How To Start Racing With A Dirt Bike

Everything you need to know

There are a variety of events: hare scrambles, GNCCs, enduro and other off-road desert or woods races and motocross races. Most events offer different classes for you to race. The classes are usually broken down by skill level: beginner - D, novice - C, intermediate - B, expert - A. Or, they are broken down by engine displacement: 80cc, 125cc, 250cc, etc.

In addition, the classes are sometimes broken down by age and gender. When you are first starting out, don't worry too much about finding a women's class (not all events offer them). You can race a beginner class or if you are older, you can race a Vet class, but those are often "open," meaning all skill levels and engine displacement.

You can race more than one class at a race, depending on the event rules. If the event offers a women's class you should definitely race that class. Always support the women's classes (even if they are open). It is the only way women are going to get more options for competing against one other.

Races are usually held on weekends. In motocross, the race consists of one practice and two races, called motos. Points from each race determines the overall finish for the day. Trophies are given out after the second moto. Usually trophies are giving out at a ratio of 3:1 (for every three racers in the class one trophy is provided). Some organizations hold a "series" where points are accumulated from each weekend, and you have an overall finish for the series.

Motocross is one of the few motorcycle racing disciplines that has a women's organization -- the Women's Motocross Association (WMA), www.womensmxassociation.com. The WMA holds a six-stop Pro National championship that also includes women's amateur classes. The amateur classes are good for all levels of racers, including beginners. The WMA also holds the WMA Cup in November offering 15 different women's classes including a beginner class, as well as Girls 50cc up to Women Vet 35+. If you have the resources to travel, it is an incredible experience. Other good women's races are any Loretta Lynn qualifiers (see www.mxsports.com for a schedule). They have only two women classes and the competition is very strong, but you'll get a chance to meet other women racers.

To have the best experience racing, try to ride the track or the course prior to race day. On the morning of the race leave plenty of driving time to be sure you get to the track/course early. You want to be sure to arrive in time for sign up and practice. A lot of events offer overnight camping so you can get there the night before. Most of the events have sign up in the morning although many are moving towards pre-registration that can be done online (such as the WMA). Make sure to find out when the registration cut-off day is.

When you get to the track, check the race schedule, find out your practice time (for motocross only, desert races don't have practice), the race order, and when the rider's meeting will be held. Each track and organization will have a different schedule. You can find out by going to the track's or the organization's Web site or calling the hotline prior to race day.

Also, be sure to read the rules before signing up. For instance, you'll need to have a race number on your front number plate and side panels. Sometimes you need a specific color background and specific number color. Most of the time it is white backgrounds with black numbers (pro women racers run blue backgrounds with white numbers and the amateur run red backgrounds with white numbers). You can get numbers and backgrounds at your local motorcycle shop. Do this a few weeks ahead of time to be sure they have the items in stock. Most racers run the last three digits of their AMA number, the earned number or a number that has some significance to them. (Don't run number 1 unless you are looking for trouble.)

Costs:
Membership: Some races are club races and you'll need to become a member. A lot of motocross races around the U.S. are AMA sanctioned. An AMA license can be purchased prior to race day by visiting www.amadirectlink.com or can also be purchased at the track during sign up. I would recommend joining prior to race day as this gives you one less thing to worry about going into your racing debut.

Gate Fee: Some promoters charge a gate fee to get in. This ranges from about $5 to $20 per person.

Race Entry Fee: $35 to $50 per class entered.

Camping and Parking Fees: Some event promoters charge separate for these.

Most fees will be listed on the flyer or Web site for the event.

Preparing Your Bike:
You want your bike to be as race ready as you are. Do all the necessary preparation to your bike before you get to the track. Again, you don't want to get to the track and realize you forgot to do something. Be sure to go over a brief checklist:

Check/change oil/radiator fluid for cleanliness and correct amount
Check/clean your air filter
Check/tighten the spokes
Check tire air pressure
Check brake pads
Adjust and lube chain
Last, but definitely not least, GAS!

You will also want to make sure you have all your gear packed and ready to go the night before so your not running out the door trying to remember everything.

Race Day Prepartion
There are several things you can do to prepare for race day to have the best experience:
Fuel your body: Be sure to stay well hydrated and fuel your body with plenty of good food.
Walk the track: The morning of race day, walk the track and make sure you are familiar with it.
Watch the start procedure: Watch a few of the other races to see how the start procedure works.
Stretch: Be sure to stretch and warm up before your race.

Meredes Gonzalez-Natvig teaching a group of women at Rick Johnson's MX School of Champions.

If you are really concerned about being prepared to race, you could always take a motocross race school, such as Rick Johnson's MX School of Champions with Mercedes Gonzales-Natvig www.mxschoolofchampions.com, ahead of time where they can teach you about starts and race strategy, as well as riding technique. For the most part, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Racing should be fun. Don't worry about what position you are in at the finish line; just go to learn and enjoy. It is a real rush to start on the line with a bunch of other racers. You'll love the camaraderie racing offers, especially if you compete against other women.