Author Topic: Racing in the UK (Read 9570 times)

Mikku · « **on:** December 04, 2020, 10:46 PM »

So apart from a bike and race kit, what else do you need to go racing in the UK? I've had a look at the British Cycling website and it looks like you need to join them with a minimum of a Bronze Membership (currently 26 quid/year) and that would then allow you to enter local races at least. Would you also need to join the club(s) where you intend to race or could you just rock up with your Bronze Membership card and race? Thanks in advance!

Dingobmxer · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2021, 08:56 AM »

For club racing you for normally need a BC licence but for Regionals and Nationals you do, plus you need a transponder and subscription
I'd also join the local club too

Mikku · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2021, 12:10 PM »

Thanks mate! So are transponders used across the board now, or just in some regions?

The reason for the question(s) is that I'm toying with the idea of taking in a local race when I'm next in the UK. Not sure when that will be, possibly this year if not next but only if it's going to be easy to do. It's always a bloody expensive trip from Japan, so I'd prefer not to add the cost of a transponder to the budget!

Dingobmxer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2021, 09:35 AM »

I think they are pretty much across the board but most clubs have transponders you can hire for the day for a small fee

Mikku · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2021, 10:20 AM »

Cheers mate - good to know!

Mikku · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2023, 11:33 AM »

Am resurrecting this thread because it looks like this could actually happen!! I'm flying back to Blighty in late Feb and have therefore been looking at possible race dates/tracks. The one that seems to tick all the boxes is Round 6 of Royston Rockets' Winter Series on Saturday 4th March. I'm in the touch with the club and am currently working out what I need to do. I can't guarantee that it'll happen but am going to give it a go. The last time I raced in the UK was at Bournemouth about 37 years ago, so I'm excited if not a little nervous by the prospect of a return. Watch this space!

RATTY · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2023, 11:22 AM »

Good luck

HUTCHMAN · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2023, 05:00 PM »

Quote from: Mikku on January 17, 2023, 11:33 AM

Am resurrecting this thread because it looks like this could actually happen!! I'm flying back to Blighty in late Feb and have therefore been looking at possible race dates/tracks. The one that seems to tick all the boxes is Round 6 of Royston Rockets' Winter Series on Saturday 4th March. I'm in the touch with the club and am currently working out what I need to do. I can't guarantee that it'll happen but am going to give it a go. The last time I raced in the UK was at Bournemouth about 37 years ago, so I'm excited if not a little nervous by the prospect of a return. Watch this space!

You got a ride sorted ?

Mikku · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2023, 11:51 AM »

Possibly! Royston have some rental bikes including a Pro XL Intense, which should be a similar-ish size to what I normally race. No idea of spec or condition though, so am a little worried by that, especially if it's anything like the rental bikes I've seen at tracks over here. A Plan B would be to pick up something in the UK which I could then ship back to and sell on in Japan.

Quote from: RATTY on January 31, 2023, 11:22 AM

Good luck

Cheers! I need it!!

HUTCHMAN · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2023, 05:11 PM »

Or we could possibly cobble sumut together.. got a JDB pro or a Robbo as a base.

Mikku · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2023, 12:28 PM »

Quote from: HUTCHMAN on February 01, 2023, 05:11 PM

Or we could possibly cobble sumut together.. got a JDB pro or a Robbo as a base.

Mate, we may have to talk!!

Mikku · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2023, 10:15 AM »

Two weeks today and I should hopefully be at Royston Rockets for their Tuesday night gate practice!! That'll determine whether I can race on Saturday 4th!!

Mikku · « **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2023, 12:16 PM »

It's Tuesday night here, which means that I fly out the day after tomorrow and should be at Royston a week today! I am officially getting excited!!!

Mikku · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2023, 06:30 PM »

Am back in Blighty for the first time in over 7 years!!

In a break from stuffing myself with British food that I can't get in Japan, I went to Royston last night to check out the track. Super-nice track though much more challenging than the Japanese tracks I'm used to! Didn't get much track time, so am going to go back for a longer practice session then see how I feel about racing on Saturday!

Quadog · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2023, 07:32 PM »

Mikku · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2023, 08:38 AM »

Well I made it back to the track for some practice on Friday, survived that, so entered the race on Saturday!! To cut a long story short, I had a great day! Plus I didn't crash and wasn't last, so job's a good 'un!! More details and pics when I get back in front of a pc. Flying back to Japan tomorrow morning!

hotdog · « **Reply #16 on:** March 06, 2023, 04:41 PM »

Mikku · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2023, 01:10 PM »

Am now back in the Land of the Rising Sun, so time for a quick recap and some pics!

Having entered the 17+ class, the only class available to me and 'my' bike (a Pro XL Intense that the club kindly lent me), it turned out that I was the only entrant. That meant my class being merged with the big-wheeled cruiser/mtb class with seven riders, so with me that made a full gate. Basically, the riders were divided by age and ability, with three young guns, who were jumping and manualling up front then us five, more 'mature' riders further back. I had some good dices with two of the latter and finished 6th/6th/5th in the motos. We all went through to the main where I ended up 6th. With more track time and/or my own bike, I reckon I could have finished higher but overall, it was a good day and a great experience, so I'm more than happy with that.

What also struck me was how similar things were to Japan. Everyone was friendly and willing to chat to me (either about bmx or Japan) and there was the same camaraderie between riders both before the races (chatting in staging) and afterwards (as we gathered after the line, all gasping for breath)! I really enjoyed it! If anyone fancies a bit of race action in or around the Hertfordshire area, I would definitely recommend paying Royston Rockets a visit.

Below are some pics of the track, the bike and the race. Cheers!

Mikku · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2023, 01:12 PM »

More pics!

Mikku · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2023, 01:30 PM »

And a final few!

Quadog · « **Reply #20 on:** March 10, 2023, 09:29 PM »