When you are keen to get into a new sport, it can be difficult to know what to go for. The truth is, there are so many sports out there these days that you are spoilt for choice. However, there are some which are already considered to be classics, and they might be worth a shot. If you are someone who enjoys life on the slightly more extreme side of things, then there is one sport in particular which you might enjoy. Motocross is something which has gained particular popularity in recent years especially. And it’s not too hard to see why. With motocross, you have the perfect blend of adrenaline and fun. If you are keen to get into this particular sport, then this guide is for you. Here are some top tips for getting into motocross today.
Equipment
It goes without saying that you will need a motocross bike if you want to ride. However, choosing which one can be difficult, even if you have done so before. You will probably find it helps to get someone else on board at this stage. The last thing you want to do is spend your money on a bike which doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Similarly, you will want to shop around for the other equipment. Things like gloves and motocross helmets are really important, as they are a safety concern. Be sure to only source the best.
Practice
As with any other sport under the sun, you need to get in a decent amount of practice if you are to do well at this sport. Getting enough practice in motocross is often a matter of simply finding the time. One of the most important parts is also finding a good track to practice on. You ideally want one which is happy to have new riders. Not all of them will be that welcoming, so be sure to look around before settling on one. There is also nothing wrong with jumping between tracks from one week to the next. The most important thing is that you get a decent amount of practice in. This is especially important if you intend to race at any point in the future. To compete in a race, you really need to know what you are doing. The trick is to treat practice with a joyous mindset, rather than a punitive one. After all, it should be a straightforward matter of just going for a ride.
Jumps
The jumps are one of the most important parts of riding in motocross. If you are like many others before you, it is probably the jumps which actually drew you into the sport in the first place. The reason for this is often because they are the most aesthetically pleasing to watch. If this is what you are keen to do, then there is no need to wait around. As soon as you are comfortable riding a bike, you can start to learn how to do the jumps. This is the stage most people find out whether they really have what it takes to ride motocross for real. If you can master some simple jumps at this stage, then you are in good stead. Start slow and get comfortable landing the more simple jumps at first. With a little effort and patience, you will soon be doing those huge jumps we all love to see.
Corners
The corners are not quite as sexy as the jumps – but that is not to say that they are not important. In fact, getting good at the corners is really essential to improving your motocross game. This is especially the case if you ever intend to race. Often, it is at the corners that beginners will find themselves failing much of the time. With that in mind, be sure to get a decent amount of practice in with the corners. Cornering is not just taking a corner at high speed. There is something of an art to it; it can actually be quite a delicate process. Knowing how to corner well is likely to put you in a good position compared to everyone else at the track. It requires a complete control of the entire body and bike in one swift motion. Getting this down is a sure sign that you are progressing well with your motocross talents.
Whoops
Now that you are getting a little more advanced with your skills, we will go onto thicker territory. You might well be wondering what a whoop is. Yet, you will probably be surprised to learn that it is one of the most recognisable aspects of the sport. A whoop is like two small mountains side by side. The aim generally is to get your bike to graze over the top of both of them. This needs to be done in one smooth motion. This is one of those things which is much harder than it sounds. However, get it down right and you are likely to be celebrated at your local track. The key to a successful whoop is to only let the bike graze the tops very slightly. It is a matter of persistence more than anything.
Holeshot
If you are getting good at this, and you are interested in racing, then there are some things to consider. The first is that you will need to get through the holeshot. Most motocross races really consist of two distinct parts. The first is known as the holeshot. It is necessary that you get through this part if you want to proceed into the race proper. The holeshot generally is a little easier – but still challenging. Think of it as being a little like a qualifying round. If you amaze in the holeshot, it is likely that you will do well in the actual race.
Rest & Diet
With all that racing, you might well find yourself forgetting the basics. It is important not to let your body become abused or mistreated. Extreme sports are a lot of fun, but you still need to take care of yourself. If nothing else, you need to stay in peak form to ensure that you perform well in the races. So make sure you get a decent amount of rest between sessions. And be sure to take proper care of your diet.
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