Pit bike racing can be a fun and intense activity for kids and adults alike, but before participating in pit bike racing, it is important for the rider to become familiar with the pit bike as well as the techniques one will need to use while racing. Most importantly, a racer should be sure to obtain all the proper safety equipment for racing, as all race organizers will require the racer to be wearing a helmet and other protective equipment. The racer should also be sure to find out the specific pit bike requirements for a specific race, as certain sizes of engine and size may dictate which races the racer is eligible for.
Pre-riding the course before pit bike racing starts is an important preparatory step toward racing success. Riding the course beforehand, even at a slow speed, will allow the racer to make note of particularly difficult sections of the course, the location of jumps, how and when to start turns, and so on. The racer should remember that the course can change from one day to the next, so pre-riding the course the day of the race is preferable in order to can get a feel for the consistency of the dirt, difficulty of the track layout, and so on.
Most pit bike racing courses feature jumps from which the rider can launch the bike into the air. It will be very tempting for pit bike racing riders to perform tricks during such jumps, but this should be avoided during the race, as turning the bike in the air can slow the rider’s forward progress, thereby putting him or her at a disadvantage. It is best to instead gain as little air as possible and keep the bike straight while in the air; tilting the front wheel down slightly will also help the rider prepare for the landing, though pointing the front wheel down too far can cause a crash.
Experienced motocross riders may find pit bike racing to be a similar experience, but since the bike is much smaller, it will handle very differently. When making the transition from motocross racing to pit bike racing, it helps to practice on the bike for a significant amount of time before the race day. This will ensure the rider is ready for the different feel and handling of the bike. Race day is likely to be a somewhat tense time, as pre-race nerves and onlookers can affect a rider’s focus. Practicing on the bike ahead of time will ensure the rider is prepared for the experience and will help calm his or her nerves.