Now that my son is a confident bike rider and has a fabulous sense of adventure, I recently introduced him to the world of BMX bike racing. BMX is more formally known as Bicycle Motocross. Individual bikers race through a winding course with hills and jumps. After searching for BMX tracks near me, I found several in Indiana. He hasn’t been to an actual race yet as the rainy weather continues to cancel such events; however, we did get to enjoy a practice session at the Indy Cycloplex BMX track.
Bike Racing in Indiana for the Fearless
It was a perfectly beautiful evening to enjoy a practice session at the Indy Cycloplex BMX track. The moment my son watched the first round of bikers ride through the track, he was hooked! He has been begging my husband and I to get him started in BMX! He can’t wait until he has the opportunity to practice racing on the various tracks throughout Indiana and ultimately participate in one of many races! Before we got our son started in BMX, there were a few things that we needed to research. Read on for information on how your family can get involved with BMX racing, too.
Ready to Get Started in BMX Racing?
Children as young as 4 years old are welcome to try out BMX racing. Loaner bikes and helmets are often available. In order to get started, I searched for BMX tracks near me and found several in Indiana. Before your child participates in a race, be sure you attend several practices as a spectator in preparation for his or her first race. Tracks are open on certain days and times for practices and races so make sure to do your research before heading over. When you arrive, speak with the Track Operator or associated volunteer. Each track has all the necessary forms to get started.
BMX Racing Gear
There are four key items that your child needs to participate regularly in BMX racing: a bicycle, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and an approved bicycle helmet (full face is preferred). Whatever your child is riding now will do fine for the first practice or two, but be sure to research BMX race bikes, their components, and gear so you can familiarize yourself with the bikes that are recommended for the races. Your child will need an off-road-style bicycle to participate regularly, but most places have loaner bikes and helmets on a first come first serve basis. As your child’s skill level increases, you may look into purchasing other specific race gear.
USA BMX Membership
There are initial costs that need to be considered when your child becomes involved with BMX racing. You will need to purchase a USA BMX Membership which is valid at all 380 tracks in North America (click here to search for BMX tracks near me and other locations across the country). You can purchase a trial 60-day membership for $40 or a free one-day membership. At most tracks, entry fees are $10 per race.
Bicycle and safety equipment can range from $100 to $500 or more. You can purchase quality used equipment and gear at reasonable prices by searching pages on Facebook, through Craigslist, or at your local track. If you choose to use sites such as Facebook and Craigslist, please take into account your safety by always meeting at a public and well-populated location and never go alone to meet someone you do not know.
BMX Tracks Near Me
Indy Cycloplex BMX Track
The closest BMX track to Indianapolis is the Indy Cycloplex BMX Track located at 3649 Cold Spring Road in Indianapolis. When visiting the Cycloplex BMX Track, please take note that you need to be able to climb a steep hill to the bleachers in order to have a good view of the track and participants if you wish to be a spectator. If you have any mobility issues, you may find it difficult to easily access.
The track is open for practice on certain evenings. Race entry fees are usually $10 and practice sessions are $5 per night. Admission is free for spectators. Leagues are also available to join for youth ages 4-15.
BMX Tracks in Indiana
Other BMX tracks are located throughout the state of Indiana in Evansville, Columbus, Indianapolis, Warsaw, Ft. Wayne, Portage, and Hobart.
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Indy Cycloplex BMX
3649 Cold Spring Road
Adjacent To The Major Taylor Velodrome
Indianapolis, In 46222
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Fort Wayne BMX
3411 Sherman Blvd
Fort Wayne, In 46808
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Burdette Park BMX
5821 Nurrenbern Rd
Evansville, In 47712
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Imagination Glen BMX
2190 N State Rd 149
Portage, In 46304
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Hire Park BMX
750 E Arthur St
Warsaw, In 46580
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Columbus BMX
876 Spears St.
Columbus, In 47201
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Steel Wheels Indoor BMX
709 N Hobart Rd
Hobart, In 46350
USA
Mountain Biking and Cyclocross
Cyclocross
For an even more adventurous activity, look into cyclocross. It’s on and off-road bike racing with obstacles through mud, grass, gravel, rocks, and other barriers. Searching for BMX Tracks Near Me brought me to this exhilarating sport. It’s one to try for the truly fearless child or adult!
Mountain Biking at The Headquarters
Not ready to race at a BMX track? A great intro to more advanced biking might be mountain biking. At The Headquarters Mountain Bike Skills Park, you will find trails, skinnies, jumps, drops, and a pump track. This amazing park is FREE to visit and managed by the IMPD Youth Mountain Bike Project. I’ve taken my son and he absolutely loves it. They even offer free bike rentals, helmets, water, and snacks. Check out their Facebook page for hours of operation.
Biking Trails in Central Indiana
If you love biking, check out the biking trails in Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Hancock County, and Morgan County. There are plenty of parks and paths to discover and try out to see if more advanced biking is for you or your fearless child! We loved biking the dirt trails at Flat Fork Creek Park with my 4 and 7-year-old. There are both paved and dirt paths, flat and rugged terrain paths, as well as tree houses and a creek to play in – all in a safe and contained park.
Whether your child is ready for cyclocross, getting really into BMX racing, or just now starting their journey in bike riding on paved and dirt trails, there are lots of places in central Indiana to fit your interests and skill level.
Have you experienced BMX racing? Share your comments and pictures of BMX tracks near me below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
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