This part of our web guide focuses on BMX, which stands for Bicycle Motocross, a road sport that involves racing and stunt riding.
BMX originated in Southern California in the mid-1960s. Inspired by motocross stars, young riders began racing their bicycles on dirt tracks. The sport gained popularity quickly, and by the early 1970s, BMX racing had become a widespread phenomenon.
The first official BMX race occurred in 1969, organized by Ron Mackler at Palms Park in Santa Monica. The release of the motorcycle racing documentary "On Any Sunday" in 1971 further fueled the sport's growth. By the mid-1970s, BMX had achieved critical mass, leading to the formation of national sanctioning bodies like the National Bicycle Association (NBA) in 1973.
Soon, special bikes were created for BMX racing, designed for performance on dirt tracks and stunt riding. They are typically smaller and more lightweight than standard bicycles, with a frame geometry that allows for greater maneuverability and durability. Key components of a BMX bike include frames made of chromoly steel or aluminum for strength and lightness, smaller wheels to enhance control and agility, wider and knobby tires for better grip on dirt tracks, single-speed gearing to reduce weight and complexity, and often single rear brakes, although some freestyle models have front brakes as well.
BMX bikes differ from standard bicycles in their size and weight, being smaller, lighter, and easier to handle during stunts and races; compact and robust frames designed to withstand the impact of jumps and tricks; single gears; and a design built for short bursts of speed, jumps and tricks, whereas standard bikes are designed for long-distance travel and varied terrain.
There are several types of BMX bikes, each designed for specific riding styles. These include Dirt or Trail bikes (Elite Stealth, Diamondback Youth Nitrus); Flatland BMX bikes, which are specialized for performing tricks on flat surfaces (Redline Roam); Freestyle BMX bikes, designed for tricks and stunts in skateparks or on the street (Haro Steel Reserve, GT Pro Series 29); Park Style, which are often made lighter by reducing the structural strength of particular areas of the bike, as park riding does not occur on particularly rough terrain (Haro CK Pro, Subrosa Wings); Race BMX bikes, which are built for speed and efficiency on dirt tracks (Mongoose Title Elite Pro, Redline MX 24); and Street BMX bikes, which commonly have nylon composite sleeved pegs attached to the axles (Kink Cloud, Sunday Street Sweeper).
BMX shares similarities with some other extreme sports. The inspiration for BMX, Motocross, involves racing motorcycles on off-road tracks with jumps and obstacles. Like BMX, mountain biking involves navigating rough terrain, although it typically covers longer distances and varied landscapes. Freestyle scootering is similar to BMX freestyle, as it involves performing tricks on scooters in skateparks. Although the vehicle is completely different, skateboarding involves performing tricks and stunts, usually in designated skateparks or urban environments.
BMX is a dynamic and exciting sport that continues to evolve, attracting riders of all ages and skill levels, and offering a unique blend of speed, skill, and creativity.
Recommended Resources
BMX Canada is part of the world's largest BMX racing organization, USA BMX/BMX Canada, offering an experience for BMX enthusiasts from the moment the adrenaline rush of racing toward the gate drops the first obstacle. The organization's website features links to live streams and videos and an overview of the BMX track, the bike, the gear, its teams, a Hall of Fame, Golden Crank Awards, and an overview of the sport's history and the organization. An online store is included.
https://www.bmxcanada.org/
This appears to be an online-only museum rather than an online representation of a brick-and-mortar museum. In compiling the BMX Museum, the creator has uploaded several photographs and details of BMX bikes of various makes, models, and years, which may be easily browsed alphabetically by the bike's make or model. Online forums are also available for announcing or discussing BMX events or group rides, BMX items for sale, and Pro members may post want-to-buy or trade requests.
https://bmxmuseum.com/
The Stony Plain BMX Association promotes and operates BMX races and developmental programs for BMX racers across Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Parkland County, and neighboring communities in Alberta, Canada. Its track is west of the Stony Plain Fire Hall and just south of the tracks in Stony Plain, Alberta. Guided by volunteers, the organization operates organized races in coordination with the nearby St. Albert and Edmonton BMX tracks. Its history, schedules, and sponsors are featured.
http://www.stonyplainbmx.com/
With roots in the American Bicycle Association and the National Bicycle League, USA BMX is the world's largest BMX racing organization. With over 375 sanctioned tracks across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the organization organizes racing events for enthusiasts of all ages. The sport, track, bike, gear, and history of the organization and sport are set forth, along with membership information, rulebook, new riders video and manual, event schedules and reports, and contact data.
https://www.usabmx.com/
The USA BMX Foundation's programs focus on STEM education through hands-on, project-based learning concepts. Students learn new ways of seeing science, technology, engineering, and math through the lens of a BMX bike. Flexible lesson plans are designed for various settings, including school days, after-school, and summer camps. Its STEM/STEAM, track modeling, read-to-ride, R.I.S.E., Project Bike, and camp programs are highlighted. Career and sponsorship opportunities and contacts are posted.
https://www.usabmxfoundation.org/
