Decoy BMX Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run club located in Newton Abbot, built in 1998. The club is committed to developing riders and promoting fun at the same time. Their track is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability. They offer open sessions for practising and having fun, as well as coaching led by British Cycling coaches.
The club also organises fun club and regional races throughout the year.
Decoy BMX Club has a set of rules that riders must adhere to. These include wearing full face helmets and gloves at all times, and ensuring no bare skin is visible. Riders must ride the track in a clockwise direction, and should only enter when there is a safe gap. Stopping anywhere on the track is not allowed, and if assisting a child, riders should be respectful of other riders and stay to the right of the track.
Additionally, riders need to sign in at the cabin, pegs of any sort are not allowed, and bikes must have a brake. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the site. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult, and those under 16 can ride as long as a parental/guardian contact number is provided.
BMX racing is an extreme sport that is open to all ages and abilities. It is a thrilling and enjoyable event for the whole family. The sport was even added to the Olympic games due to its amazing nature. Decoy BMX Club explains that a race consists of up to 8 riders cycling around a 400m track that features berms, rhythm sections, and jumps.
On a normal race day, riders participate in 3 motos and a final. Depending on the number of riders, a semi-final may also be required. To get a better understanding, interested individuals can watch a video showcasing a race day on the club's website.
For those interested in trying out BMX racing, Decoy BMX Club encourages them to visit and get themselves on the track. If individuals do not own a bike, they can easily hire one from the club for 3 per session. Once riders have mastered the track, they can book themselves into club races or even try their hand at regional racing to take their skills to the next level.
Decoy BMX Club believes that starting BMX racing offers numerous benefits, such as building friendships, getting fit, enjoying great health benefits, having fun, learning new skills, improving coordination, and being a part of a growing grassroot sport. When it comes to equipment, riders with street bikes must remove stunt pegs before riding on the track. Race BMX bikes are available in various sizes, including micro, mini, junior, expert, and pro. The club can provide assistance in finding the right size bike for each individual rider.
Bike hire is also available for a fee of 3 on a first-come, first-serve basis. In terms of safety equipment, riders must wear a full face helmet, gloves, and appropriate clothing. No skin should be visible, and if riders choose to wear shorts, they must also wear full-length knee pads. The club offers helmets and gloves for hire, also on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Decoy BMX Club recommends starting BMX racing by competing in club races first. These mini races are organised by the club, and riders are welcome to attend races organised by other clubs as well. The next step is regional racing, which includes a novice category that does not require a race licence. Riders aiming to race at the expert level will need a race licence, obtainable through the British Cycling website.
For more information and to obtain a racing licence, interested individuals can visit the British Cycling website. National racing is the next level, where riders need to compete at regional expert level for five rounds. This level involves travelling across the entire UK and participating in 12 rounds. The British Champs is the biggest race of the UK season, and riders require a race licence to participate.
To compete in the international Euro League, riders must be competing at the national level.
Decoy BMX Club is passionate about promoting the sport of BMX racing and encourages individuals of all ages and abilities to join their club and experience the excitement and enjoyment that comes with this extreme sport.