About
If after reading the below Q&A you have additional questions you need answered, please send us an email to .
Q: What is BMX Racing?
Answer: BMX (Bicycle Motocross) is for kids from 4 to 40 where similarly aged and skilled riders race each other on a dirt track of jumps and banked corners. It is for boys, girls, parents and friends, and it is one of the most exciting sports in the world. Ottawa BMX is a volunteer, non-profit association dedicated to facilitating BMX races in the Nation’s Capital. We are sanctioned by the Canadian Program of the ABA, and fully insured in Canada.
Q: What is the American Bicycle Association (“ABA”)?
Answer: The ABA is our sanctioning body who’s duty it is to establish rules of racing that provide fair competition and fun family entertainment for all. All racers at Ottawa BMX are required to be ABA members which is $55.00. Download the 2009 Membership Application HERE.
Q: Are there official rules for BMX racing, where can I find them?
Answer: Yes, there are official rules which we have to follow strictly as they are provided by the ABA. You should receive a copy of the rule book along with your ABA Membership, if not, please ask any one of our track officials and we will be glad to provide you with your own copy. Alternatively, you can download the PDF version of the rule book HERE.
Q: Is it possible to try it out prior to buying the ABA membership?
Answer: Absolutely! The ABA offers first time racers a non transferable Single Day ABA Membership for free. And if you are still unsure, you may purchase a 30 day ABA Trial Membership for $35.00 and should you wish to become a full member you only have to pay the difference of $25.00 that remains.
Q: What are the race entry fees?
Answer: Race and practice fees are as follows: (Please note, the entry fees for first time racers are waived for single point races only.).
- Single Points Race: $10.00
- Double Points Race: $20.00
- Triple Points Race: $30.00
- Practices: $5.00.
Q: What is the “Ottawa BMX Membership”?
Answer: The Ottawa BMX Membership is ideal for riders who will be racing a majority, if not all, of the races hosted at our track. The membership covers the rider for all of the above mentioned race entry fees for the 2009 season, including their ABA Membership. This is beneficial as it provides a savings rather than “pay as you go”. Download the 2009 Membership Application HERE.
Q: What is “Pay as you go”?
Answer: Pay as you go is a system where the rider has only purchased their $55 ABA Membership, the rider is required to pay the applicable entry fees for each race and/or practice he or she chooses to attend. It is great for new riders who are unsure as to how often they will be racing throughout the season.
Q: What kind of bike is needed?
Answer: Any BMX type and size bike 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. We do ask that you make sure that the bike is in good and working condition as well as the following: – Make sure all bolts are tight, especially your axle and stem bolts. – Remove any freestyle type equipment such as axle pegs, gryo’s etc. – All reflectors/brackets must be removed for safety purposes. – Remove the kickstand if your bike has one. – You will eventually need a number plate. You will be provided a temporary numberplate your first race, but we do have number plates available for purchase at the track.
Q: What kind of clothing and safety equipment is required?
Answer: All riders, regardless of age, are required to wear long sleeved shirts, long pants or jeans, enclosed shoes, skateboard style shoes are suggested, and finally a helmet. A full face helmet is recommended, Ottawa BMX does have “loaner helmets” for beginners to use.
Q: Does Ottawa BMX provide any formal training?
Answer: While Ottawa BMX does not provide formal training or coaching to riders of any skill level, we do arrange professional BMX racers to come to our track and host a clinic of their own. In 2009, we do have Nick Gortzen visiting Ottawa to host a clinic, click HERE for more information.
What is the Club Championship Race Series?
New for 2009, we will be selecting five (5) from the 2009 Race Schedule which will make up a new exciting challenge for the riders.
Races indicated by *CCS* in the 2009 Race Schedule will count toward the Club Championship Race Series.
- Points awarded are based on the Provincial Points Table (Rider Points + Number of Riders in Moto + 1 Bonus Point Per Race).
- Rules are based on the Provincial Championship Rules provided by the ABA.
- Combined 5 race point total wins the Club Championship.
- Final awards will be available for the following categories.
- Top 3 Boys
- Top 3 Girls
- Top 3 Cruiser
- Top Rookie
- Awards will be announced on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
What is the Monthly Challenge Race Series?
New for 2009, Single Point Races each month are added together to determine a Monthly Challenge winner. A special number plate will be awarded to each winner which can be displayed on the winner’s bike for the following month until the next set of plates are awarded. (Eg. Winner for the month of June can use special number plate for the month of July).
All Single Point Races in the 2009 Race Schedule will count toward the Monthly Challenge.
Monthly Awards will be announced on the following dates:
- Saturday, June 27, 2009
- Friday, July 24, 2009
- Tuesday, August 25, 2009
- Saturday, October 24, 2009
Races in May and June are combined together due to one race in May. September and October are also combined together due to possible inclement weather.
- Points awarded are based on Provincial Points Table (Rider Points + Number of Riders in Moto + 1 Bonus Point Per Race).
- Rules based on Provincial Championship Rules provided by the ABA.
- Monthly Awards for the following categories.
- Top Rookie Boy / Top Rookie Girl *If rookie not in other categories.
- 5,6,7 – Novice Boy
- 5,6,7 – Girl
- 8,9,10 – Novice Boy
- 8,9,10 – Girl
- 11+ Novice Boy
- Top Intermediate Boy
- Top Expert Boy
- Top Cruiser
