BMX, short for bike motocross, is a challenging and fun sport for kids of all ages. Whether you decide to test your speed on the rugged race track, or your talent by doing jumps and tricks, BMX riding is great exercise that promotes balance and body coordination.
BMX is a relatively low-cost sport to get into, you can easily find a great BMX bike for sale, then all you need is a proper BMX bike helmet, a long-sleeved top and long pants, and sturdy gloves to protect you during the spills that are bound to happen, all part of the fun, really! Once you are suited up and have your bike under you, it’s time to pedal your way to thrills and adventure!
Here are some of the basic tricks you will want to master as you become an expert BMX rider!
Wheelie – Most kids learn how to do this early on in their biking days, it sounds simple but does take some practice! Pedal until you are moving at a good clip, then lift the front wheel off the ground whilst continuing to peddle, using the strength of your legs to control its height. If the front wheel starts to drop, lean back slightly, but be careful! Once you master the wheelie, it’s time to learn the “manual”, basically a wheelie done after you stop pedalling, an important trick for controlling your bike when going over jumps!
Bunnyhop – This trick has three parts- get up to speed, place the pedals at the level on both sides, lift up the front wheel, then lift the back wheel as high as you can, from two inches to two feet depending on your strength! The idea is to have your bike level while you are in mid-air over an obstacle. Once you have cleared it, let the back wheel go down just before the front, and control the landing by using your arms and legs as shock absorbers.
Slide Braking – This exercise is best practised over soft grass. Pedal to get up speed, then place the inside peddle in the up position, remove your foot from it, and lock the back wheel. Your goal is to make the bike slide sideways without losing control!
There are many more fun tricks to master, we hope this inspires you to get on your BMX bike and ride!
Discovering the world of BMX biking isn’t just about riding from point A to B – it’s about embracing the thrill of mastering exhilarating tricks that turn heads and raise your adrenaline levels. Whether you’re a beginner eager to kickstart your journey or a seasoned rider looking to add more tricks to your repertoire, there’s a treasure trove of fun tricks waiting to be unlocked on your BMX bike.
Start with the basics, like bunny hops and manual wheelies, to establish your foundation. As your confidence grows, progress to more advanced tricks like bar spins, tailwhips, and 180-degree spins. Remember, practice makes perfect, so allocate time to hone your skills and build muscle memory.