What is motocross?
Motocross is the most popular type of motorcycle racing in the world. The word "motocross" comes from a French term for a combination of cross country and motorcycle racing. The tracks of motocross are usually comprised of dirt roads, hills, and muddy sections. The typical motocross track can accommodate up to forty competitors or more.
Professional motocross races are measured on time, with the average race lasting about thirty minutes. Once the leader crosses the finish line after that amount of time, he or she is signaled that there are two laps left. On the next lap, the leader gets the "one lap to go" signal; after that, the race is finished. Other races are run on laps, so the first rider across the finish line after the prescribed number of laps is the victor. The first three riders that cross the finish line are called "podium finishers" and they earn first to third place.
Motocross bikes range in engine size from 50-350cc, with grouping done on the basis of engine size. Motocross bikes are a lot lighter than street motorcycles, with metals like aluminum being used in place of heavier metals like steel. Race-ready bikes are available, or they can be customized to suit the rider's taste and riding style. The most highly-tuned bikes are called "factory bikes", and they are usually reserved for riders at the highest levels of competition.
Motocross is a very exciting sport to watch, with riders performing gravity-defying jumps and turns. It takes a lot of effort to maintain control of the motorcycle, and spectators can see the riders shifting their weight from one place to another to maximize the bike's speed and maneuverability.
To be a motocross racer, a certain level of fitness is required. Riding places a lot of strain on the muscles of the shoulders, arms, legs and glutes, because the rider has to keep control of the bike on terrain that many people could not walk across. Landing from a high point can place enormous strain on both rider and motorcycle.
Riders can start competing in motocross from the time they are four years old; competitors that small usually ride 50cc bikes. The AMA Championship Motocross series is held in the beginning of May every year, consisting of 24 races at twelve tracks around the US. Events are always held on a Sunday, and the series is considered to be the premier in competitive motocross.