Intro Sessions
Intro Sessions
Intro 2 BMX
Intro to BMX is the first step on our BMX Pathway. Those new to BMX will have a gentle introduction to the bike by starting out on the flat and learning basic riding skills. Beginner riders can then move onto the track and learn basic BMX techniques such as pumping before moving onto full laps of the track under coaches instruction at all times. The session will concentrate on confidence building, BMX basic skills and National Cycling Centre BMX track etiquette. Riders will be assessed on these and other criteria such as group riding and braking. Once riders can execute the basic techniques the coach will pass them through to the next stage – Intro 2 Start Hill. Riders will be given a BMX Starter membership allowing them to attend a Intro 2 Start Hill.
Intro 2 Start Hill
Intro 2 Start Hill sessions will focus more on braking and controlled riding to ensure that riders are ready for the Start Hill. Riders will have the opportunity to try the Start Hill and gates under the watchful eye of the coaching team. Coaches will ensure that riders can safely descend the Start Hill. There will be more focus on group riding from the Start Hill to better prepare riders for the intensity of the sessions within the Progression strand of the BMX Pathway.
Riders will further be assessed on different criteria, including more on BMX Track etiquette, Start Hill technique and group riding. Once riders have passed the necessary criteria they will then become ‘Progressed’ and will have access to the following sessions: BMX Rider, Progression & Race Skills. Coaches will best advise the rider as to which session to attend based on their ability and the outcome to which they look to achieve i.e. racing or recreation.
BMX Rider
BMX Rider is for those who have been progressed from an Intro 2 Start Hill session but do not feel they are ready for the more intense coaching of a Progression or Race Skills session. Riders will be able to ride full laps of the track including Start Hill and coaches will start to move away from the Intro sessions format and look into more advanced skills, but in a more relaxed and fun environment. The session will continue to look at track etiquette, group riding and BMX skills such as pumping, but will also introduce riders to race related skills such as advanced cornering, manuals, jumping and sprint work. Riders will also spend at least 20 minutes of the session ‘free riding’. This will be an opportunity for riders to see how a gates session runs and also how to move around the track within a gates environment. Coaches will still be on hand to advise and supervise. Riders cannot be accredited on a BMX Rider session. Riders will have to attend either a Progression or Race Skills before being able to ride a Gates session.