You will be expected to provide your own equipment if you go to a practice track (bike, clothing, boots, helmet, body armour etc) but training schools should provide all of this for you. Training schools obviously cost more per day (around £150) but don’t involve the financial commitment of buying a bike and all the gear if you want to “try before you buy”.

www.mxtrax.co.uk has contact details and reviews of most reputable practice tracks around the UK.
www.goldingbarnraceway.co.uk is a reputable track based in Sussex - their site has a lot of useful information about what to expect from a practice track which may be useful for beginners.
www.yamaha-schools.co.uk is just one example of an off-road training school, but most of the major bike manufacturers have their own version of this.

If you’ve tried the practice days/training schools and want to start competing, you’ll need to join an off-road club in your area and get an ACU (Auto Cycle Union) competition licence. The ACU’s website provides contact information of every club in the UK and you can either get a licence application form from your club or direct from the ACU. Licences cost around £35 and are valid for one year. It’s advisable to stick to practise tracks until you’re confident of your own ability and won’t be a liability to other riders. It may also be wise to attend a few events and volunteer to marshal – that way you get to see another side of the sport, are able to judge possible pit-falls without the unwanted side-effects and get to chat to fellow riders and organisers about what goes on.

Under the ACU regulations, once you have your licence, you can enter Motocrosses in your “Centre” (area) and depending on where you live, neighbouring Centres as well. The average entry fee is usually around £30-35 (more for sidecar entries) per event – this usually gives you three races of about 10-15 minutes. Information about forthcoming events can be found in the back of Trials and Motocross news in the “Regs available” section or your Centre may publish a monthly magazine containing entry forms, so it’s worth asking your club’s membership secretary. Not many events allow you to enter on the day now, so try and enter at least two weeks in advance to be sure of getting a ride.

You’ll need some sort of van or trailer to get your equipment to and from the event – a van is a better option if possible so that you can get changed in the back and/or shelter from the weather between races. Most motocrossers have a van with an awning attached to the side, but a cheaper option is to get yourself a fold-out gazebo from a DIY store.

As a beginner you will be able to compete in classes such as Junior, All-comers, Open or the class suitable for your engine size. If you are unsure about which class you should enter, contact the Secretary of the Meeting for advice – they’ll be only too happy to help!

Once the Secretary of the Meeting has received your entry form, cheque and self addressed envelope, they will process your entry and post confirmation of your class and riding number back to you. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct numbers on your bike before the event and that your equipment is up to scratch. On arrival at the track on race day you will be required to “sign on” (for insurance purposes) before getting your bike and crash helmet scruitineered. Each class gets 10 minutes free practice in the morning – the event programme will give more specific details about the running order of the races and you’ll need to keep an eye on which race is which so that you don’t miss your start.

If at any point you’re unsure of what to do next or where you should be, the Secretary of the Meeting, Clerk of the Course or Starters are the people who know what’s going on, so just ask one of them. Chances are other riders in the paddock would be able to help you but, bless ‘em, Motocrossers aren’t always the quickest to cotton on and may not know what day it is, let alone be able to advise you as to where you’re supposed to be!