Raising Cain On Your Dirt Bike

Street riding alone won't help you with your racing ability. There
is much to learn before you take to the track, if you want to be
competitive.One of the requirements for dirt bike racing is proper
apparel. Each entrant must wear protective long sleeves and long
pants. Above the ankle, flat heeled boots are required as well as a
full face helmet. Racing gloves are also a must. Now that you're
dressed properly, you have just begun and there's much more to
know.Courtesy to all, on the track and off, is demanded. You can be
eliminated for use of vulgar, abusive, and foul language at any time
at the meet. When passing another racer on the track, you must give
him or her a wide birth, and, if you are being passed, you must allow
room for safe passage. Of course, no drugs of any kind, including
alcohol, are allowed. Coming to a race 'loaded' can impair your
judgment and endanger your safety as well as that of the other
contestants. Your good sportsmanship can help you win races.Another
important aspect of racing is knowledge of the colored racing flags
which must be obeyed. The varied colors can mean: start, one lap to
go, caution, disqualification of rider, hold your line, slow and
maintain position, oil on track, stop race for emergency, or end of
race. We all know the checkered flag, but ignorance of all these flags
and disobedience can be cause for disqualification.The American
Motorcyclist Association (AMA) rulebook, which you can read online,
can help you learn the flag messages and inform you of all the rules
of racing. You must be knowledgeable if you want to participate and
win.