How To Become a BMXer!
Welcome to the National Bicycle League
Sarasota BMX is an NBL Sanctioned track.
The National Bicycle League is North America's premiere
bicycle motocross racing organization. By joining the NBL you
will receive endless benefits. Free subscriptions to BMX
Today magazine, countless awards programs, the list goes on
and on. To join the National Bicycle League, all you have to
do is e-mail your mailing address, or visit your local track.
We welcome you to the NBL and we'll see you at the track!
1. Go to Sarasota BMX on Tuesday (practice),
Thursday (practice) or Friday (Race) nights 6PM to 8PM. Go to
the registration building and go inside. Tell one of the
people behind the counter that you would like to sign up.
That's it! Anyone at the track can answer your question but
the people in registration usually have the official answer.
2. Check the track schedule for race and practice
days.
3. On race day bring your bike and protective gear:
Helmet, Long Pants, Long Sleeve Shirt.
Don't forget your bike!
4. If you are under 18 years old bring a parent or
guardian.
5. Bring proof of age (birth certificate, drivers
license...)
6. Start practicing and start racing!
Below is old information that still may be helpful:
HOW TO REGISTER
NBL REGISTRATION: All riders must become a National Bicycle League
(NBL) member. This entitles the rider to participate in races throughout the
United States. This entitles the rider to race at all local tracks and in state
and national competitions. The annual membership should be accompanied
with a birth certificate. This can be done at the registration booth at the
track or by contacting NBL by e-mail.
RACE REGISTRATION: Please fill in the information requested on the
color coded registration forms. The registration form and your NBL membership
card must be given to the clerk.
After you have registered, you may practice on the track. All bikes
must pass a safety inspection before they are allowed on the track.
BIKE EQUIPMENT
1. Each bicycle must have a number plate with the last three numbers
of a rider's NBL number or earned state, national or world number.
The number plate must be clean with numbers approximately 3” high.
2. Every bicycle must be equipped with two wheels of matching
size.The wheels on a 20"bicycle must have tires with an inflated
diameter not exceeding 22.5". The wheels of a cruiser must have
tires with an inflated diameter greater than 22.5".
3. All bicycles must be in good condition, without cracked frames,
bald tires, loose or missing spokes, broken pedals, loose chains or
other obvious defects.
4. A girls or boys bicycle may be used.
5. Motocross-style handlebars not exceeding 28.5" in width should be
equipped with grips that completely cover the bar ends. Sleeves,
plugs, or other devices used to extend the bar width are prohibited
unless they are securely welded to the handlebars.
6. All bikes are required to have seats firmly attached, and must be
with metal or other impenetrable underbase in such a manner as to
preclude the post from penetrating the seat.
7. Kick stands, reflectors and chain guards must be removed.
8. Axles protruding more than 1/4" beyond the axle nuts must be
covered. All pegs or other sharp ends must be covered.
9. All bicycles must be equipped with operable rear braking system.
10. Quick release arm must be taped or safely wired in the lock
position.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
1. Helmets must be properly worn and secured with a permanently
attached chin strap while on the track. The helmet must be full face
or have a mouth guard (Joffa).
2. Elbows must always be covered and protected. Long sleeved shirts
are a must!. Elbow pads are recommended for asphalt, concrete and
wood courses.
3. Knees must always be covered or protected. Pants should be made
of heavy material (i.e. denim) or manufactured racing pants. Knee
pads are recommended for asphalt, concrete and wood courses. Loose
pant legs must be wrapped, tied or clipped.
4. Shoes with soft soles to grip pedal.
5. Gloves, socks, knee, shin and elbow pads are highly recommended.
TRACK SAFETY RULES
1. Track officials' directions shall be followed at all times. Do
not argue with any adult. If you feel you are being unfairly
treated, report to the track director.
2. Riders shall have all their proper equipment on before leaving
staging and while on the track. The stager, starter or head official
may preclude your participation if your bike or attire is deemed
unsafe.
3. Riders must know their moto and lanes before entering staging.
4. Riders shall go through staging during the race.
5. Riders on the starting hill shall remain quiet and stay behind
the wedge until the starter tells you to enter your gate.
6. Riders are not allowed on the starting hill unless directed by
the stager.
7. Riders must ride with their hands on the handlebars and feet on
the pedals at all times. Do not touch another person's bike on or
off the track unless you have permission.
8. Riders shall not stop on the track or the infield unless hurt or
the bike is inoperable.
9. Riders shall NEVER ride in the wrong direction on the track.
10. Poor sportsmanship, foul language, underage smoking, drug use
and alcohol are strictly prohibited. These activities shall result
in a temporary or permanent ban from the facility.
11. Jumping or other types of contest are not allowed at any time,
without the consent of the track director.
12. All riders shall comply with the rules and regulations
established by the NBL. Failure to comply with any local or NBL rule
may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the track.
Decision of the head race official is final.