty of BMX clubs dotted around the country where you can get started. The British Cycling website has a handy page for finding the nearest club to you, so follow this link to see what’s in your area: http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/bmx/bmx_clubs.asp 

Take tips from the experts 

If you want to see how it’s done and learn by example, BMX events are held regularly around the country. The British Cycling website is again a good port of call for this, so check out their events page here:

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/bmx/bmx_events.asp 

If you want to see how those at the top of their game ride, why not watch the Olympics. Britain’s hot tip for BMX gold at Beijing is Shanaze Reade from Crewe. ‘Speedy Ready’ – the Sunday Times Young Sportswoman of the Year in 2007 – will be a formidable foe for any opponent. She’s a master at both the bedlam of BMX and at track racing... And she’s a mere whippersnapper at 19 years old! All we can say is Go Shanaze – Confused.com is rooting for you! 

Don’t be buzzard bait... Stay safe 

As always, Confused.com recommend taking sensible precautions when getting involved in activities which could result in a ‘crunch’. So beyond ensuring that you’re fortified with the right safety gear, it might be an idea to see that you’re also covered by your travel insurance. 

If you have an annual policy (as, don’t forget, this can cover you for domestic trips too), you are unlikely to be covered for BMXing on a standard policy due to its rough and tumble nature. You can however upgrade your cover. It varies from insurer to insurer, but check to see if it’s worth your while to extend your policy to include ‘adventure sports’ or ‘extreme sports’ (terminology differs between insurers too, but essentially look for activities in which you’re likely to get a few cuts and bruises). This may cost a few extra quid, but could well prove to be an invaluable additional crash barrier.

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