THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE NORWICH FLYERS BMX CLUB
GET STARTED
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Getting started with the Norwich Flyers BMX Club couldn't be easier. Check out our tips for essential kit to get you on the track in no time!
FIRST STEPS
Firstly, you will need a BMX bike. Don't worry if you haven't got one - the club has bikes that can be borrowed for people who want to try out BMX'ing.
If you would like to buy a BMX bike, they don't have to be a mega-expensive, top-of-the-line model; just an ordinary BMX of sound construction will be fine. Any pegs, lights, reflectors, stands, mudguards, or protruding items of equipment on the bike will have to be taken off for safety reasons before we can get racing. Everything we do at the club is about our rider safety.
ESSENTIAL KIT
With BMX racing, as with any cycle sport, there is a perceived risk of danger, which is of course half the attraction. You should expect to receive a few bumps and bruises over the course of your race career, but by using the safety equipment below, that should be all you will suffer.
YOUR FIRST RACE
Before you race for the first time, come along to one of our practice sessions, which are held at the Norwich track on Saturday mornings from 10.30 am all year round, as well as Wednesday evenings from 6.30 pm during the summer periods when the nights are lighter. There we will show you around the track and answer any questions you may have.
Your first race will be either be a local or regional event. You will be racing in a class of riders of your own age and ability, and your main goal of this race will be to learn how a race is run and to have fun! For upcoming race dates, visit the diary page of the BMX East website.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOVICE AND EXPERT RACING?
NOVICE RACING
Novice racing is the perfect starting point for new riders to the Norwich Flyers BMX Club who are looking to experience BMX racing in a fun and supportive environment. It allows beginners to build confidence, learn race-day procedures, and develop essential track skills before progressing to expert racing. At regional level, riders can race up to five novice rounds before they must transition to expert. Novice categories are structured to help riders adjust, ensuring they understand everything from start gates to race formats before moving up.
EXPERT RACING
Expert racing is for riders ready to take their Norwich Flyers BMX journey to the next level, competing at regional, national, and even international events. Riders must have a British Cycling race license and a MYLAPS transponder for accurate timing. Expert categories are more competitive, with experienced riders battling for ranking points and qualification for major events like the British Championships. To qualify for the Brits, an expert rider must complete five regional races in a season, making expert racing an exciting and challenging step forward in your BMX journey.
PLATE NUMBERS & LICENCES
Every BMX racer must have a number plate to compete, with specific rules depending on their level. Novice and expert riders must use the last three digits of their British Cycling licence number at all regional events. National riders will use their National ranking from the previous season. Side plates are mandatory for all expert riders, and riders must check Sqorz before racing in case they need to add an "X" to their number if merged with another category. Incorrect race numbers can lead to relegation, so it's essential to get it right!
A British Cycling race licence is required for all expert-level regional and national BMX races. Riders competing at novice level do not need a licence, but once they progress to expert, a Silver British Cycling membership and a provisional race licence are required in order for you to compete. This licence allows riders to earn ranking points and qualify for major events like the British Championships. First-time members can take advantage of discount codes to reduce costs, making it easier for new riders to get started in competitive BMX racing.
WHAT ELSE WILL I NEED?
Timing chip - timing systems are a critical element of BMX racing. In preparation for a race, riders will require a timing chip, which is available from MyLaps. Timing chips can be borrowed but it's worth getting in touch with the club for more details.
Race time & results - During the race, gate times will be updated on our OurSqorz website.
YOU'VE RACED YOUR FIRST EVENT, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
So now you’ve raced at your first event, and the BMX bug has gotten hold of you, where do you go from here? Well, the only cure is more racing. As well as local races and club days, there is a regional series that runs through both the winter and summer and, when you are feeling confident enough, there is a national series that runs throughout the summer.
