The dirt on children ‘s bikes
From : AGE Weekender, August 15th, 1981.


Children and bikes have always been an accepted combination. Now a new word has crept in — just any bike won’t do.
It has to be a BMX.
Keeping up with the terminology, let alone mastering the riding techniques they describe, can be an art in itself.
A whole new bike concept has evolved. It’s Bicycle Motocross (BMX) and its here for a long, long time.

On the competitive side, BMX is a group of youngsters negotiating a twisting dirt track to the encouragement of cheering
spectators. The dirt makes for safe landings but can add to the family washing.

The tracks used have no one uniform pattern but are based on a total length of about 300m, with riders gaining their initial
momentum from atop a dirt hIll. Corners are banked (berms), with obstacles ranging from jumps to drop offs.
BMX is never static. Heats are run at one minute intervals, track layouts can change overnight and the only thing that
remains constant is the popularity.

No motors, no exhaust fumes — it’s pedal power at its best. Pure racing and good fun.
Riders range from four years old to the over-26 class. This is for the dads, whose ambtions can rival those of their offspring.
Classes are held separately for girls, but at any time a girl can compete against the boys if she wishes.

Local councils are taking an interest in and often supporting the sport. Parks with swings and slides and manicured lawns
don’t always receive the use that an area of dirt track with earthen mounds can offer

Much has been said about the cost of a BMX machine. A BMX is no particular brand but a type of bike. The reinforced
triangular frame sets them apart. Prices start around $140 and thereafter you pay for specialisation. The expensive bikes
are primarily for racing and though they can be used just as effectively for going to and from school it’s a little like using a
Formula 1 racing car as a family sedan.

A youngster once complained to me that his newly acquired BMX bike couldn’t do mono's and cross-ups.
An honest evaluation is that 80 per cent or more is the skill of the rider and less than 20 per cent the merits of the bike.
In competitive riding that 20 per cent no doubt counts, but if the bike is to be used for fun only, you don’t need a Formula 1.
Money is better spent on a helmet and gloves. In racing these Items are compulsory.
Through this and other safety measures the sport enjoys a lower injury insurance rate than football.

In Australia BMX racing is still in its formative stage. It has the distinction of a sport created by the competitors themselves
who have enlisted adults for the task of organising it formally. The Victorian BMX Association is the supporting/controlling
body, with 45 affiliated clubs.
At present there are 3000 registered competitors, and possibly 6000 more who compete only at club level.
Listed are a few of the major clubs :

Mac Cycles BMX, 69 Boronia Road. BORONIA, 3155, ph 762 4081.
Heidelberg YMCA BMX. Heidelberg Community Centre, Wungan St., MACLEOD, ph 459 9022
Waverley BMX, 14 Meadowbrook Drive, MULGRAVE, 3170, ph 560 1864.
Bayside BMX. 397 Bay Street. NORTH BRIGHTON, 3186, ph 596 5481.
Crank and Chain BMX, P0 Box 83, THOMASTOWN, 3074, ph 465 6332.
South Eastern BMX. cnr. North and Warrigal roads, SOUTH OAKLEIGH, 3167, ph 579 0379.
Mornington BMX. P0 Box 85. MORNINGTON, ph (059) 75 4003.
Frankston BMX. 41 Pratt Ave., FRANKSTON, ph 783 2266.
Pegasus BMX. 36 Jackson Court. EAST DONCASIER, ph 848 7026.
Lilydale & District BMX, 28 Manchester Road, MOOROOLBARK, ph 726 5224.

Events coming up are:
Sunday 16th August, Morningion BMX, Pentecost Rd., Mornington, 10 am.
Saturday 22nd August, Knox City Track, Wadhurst Drive, Boronia, "Mac Cycles v Waverley", 2 pm.
Sunday 23 August, Bayside BMX. cnr St Kilda St. and Bent Ave, Elsternwick, 10 am.

Brenda Lawn,
Secretary, Vic. BMX Assn. (VBMXA).

---