BMX Riding

Introduction & Assessment

BMX riding is all about bike control — and Utah is a fantastic place to learn. The Glendale BMX Track in Salt Lake City is one of the most accessible beginner tracks in the state, and it's free to ride during open sessions. Start by visiting the track or a smooth, flat parking lot. Get comfortable just rolling: push off, coast, and practice gentle braking. Watch "Vital BMX" and "RideBMX" on YouTube to see what riders do at every level. Notice how they stand on the pedals (attack position) instead of sitting. You're ready for the next step when you can roll 50 feet, stop smoothly, and dismount safely three times in a row.

Foundation Building

The foundation of BMX is your attack position and manual balance. Attack position: stand on both pedals (cranks level), bend your knees and elbows, keep your weight centered over the bike. This is your ready-for-anything stance. Practice it every ride. Now try the "trackstand" — balancing on the bike without moving for as long as you can. Start with 3 seconds and build up. Also practice pumping: push into the ground through dips and bumps to gain speed without pedaling. The YouTube channel "Kink BMX" has great fundamentals videos. You're ready for the next step when you can hold attack position through a gentle turn and pump through two small bumps without pedaling.

Skill Development

Now learn two essential skills: the bunny hop and basic track racing. A bunny hop lifts both wheels off the ground: pull the front wheel up first, then push forward and shift your weight to pop the back wheel up. It's the gateway to almost every BMX trick. Practice on flat ground — even a crack in the pavement gives you something to hop over. For track riding, visit Glendale BMX during a practice session and try the starting hill and first straightaway. Watch "Confidence BMX" on YouTube for step-by-step bunny hop tutorials. You're ready for the next step when you can bunny hop over a 2-inch obstacle (like a piece of tape or a small stick) cleanly.

Practice & Refinement

Refinement means linking skills together with control. Set up a simple course in a parking lot using chalk or cones: a straight section, a wide turn, and two small bumps. Ride the course 10 times per session, focusing on smooth pumping through the bumps and staying in attack position through the turn. Time yourself and try to beat your best time. Also practice hopping over progressively higher obstacles — start at 2 inches and work toward 4 inches. Film your runs to check your body position. You're ready for the next step when you can ride your cone course and bunny hop a 4-inch obstacle consistently in the same session.

Challenge Mode

Challenge mode: your first full track lap and one beginner manual. A manual is a wheelie where you don't pedal — you balance on the back wheel using your body weight. It's difficult but incredibly satisfying. Practice manuals on flat ground: lift the front wheel and hold it for as long as possible before putting it down gently. Also do your first timed lap at Glendale BMX Track. The track community is welcoming to beginners — ask an experienced rider for one tip. Check whether Glendale runs any youth clinics or beginner race days. You're ready for the next step when you can manual for 10 feet without putting your front wheel down or dabbing a foot.

Mastery Demonstration

You've built real skills. Now demonstrate them. Create a short "skills line" that combines a bunny hop, a pump section, and a smooth turn — and ride it clean three times in a row. Film it and share it with the SLCTrips community. Better yet, bring a friend or younger rider to Glendale BMX and teach them attack position and braking. Explaining what you know cements it in your own muscle memory. Look up the Utah BMX state schedule at utahbmx.com to see if there's a beginner race day you could enter. You're ready for the next step when you can ride your skills line clean three consecutive times and explain attack position to someone new.