Guide to ride

It's with great pleasure that Motorcycling Australia takes the opportunity to inform readers of JUST BIKES on how to go racing in the different disciplines of motorcycling sport across this great country.
If you're looking to get involved in motorcycle sport in Australia, the "Guide to Ride" will give you the low-down on what's required. Keep a look out for this page every month for the latest installment - and get the knowledge you need to get involved in competitive riding!
For more specific enquiries and further information, you can always visit our website:
Juniors
Getting started in Junior Motorcycle Sport can be exciting; however there are a few basic steps that you need to follow before you begin.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) has a book dedicated to getting started for Junior riders, called Kick Start, and it contains all the information you need to get started in Motorcycle Sport, and you can get a copy of this book from your State Controlling Body (SCB).
As there are so many disciplines of Motorcycle Sport available, you will need to choose which one you would like to be involved in; once you have done this you must join an MA affiliated club.
To help you choose a club your SCB's have a list of affiliated clubs, their locations and the type of competitions they promote. Some clubs have a number of different activities, although some specialise in one discipline. You might want to go to a club meeting to find out more before you join.
Many clubs will have a qualified coach as a member who can advise you on how to move forward. They will be able to advise you on what gear you will need to get started and on the basic techniques and skills you need to start racing.
Check out the Manual of Motorcycle Sport too, which you can download from the MA website: www.ma.org.au. This contains a list of protective gear in each discipline's chapter. To begin competition you'll need a suitable motorcycle and the right protective equipment including: a helmet, gloves, and boots. You might also need goggles or a visor, a back protector, body armour and a race suit depending on your discipline.
It is really important that your helmet fits you properly, not one that you'll grow into, and is in good condition. If your helmet has been in an accident, get a qualified person, like a coach or licensed scrutineer or club expert, to look it over. You will not be allowed to compete if your helmet is damaged.
You'll also need to learn the rules for your discipline. Some rules in the Manual of Motorcycle Sport apply to all competitors and all competitions however, some only apply to particular situations; before you even enter an event it is your responsibility to know and understand the rules.
Step 1: Join an MA affiliated motorcycle club
Step 2: Take part in a minimum of five hours coaching and a riding test.
OR
Step 1: Take part in a 'come and try' day and complete a minimum of five hours coaching and a riding test.
Step 2: Join an MA affiliated motorcycle club.
Step 3: Successfully finish theory test
Step 4: Send finished riding and theory tests with application form and fee to your SCB.
Step 5: Once you've got your license, log book and Manual of Motorcycle Sport - GO RACING!
There are plenty of competitions available for Junior riders at all levels including international, such as the 2009 FIM Junior World Motocross Championship held in New Zealand, where Jay Wilson was crowned Australia's first ever Motocross World Champion!
In order to participate in Motorcycle Sport, riders must have a MA Competition License. To get this you will need to join an affiliated club and your SCB will have lists of these and you can get in touch with your SCB on the relevant number below:
Motorcycling New South Wales - (02) 9635 9177
www.motorcycling.com.au/
Motorcycling Queensland - (07) 3281 2255
www.mqld.org.au/
Motorcycling South Australia - (08) 8332 9000
www.motorcyclingsa.org.au/
Motorcycling Tasmania - (03) 6426 1988
www.mtas.org.au/
Motorcycling Victoria - (03) 9482 5422
www.motorcyclingvic.com.au/
Motorcycling Western Australia - (08) 9371 5333
www.mtas.org.au/
Motorcycling Australia Northern Territory - (08) 8983 2200

To find out more about Motorcross, check out the MA website: www.ma.org.au or contact us at
[email protected] or phone (03) 9684 0500.