Sprockets (7 and Under)

Bundaberg BMX Club

Sprockets (7 and Under)

Sprockets are our youngest pedalling riders under the age of 8. At a minimum, they are aged from 2 years old (on the day) until the year that they turn 7.

They ride 18 or 20 inch wheeled BMX race bikes in the Micro, Mini or Junior frame sizes. The size of the frame is what the rider is most comfortable on and doesn’t influence the race category they must compete in.

Sprockets develop confidence, riding and competition skills they will carry throughout their life well beyond the BMX track. It is a participation based riding category.

Our race season runs during school terms, weather permitting. Sprockets are encourage to come along to our track practices, gates and Friday night racing. Races start from the Start Hill and are a full lap of the track.

When First Starting Out

During our race season, beginner Sprockets can roll through the gate for training, or have a parent hold them steady until they feel confident to balance on their own at the gate.

There is NO supervision for children and youth participants. Parents must stay and supervise their children.

What is BMX Racing?

BMX racing is a type of off-road bicycle racing. Tracks usually consist of a starting gate for up to eight racers, and a dirt track filled with jumps, berms, rollers and a finish line. Whilst Sprockets aren't scored, for riders aged 8 and over the goal of racing is to be the fastest, so tricks don’t make their way into this side of the sport all too often.

Races consist of six motos (laps) for Sprockets. Riders complete one moto, with a short break before the next moto.

While BMX racing is an individual sport, the sport is very family oriented and largely participant-driven, with riders ranging in age from 2 to 50 and over.

Four Week Free Trial

AusCycling offers a 4 week trial membership for those looking at joining Bundaberg BMX Club. While utilising the trial membership we encourage riders to not only come along to gate practice but also to our Friday night races, this way your child can experience the full sport.

While on the BMX track, all riders must wear;

Long pants, not leggings
Long sleeved t-shirt or fishing shirt
Covered shoes and socks, not sandals or crocs
Full-fingered gloves *
Full-face helmets, such as those designed for motocross and downhill mountain biking

We ask that you dress your child appropriately and bring your own full-fingered gloves with you. Stores like Bunnings sell kids gardening gloves for under $5.

The following clothing is acceptable for riders on a 4-week trial membership, after this, we ask that riders dress as per below.

Loan Equipment

Bundaberg BMX Club has a limited number of full-face helmets and BMX race bikes available to borrow when your child is first starting.

We strongly encourage the purchase of your own helmet as soon as you are able to, as our loan helmets are second-hand donations from riders we cannot guarantee their condition.

Clothing and Safety

While on the BMX track riders must wear.

Long pants, such as those made for motocross or mountain bike/BMX racing
Long sleeved jersey
Covered shoes and socks, not sandals or crocs
Full face helmets, such as those designed for motocross or mountain bike/BMX racing
Full-fingered gloves

Bike Guidelines and Sizing

All BMX race bikes, clothing and equipment must comply with the regulations detailed in Part IV of the UCI Regulations.

Wheels: All BMX race bikes have a 20-inch wheel, some "micro" framed bikes have an 18-inch wheel
Brakes: All bikes must be fitted with a rear brake which is operated by hand (not a coaster brake), a front brake may be fitted but is not required
Handlebars: Grips are mandatory, handlebar ends must also be covered with no exposed metal
Bells, footpegs, baskets etc must be removed from the bike for the safety of your child and other riders

Unlike mountain bikes and freestyle BMX bikes where the wheel increases with the frame size, all BMX race bikes have a 20-inch wheel.

BMX racing bikes are designed for speed and performance on tracks, featuring lightweight frames and narrow tires for quick acceleration. In contrast, freestyle bikes are built for tricks and stunts, with sturdier frames and wider tires for better stability and shock absorption during jumps.

Micro - this is the smallest sized bike, these traditionally come with a 20-inch wheel, however some manufacturers have started producing them with an 18-inch wheel for younger riders
Mini - Suitable from approx 5 -7 years old, to a small 8 years old
Junior - Suitable from 8 years old, or a large 7 year old
Expert, Expert XL, Pro, Cruiser 24" - These frame sizes are unsuitable for a Sprocket

When Do Sprockets Ride?

Our BMX racing season runs during the 4 school terms, weather permitting. Sprockets can ride during track practice, gates sessions and at any of our race nights, there is no timing or scoring of their races, Sprockets race for fun and participation.

Track practice is 60 minutes of unstructured track time for riders to practice at their own pace.

Please check our Facebook page for up to date session days and times.

Is Coaching Available?

We encourage Sprockets to develop skills at their own pace during track practice and racing. Riders can practice standing and pedalling at home, and develop core strength skills with the help of other members.

When Coaching is available, details will always be posted on our Facebook page.

What are the Fees?

Annual membership and insurance fees are exclusive of race nomination fees and open gates fees. Fees are correct as at 1st January 2025.

Sprocket Race Licence and annual club membership - $131 per year,
Open Gates/Track Practice - $5 each visit
Club Races - $10 for each race
Number Plate - $25

Qld Play On Sport Vouchers

Qld Play On Vouchers are accepted and usually cover joining fees plus gates practice and racing for up to 2 months. Please ask our friendly registrar about how this works.

How Do I Join and Information About the 4 Week Free Trial ?

If your son or daughter hasn't held an AusCycling or BMXA membership in the last 3 years, and has never held a trial membership you, you might like to start with the "Four Week Free Trial". The four week period starts from the day that you fill out the form, so make sure you are able to make it to the track as we are unable to issue a new trial membership.

Riders using the 4 week trial membership are asked to sign into the session at the canteen and pay the session fee of $5.

Riders using a trial membership are able to access gate practice, Friday night club racing and some bronze events. When coming to the track don't forget to dress your child in appropriate clothing and bring full finger gloves with you. We have limited loan bikes and helmets available to borrow.

At the conclusion of your trial you will receive an email from AusCycling to sign up for full membership.

Bundaberg BMX Club