BMX Words

20 inch The size of the wheels on most BMX bikes and refers to  the class in which a riders  participates

Backside          The landing area or downside of a jump

Berm                A berm is a banked corner. Berms can be made entirely of dirt, or covered in asphalt or concrete. A typical BMX track
has 3 or 4 berms

Clips                Refers to clip-in pedals. For riders 13+ years old only

Cruiser             The class of bike with 24” wheels

Double            Two bumps on a track that are thought of as one feature

Gate                Refers to the start gate.  Doing “gates” means that a rider is practicing their gate starts.

Holeshot         A rider gets the “holeshot” if they are the first rider to the first corner

Lip                    Is the top of a jump and refers to the sharpness of the jump

Manual           Riding your bike along on the back wheel, normally to gain speed through the rhythm section or doubles

Moto   A race to qualify for a quarter final, semifinal, or final race.

Meet                 A competitive opportunity organized to bring riders of a similar competitive ability together

NQM                 A Nominated Qualifying Meet to gain points to qualify to compete at a National Championships meet.

Number Plate   To ride in meets, bikes must have a number plate that meets BMXNZ regulations

Pits                    An area near the start ramp, where riders congregate, ready for a call up at the start of  the race round.

Points Hut         The building usually located after the finish line where the admin and control of race meets happen

Pumping           The technique used to gain speed over bumps

Rhythm Section  The section of track consisting of several bumps in which riders get into a rhythm by pumping and manualling

Roller               A single bump that has no lip

Table-top          A jump that has a flat top

Triple               Three bumps on a track that are thought of as one feature

UCI                     Age that rider turns that year