By Abi Hill

Who says BMX is a boy’s sport??? In England today there are certain girls who can blow the boys away on the track with their skills and speed!  BMX is a sport for all ages, male and female and all levels of competence.  You don’t have to be able to jump or manual or even balance on the gate. Obviously these are a bonus but not essential! 

I got into racing 15 years ago when I was 18 years old. I had been to watch my then boyfriend (now my husband) at a few races and decided to give it a go, now I can’t imagine my life without BMX. What would I do with my weekends?? . In fact, after having to take a year out due to being pregnant with my son (now 18 months old) I was itching to get back on my bike, (especially as I had quite a few pounds to shift!!)  We’re very lucky and very grateful that there are so many nice people in BMX willing to look after Kyle so that I can continue to race. 

At regional level the female classes start at 7-9, then 10-12 and 13+. I race in 13+ which is quite funny really as I’m 33 now and old enough to be Mum to some of the riders but it doesn’t put me off, in fact I love the challenge. It’s a mixed bag of skills and speed but the most important aspect is we all have fun and its good, clean competition.  There are a couple of girls who choose to race with the boys at regionals as they are too good for 13+ and need more of a challenge and they do very well in their respective classes. 

National classes start at 7-9 also and work up to 15+, then Elite women (for the faster girls) and 25+, which I compete in.  In 25+ the majority of us ride on cruisers which have 24” wheels and generally more stable than the 20” bikes. Having said that, since 25+ became open to 20” as well, there has been an increase in the class. In fact, at the first national this year we had a final (which means more than eight riders) and this is always good. When the 25+ class is bigger than any other female class, it just goes to show you’re never too old to start! 

Many girls from England race in European Championships and World Championships and many of them have done very well over the past few years with a few titles to be proud of.  Racing at International level is of a much higher standard, meaning that there are many girls in Europe who could show the boys a thing or two about track skills. Having said that, with the help of coaching, there’s nothing to say our female hopefuls won’t be mixing it in the near future!!  I myself am planning to compete in the 19+ ladies cruiser at this years European Championships in Switzerland, knowing full well that the class is made up of 90% Elite women (very fast, very skilful) and I’ll be doing well if my bike leaves the ground on at least one occasion, but you know what, I can’t wait!!! I would be ecstatic if there was a 30+ class for us mere amateur females but having tried more than once to get it in there, it’s not happening but I’ll never give up hope!!! 

So, on a final note, whatever age you are, whatever size you are, however fast or slow you are, it doesn’t matter, BMX is where it’s at. If you need any more info or advice or feel you need a gentle push to get started, please don’t hesitate to contact me on hilly@bmxer.freeserve.co.uk.