The following details are concerned with licences, protective equipment and bikes.

'A' Licence
This licence includes accident insurance which you pay in with your licence fee at the begining of each season and is primarily for the rider who rides very regularly, possibly every week.

'Discretionary' Licence
Must be 28 years or over, or must of held an AMCA licence Before 2000,or Must have a family member with a full AMCA licence.

For riders aged 11 to 15 will have to take out a provisional licence which is upgraded once they pass a test at a local motocross event. Rider must be able to control the machine, to pick up and restart the machine, plus know all the AMCA flags.

Licence Costs,  Motocross
A' Licence: £140.00
Licence fee £45,  Personal Accident £35.00,  Public liability £60,  Total £140.00

Discretionary' Licence: £60. Accident and liability paid with entry fee.

A' Licence Under 16 Years of age,  £93.   Including accident and liability. 

All Licences are subject to a late renewal fee of £20 after 1st March.  After 1st July reduced rates available.

Entry Cost
For 'A' Licence holders: £18.00 per meeting
For 'D' Licence holders: £29.00 per meeting

Club Membership Fees
Riding Members: £30.00 per year
Social Members: £15.00 per year

Once you have your licence and insurance paid up you need to enter for a meeting. The AMCA has a unique entry system whereby each club secretary receives a computer list of all their club members for each meeting.

Riders sign next their name and pay their fee. This must be done at the latest two weeks before that particular meeting. The AMCA office then processes these entries and riders obtain a pass through the post with dates, times and directions of that meeting.

Tickets are sent out in the week prior to the meeting.  All licences must be renewed annually and this can be explained when the time arises.  The costs may increase slightly and once the whole process is done you will be issued with a new licence and riding number for the oncoming season.

Choosing what protective equipment to wear is vitally important. Some areas can be bought second hand but areas like helmets should be bought from new if possible.

Helmet
It is important to note that the helmet must adhere to the BSI approved standard and bear an ACU stamp.  Only helmets with detachable fins are allowed. BS6658 type A. 

Goggles
Available in different sizes and are the only protection between your eyes and flying objects.  All eye wear must be non splinterable. 

Chest Protector
Protection for upper body and spine regions. Most are adjustable and made from plastic or hard foam to deflect rocks.

Race Shirt
Made from strong cotton or friction-resistant synthetic, some carry a built in padding area for protecting shoulders and elbows.  Long sleeves only. 

Body Belt
Sometimes known as a kidney belt this elasticated belt offers protection to your lower spine and are highly recomended by riders.
 
Gloves
These feature a soft but high-impact material upper for protection and a soft palm with a stretchy material in between for comfort.

Race Jeans
Modern race jeans feature kevlar for protection as well as synthetic materials with anti-friction linings and stretch panels for comfort.

Knee Pads
There are a variety of knee pads on the market and are used either to avoid injury or to support an area which is in constant danger.

Boots
The best boots feature impact-resistant materials on the shin, instep and ankle area with softer materials sewn in for ease of foot movement. Like the helmets, it is important to pay extra for a good quality pair of boots.

We are able to advise on what protective equipment to buy. There are not many places to buy second hand gear although there are opportunities to buy from fellow riders. For new gear there are dealers in the area who stock the latest stuff.

Choosing a bike will determine what class you will be riding in. There are two capacity classes: 125cc & open.  The 125cc or 144cc  two stroke bikes are the lightest with the smallest engine capacity they race with 250cc four strokes which are are heavier but have a good power and traction advantage.   Next is the 250cc two strokes and big four strokes race Called open class.  There are a number of different manufacturers who make motocross bikes, released every year.

The most frequent japanese bikes are Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha & Kawasaki. European bikes are also becoming more popular with KTM, Husqvarna  & TM leading the way. When starting off the chances are that all the above bikes will suit the beginner equally as well. It is only when you become faster that you may feel able to decide which is the fastest for you and opt to change machinary.

Buying a second hand bike is extremely common when starting motocross. It is important though to realise the same basic principles about choosing a new car, for example. You must always check the bikes over, give it a test ride, look for obvious defects and quiz the owner about circumstances surrounding the selling of the bike.You certainly don't want an unreliable bike that could not only spoil your racing but also cost you financially.
 
For a full guide on what to look for we are able to advise prospective riders so that your first bike suits your needs to the maximum potential Once you have bought your first bike it will require regular maintenance which also includes extra costs depending entirely on your budget and obviously how often you race.

Petrol, engine oil, coolant, filter oil, chain lube, gearbox oil are all needed to keep the bike running. Parts for the engine, suspension and wheels are not needed so frequently. Any other costs would be purely aesthetic and would be the decision of the individual rider.

Once again, we are happy to advise and help all new members of the club.
The licence fees, entrance fees, equipment, bike & maintenance costs have all been considered. We advise you to buy basic to start off with. You do not need the expensive top of the range clothing but thought should be given to not skimping on the price of engine parts for the bike, for example, or a new helmet. If you require any further help then please do not hesitate to contact us at the club.