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Riding dirt bikes is awesome! There is nothing quite like the thrill of getting on a dirt bike and blasting around your local track or riding area.
Introduced to New Zealand in the mid Eighties, Mini MotoX in New Zealand has grown and now has a huge following. 190-200 riders can attend the annual National and North -South Island Championships and it is easy to get 60-80 riders at a local club round any weekend of the year.
Recent studies have revealed that Mini MotoX out weighs Rugby, in parent participation by 2 to 1. Mini MotoX encourages hand/eye coordination and improves reflexes and promotes good sportsmanship among others. If riding for competition it can also encourage a healthy diet, fun and fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The sports "peers" are great role models for the young riders, and regularly attend Mini MotoX events and watch the kid's race. They give up their time to hold training days, and most are very approachable when asked for advice. Racing is held in all types of weather so it also can prevent "TV syndrome and Play Station thumbs" which is an on going problem with today's children. Buy a child a Motorcycle and you open up a new option of sports to a child, that may find rugby or soccer not to their taste, or other sports that are to hard to master. On the plus side for the parents is you get to spend quality time with your child watching them learn and have fun and socializing with other children with the same interest.
What is Mini MotoX?
Mini MotoX is designed for Children aged 4 to 10 years of age. It is intended to be an introduction to the off road motorcycling sport, providing an outlet for youthful activities under controlled conditions.
Goals are to:
1: Encourage and support our young riders.
2: Give an introduction to motorcycle riding and its various disciplines.
3: Undertake training, coaching, fun day events and competitions.
4: Give an introduction to the spirit of racing.
How old does my child need to be able to get started as a Mini Rider?
To ride, a child should be able to ride a two wheeled bicycle and control it with reasonable confidence. These are the basic skills needed to progress to a 50cc Motorcycle. Children can start riding Motorcycles from any age, but 4 years is the recommended starting age. This will allow them to understand basic riding and racing rules.
What equipment does my child need?
They will require a Motorbike, Helmet, Boots or sturdy gumboots, full length shirt and pants, gloves and Body Armour that covers the chest and back areas of the body. Please note that Body Armour is an absolute must and a child cannot race without it. Goggles are also recommended.
What are the costs involved in Mini MotoX?
Like any motor sport, it does cost money to race competitively, but to help reduce the cost involved in Mini MotoX; bikes are allowed minimum performance enhancement modifications. This ensures that all riders remain competitive and relying on bike skill, rather than the rider with the biggest budget winning all the races! How much it costs, depends on how much you want to spend. Second hand bikes can be picked up cheap providing a great first bike at low cost. Safety gear can be expensive, but what cost do you put on your child's safety. Again, good quality gear can be purchased secondhand, again keeping your cost down.
How can I, as a parent assist with Mini MotoX?
Firstly, you as a parent can assist your child by supporting their desire to give Mini MotoX a try. It may seem, stupid, to put a 4-5 year old onto a machine that could possibly hurt them. But let's face it, how many children fall of Bicycles at home with no safety gear on. Mini MotoX has a very fine safety record due to the safety gear and rules required by MNZ, and generally most injuries sustained are only sprains and bruises.
Like any sport, the club you belong to relies on volunteers to help on the day, such as lap scoring or flag marshalling.
What is there after Mini MotoX?
After Mini MotoX, riders progress to the Junior MX Classes. This occurs on their 11th birthday or they can elect to move up earlier if they wish. After 4-5 in the junior classes the rider then becomes a senior level rider. New Zealand has a proud sporting record in MotoX overseas and currently has two riders in the World MX1 Championships. Taupo's very own Ben Townley is also the current MX2 world Champion.
Any inquiries or questions about Mini MotoX contact:
Danny Thompson
Rotorua Motorcycle Club, Mini MotoX coordinator.
Visit our websites:
www.shootzracing.bravehost.com
www.rmcc.bravehost.com
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