Whether
it is the quick thrill of getting air or simply trail riding,
BMX (bicycle motocross) had first appeared during the early
70s in California. Modeled from early day motocross bikes, BMX'es
first had 20-inch wheels and were built out of heavy metals,
such as steel. The result was a non-motorized version of a motocross
bike.
Armed with shovels, enthusiasts changed vacant land lots into
jumped filled playgrounds. The sport quickly developed and by
the late 70s it had spread across North America and into Canada.
BMX at that time featured up to eight riders racing head to
head over a smooth dirt course with jumps, similar to motocross
racing. In Canada an organization called the Canadian BMX Association
(CBA) offers event in which riders can race against people of
the same age and skill. BMX would transform again and by the
80s, it would develop into freestyle riding.
Freestyle, which continues to be popular today, brought riders
to skate parks, half-pipes and the streets. New BMX technology
came during the 80s, such as the rotor, which allows a rider
to turn the handlebars a full-circle without tangling brake
allowing new tricks to be invented. Nac-nacs, Can-Cans and Helicopter
were new tricks of the trade. The sport has gone to an extreme
level.
Today, high profile contests such as the Gravity Games have
increased the sports popularity. Riders perform tricks on the
street courses, ramps, half-pipe (vert) and dirt. It wasn't
until X-Games introduced Downhill BMX' in 2000 that BMX racing
had become popular once again.
Canada has many popular BMX'ers, such as Jason Enns, Dave Osato
and Jay Miron. Miron is a very popular rider and has relocated
back to Canada after several years of sponsorship with Schwinn
in the U.S. He is promoting his new bike company, Macneil Bikes,
and his magazine, Chase BMX Magazine, which has helped to inform
enthusiasts in Canada.
In a sport typically dominated by males, 16 year-old Makara
Martin has been giving the boys a run for their money. Hailing
from Airdrie, Alberta, Martin has given girls a positive role
model, winning the CBA #1 pro female rider award. Chris Astofooroff,
a Canadian sponsored by Redline Bicycles, is also making a name
for himself taking fifth place overall at the UCL World Championships
last year and keeping pace with Canada's top pros, not to mention
that he's only 15-years-old!
So what do you need to try BMX? Whether it is air on the half
pipe, racing on a track or just plain trail riding, a starter
BMX bike will start at about $300 or less. Higher end models
will cost anywhere from $400-$1,000, so make sure you know what
your looking for. In Canada many companies such as Macneil,
Norco, 1664, Krusher and Yess offer world class BMX products,
so find what works best for you. Safety is also a factor so
helmets, shin/elbow pads, and gloves will reduce the number
of accidents from crashing.
BMX, like other sports, has its own lingo and slang. Expressions
such as X-Up, Pimpin, or Superman will work their way into conversation
so be prepared to learn a little.
You can find indoor skate parks and BMX tracks in most major
cities across Canada but there are limited indoor venues with
ramps so you'll have to search the net for prime locations.
For more information check out www.chasebmxmag or search Canada
BMX under a favourite search engine.
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