Top 5 Motocross Tips & Etiquette for Beginners

If you're a beginner motocross rider, navigating the track can be both exciting and intimidating. To help you get started on the right foot, I've compiled my top five track tips and etiquette guidelines. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these tips will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Let's dive in!

1. Ride Within Your Skill Level

The first and most crucial tip is to always ride within your skill level. If you're a C rider, sign up for the C practice. It may be tempting to join the A or B group to avoid feeling embarrassed about your skill level. However, doing so can make the sport much more dangerous. Picture this: you're in a practice meant for advanced riders, and you're crossing the track while faster riders zoom past you. This not only puts you at risk but also endangers others on the track.

It's essential to put your ego aside. Remember, the main goal when practicing is to improve your skills and enjoy the ride, not to go home in an ambulance. If you're an A rider but not quite ready for that level, don't be that guy who signs up for the C practice just to feel superior. It can lead to dangerous situations for everyone involved.

2. Avoid Cutting the Track

Next up, avoid the temptation to cut the track. If you find yourself behind a slower rider or are intimidated by a rough section, it's easy to think about skipping parts of the track. However, constantly cutting the track does not help you improve and can be incredibly annoying to other riders.

Learning how to navigate challenging sections is part of becoming a better rider. When experienced riders notice someone cutting corners, it creates a negative impression. They may not say anything, but trust me, they notice. If you have to pull off for a breather due to exhaustion or a pile-up, that's understandable. But repeatedly cutting the track can lead to getting kicked out and not making friends.

3. Remember, It's Practice, Not a Race

Another key point is to remember that practice is not the same as racing. It's common to see riders trying to race each other during practice sessions, but this is not the right mindset. If you're stuffing a newer rider into a corner just to prove a point, you're not only putting them at risk but also yourself.

Practice is the time to work on your skills, not to show off. Lap times don't matter at this stage. If you're a professional, that's a different story, but for most, it's all about improvement. The worst thing you can do is let your ego take control and inadvertently create dangerous situations. If a pass isn't there, don't force it. You're not racing for a million dollars; you're there to practice and learn.

4. Show Respect for the Facility

Respecting the facility where you practice is essential. Motocross isn't a highly profitable sport, and track owners often struggle to break even. Therefore, it's crucial to treat the facility with care. If you have tear-offs, throw them away properly instead of letting them blow in the wind.

Be mindful of your oil and gas spills, and always clean up your pit area. These track owners work hard to provide us with places to ride, and it's vital to show appreciation for their efforts. It's almost common sense, yet sometimes riders forget to act responsibly. The more we respect the tracks, the more likely they will remain open for all of us to enjoy.

5. Help New Riders

Lastly, be a supportive member of the motocross community. If you see someone who is new to the sport and struggling, offer your help. Whether it's assisting them with their bike or providing tips, we all started somewhere. Helping others not only fosters a positive environment but also strengthens our community.

It's disheartening to see faster riders mocking those who are still learning. Everyone deserves to enjoy the sport. If you notice someone without proper gear, kindly suggest what they might need. Encouragement goes a long way in making sure everyone feels welcome on the track.

Conclusion

These are my top five motocross tips and etiquette guidelines for beginners. Remember, the key to enjoying motocross is to practice safely and respectfully. If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out. Let's keep the sport fun and accessible for everyone!

For more motocross tips and to connect with professionals, check out MX Locker or download the app. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content. See you at the track!