BMX Games

BMX games

BMX games were born in the early 1970s in Southern California when children who were inspired by motocross began racing bikes on dirt trails. By April 1981, the International BMX Federation had been founded, and in 1993, the Union Cyclist International welcomed the integration of BMX.

What are BMX Games?

Did you know...?

Did you know that frames and forks on high-end BMX bicycles are made of chromoly?

As a variant of steel, chromoly has high carbon content. It is more durable than stainless steel yet significantly lighter. If your goal is to participate in professional BMX games, consider a bike made of this strong material.

As different styles of cycling have fused, stunts and tricks previously only seen in BMX riding can now be appreciated in Freeride BMX biking.

BMX Freestyle was developed by racers who had the goal of pushing the performance of their bikes to the limits. Bob Haro, founder of Haro Bikes is often called the "Father of Freestyle." He invented Flatland BMX and designed the first frame and fork that was tailored solely to BMX Freestyle.

5 Disciplines of BMX Games

BMX games today encompass Dirt, Flatland, Park, Street, and Vert principles.

Dirt - This popular type of BMX biking involves jumps built from dirt on the trails. Jumps consist of a steep lip and a less steep landing, with a gap in between.

Flatland - Flatlanders rarely explore the other four principles of Freestyle BMX biking. They are generally very dedicated to perfecting their technique. This variation involves balancing and spinning tricks on a flat surface. Knurled aluminum pegs are often used by riders to achieve unthinkable positions.

Park - Skate parks are made of concrete, metal, or wood. Concrete ones generally feature bowls and pools. Wood is favored by those looking to achieve a flowing style, and metal is the most durable option, and less prone to damage.

Street - These BMX games use everything from public space to urban architecture to achieve tricks. Curbs, handrails, ledges, and stairs are elements riders find attractive.

Vert - This popular type of Freestyle BMX game is performed in a half pipe. Two-quarter pipes face one another like ramps, and a lip is created with metal for riders to do grinds and stalls. This principle is where you hear riders talk a lot about catching air.

Cycling Races

The drive to race and compete with each other manifests itself in almost every kind of activity, and cycling is no different. Eager children race their friends to the end of the block. Adults hold amusing bike races in silly costumes for charity. BMX riders pedal furiously around special built-up courses, and road bike races can span hundreds of miles over various types of terrains.

If you look into it, I am certain you will find organizations or bike shops in your city that hold races - some of which might be just right for you. Even if you cannot seem to find an organized race, why not start your own with your friends? If you like to get more information on how to organize a bicycle road race I can recommend this link.

No Competitive Cycling Games

Tip: Bicycle games are a great way to meet like-minded friends.

It's pretty hard to stick to a strict training regimen when you're the only cycling enthusiast in your social circle.

If you don't know any other avid cyclists, sign up for some bicycle games in your region. You'll meet some great people who may turn out to be your new training partners.

There is also ample fun to be had on bicycles without the stiff competition found in the "competitive race" environment. Urban hipsters hold scavenger hunts in cities, following clues, finding little prizes, and discovering different parts of the city - all while having a great time. One form of this biking event is the midnight-moonlight mystery ride. Your city just might have one!

During the midnight-moonlight mystery ride, bike riders meet after dark and follow a chosen leader - only the leader knows how the ride will unfold. BMX riders go out together to turn innocuous urban terrain into an endless cement sea of possibility!

Explore Your City and its Culture

These bike events can show how the bicycle can be a vehicle of inspiration and liberation. One can re-experience the city they "thought" they knew while becoming more fit - in addition to meeting other inspired people who just want to have a good time on their bikes! If you think that biking exercise is boring, why not try some of these fun activities? You are sure to find that being out on your bike inspires your mind as well as your body!

Know Your Intentions

It is often beneficial to know which discipline of Freestyle BMX game you want to focus on before picking your bike. The design is slightly varied for each, but that is not to say you can't use one bike to dabble in multiple areas. Many people do.

Tires - The biggest different is seen in the tires. Tires used for BMX games straddle the line between dirt and pavement designs. The tread must provide optimum traction, grip, and speed when you are accelerating and cornering.

Brakes - BMX riders tend to prefer linear-pull brakes for maximum braking power. Trail and street riders more focused on control may lean towards U-brakes, as they offer superior modulation.

Handlebars - Aside from strength and weight variations, the difference in handlebar shape is very subtle. Keep in mind that bars on a 20-inch BMX cruiser will be slightly higher in rise than those on a 24-inch bike.

BMX Games: Choosing the Right Bike

The Schwinn Sting-Ray is known as the first BMX bike.

It was introduced in 1963 and changed everything. Its dramatically different design made it Schwinn's bestselling bike overnight.

Today, bikes used for BMX games are made by several manufacturers. Since the bike's main purpose is to execute tricks, its shape is smaller than other varieties. This includes tube length (see bicycle frame size), as well as wheel circumference.

Although a BMX bicycle is not the best option for those commuting by bicycle, these bikes can still be seen in abundance throughout the city. This is because riders are always on the lookout for intriguing urban terrain to use for tricks.