Motocross is an interesting and demanding sport. Contestants give it their all to conquer that highly coveted first place. Even though this type of motorcycle racing has very short races, it is very difficult.
Let’s take a closer look at the origins of this sport, the general rules, and a few tips that will give you an upper hand over competitors. Read on through till the end to get a good idea of what you should do and what you should expect before heading out to a competition.
What Is Motocross?
This type of motorcycle racing allows cyclists to compete on a course marked out on rough terrain. The design comes under many variations. However, when it comes to international competitions, the course length is between 1.5 and 5 kilometers (1 and 3 miles).
You should know that these motorcycle courses have increased difficulty levels. Competitors must drive on steep uphill and downhill grades. In addition, they will encounter many muddy and wet areas in their path. They must drive carefully when passing through numerous left and right turns of different difficulty levels.
Despite the short duration of 40 minutes for each of the two heats of the race (or even less), motocross is considered by many the most physically demanding sport involving a motorcycle. The rider uses the same vehicle during a race, and if necessary, technicians will repair it between heats.
The motocross cyclist must wear a special outfit composed of:
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Cotton jersey
- Plastic chest protection
- Special nylon pants with knee and thigh paddings
- Kidney belt used for support
- Boots
- Padded gloves
Furthermore...
The Federation Internationale Motocycliste is an authority supervising international motocross competitions and setting the standard for motorcycle classes. Their representatives have classified motorcycles according to the engine-displacement limits standard.
According to them, there are three types of such vehicles with 125, 250, and 500 cubic meters. Every year, a world-series championship is organized for each of these specific motorcycle classes. The motocross championship has been organized in Europe since 1950, and similar events are held in other parts of the world.
In 1970, the United States developed an indoor version of the popular motocross, the supercross. This newer type of motorcycle-based sports activity uses artificial dirt tracks built inside large arenas.
The supercross has two specific characteristics that differentiate it from standard motocross. First of all, its courses are usually shorter. Second, despite their reduced length, they contain longer and more frequent jumps.
The Motocross Rules and Tips
Each competition comprises two races, also known as motos, 30-minute each, and two laps. At the start, all competitors are gathered at a gate. The purpose is to earn the rider-to-the-corner position, also known as the holeshot.
Once they reach that specific point, the contestants must jump over whoops, avoid different obstacles, and do their best to reach the finish line. The first one at the finish line wins the race. Besides these general rules, you should know certain unwritten rules you must follow if you want to become a great motocross rider.
1. Don’t Look Back
Never look back when competing in motocross events; otherwise, you will get distracted, show weakness, and lose valuable time. After all, you’ve got side view mirrors, right? Use them instead of turning your head if you really are curious about looking behind you. However, we recommend looking straight ahead for the best results. Having fewer distractions means you’ll increase your chances of winning.
2. Do Your Best to Reach the Podium, but Prepare for a Crash
While focusing on reaching the first place, remember to stay safe during the race. More specifically, wear protective gear to avoid different types of potential injuries. Crashing isn’t pleasant, but it’s something you need to be prepared for in order to tackle this sport as efficiently as possible.
3. Learn More About Your Gear
Keep yourself informed about the best gear available, and build a set customized for your specific needs. Once you have it, don’t forget to test your gear on several occasions before the race. Maybe it’s a good idea to see more titanium products in this regard. Choose customization options that fit your needs and skill level. We recommend consulting an expert in such things before doing so, however.
4. Always Wear Your Goggles
Develop a healthy habit of always wearing your goggles, as you must protect your eyes from dirt all the time. Imagine riding at 60 miles per hour and getting sand stuck in your eyes. You don’t know how you’ll react. Maybe your instinct will kick in and you’ll gently push the brakes. Or, God forbid, you’ll start trembling and fall off. And that’s never great, to begin with. It can lead to injuries or even death.
Is Motocross an Attractive Trend?
Motocross racing is an exciting sport that can keep spectators highly entertained while watching their favorite contestants. If you want to learn more about this competitive sport, read more about the general rules, and if you consider trying practicing it, try out our special tips.
As long as you follow the rules and learn how to ride a motocross bike efficiently, you should find this activity enjoyable in no time. Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, there’s a place for you somewhere inside a competitive tournament.
Furthermore, motocross has been popular for quite a few decades now, so it’s very unlikely that it will go away and fade into obscurity any time soon. The fact of the matter is that motocross is a sport that doesn’t discriminate. With the right equipment and vehicle, anyone can join in on the fun.
What Are Your Thoughts?
We’d love to hear what you think about motocross. Does this sport attract you or do you consider it to be just another fad with vehicles that will be outmatched in a few decades? Let us know in the comments down below. We’d also appreciate it if you could share this article with others who are interested in this subject matter.