HOW TO GET A GOOD BMX GATE START
Today we have a guest post from Matt Boller of BycycleManiac.com.
A good gate start is created by great form and timing. Both of which is achieved by continuous practice.
Timing:
The timing on a gate varies from track to track and person to person. Depending on how fast you react to the lights or horn determines when you want to leave. You ideally want your front tire to just barely be touching the gate as you follow it all the way down. If you react quicker visually then you will want to watch the lights placed at the bottom of the starting hill. Most riders watch the lights and begin to leave when they see the first red light come on. If you react quicker to sound (as I do) then you will listen for the horns. I leave when I hear the first of the four horns sound. Find out which method works best for you and just practice practice practice your timing.
Form:
When standing in the gate you want your cranks to be about level with the ground or inline with your rear chain stay. You should be slightly leaning back placing your body over your seat or rear tire and you should have your wrist rolled forward with a slight bend in your arms and legs. You want to be ready to explode forward when you hear that first horn or see that first light. When you explode out of the gate you want to focus on pushing that first crank down as hard as you can while you thrust your hips forward. This should become one fluent motion. Your front tire should stay as low to the ground as possible. The higher your front wheel comes up out of the gate, the less power you have as you crank
I find that watching video of people with a good gate starts helps my form because I can then compare their starts to mine. You can also film yourself getting a start so you can see your own form and timing.This allows me to focus on what is right and what I need to change. Get out to the track and practice practice practice and remember to have Fun!
-Matt Boller
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