BMXA and MTBA membership agreement reached

[Scott]

The long awaited agreement that will allow cross membership for BMXA and MTBA members at a discounted rate has just been inked.

MTBA members with more than 3 months of life on their membership can now join BMXA directly without joining a BMXA affiliated club and pay just $36. Similarly BMXA members with more than 3 months on their membership can remain a member of their BMX club but get a full MTBA membership for the same cost: just $36.

Tony Scott, Executive Officer for MTBA said, "This arrangement completes the triangle of discounted memberships between all the competition cycling disciplines and in particular between the 'dirt' disciplines of BMX and MTB. These innovative value-add arrangements will now allow greater access for BMX riders to contest MTB events in a completely seamless manner as if they were full cost MTBA members (and vise versa) and reflects an arrangement MTBA has had for the last 3 years with the parent body Cycling Australia."

He added, "In regard to BMXA and MTBA, we have a lot in common especially at the 4X and BMX interface. This sensible arrangement will only add and strengthen the 'dirt' cycling disciplines".

The process to obtain a value-add membership is detailed in the membership section of the MTBA website. The full text of the affiliation agreement is available here (http://www.mtba.asn.au/forms/?IntCatId=5).

[luke.b]

I think this is really good. It's a great step forward in combining people of different cycling disciplines for the greater good. Were all on 2 wheels, and hopefully this agreement will be able to unite bike riding in Australia. Hey, I might even go down to the bmx track and have a watch now. I used to race a little, and we all grew up on bmx's as kids.

[alexanderwilkinson-beards]

$36 thats a great price now transfering want be a problem money wise

thanks

[Stef]

9 years ago I raced A pro Bmx. At the time and now I could think of nothing more beneficial to both diciplines of the sport. This is a great move as racing at BMX tracks gives mountain bikers regular racing and training whilst adding a variety of technical skills. Currently I race at Ipswich BMX track and also compete in the Qld MTB DH championship. I think all downhillers should do the same because if your not your missing out.

Also I'd like to add that it is now allowed for mountain bikes to race in the cruiser class of BMX if there is not already enough riders for a separate category (enough being 3). The only requirements are a club membership ($25) and 29 inch bars along with single speed and quick releases zip tied to the frame.

I'll make a formal post on this, until then check with BMXA if you have any uncertainties.

[barnesy]

" The only requirements are a club membership ($25) and 29 inch bars along with single speed and quick releases zip tied to the frame."

There is no requirement to run single speed. Gears are not mentioned at all in the UCI or BMXA rules. You can run a rear cassette if you choose. In fact a few years back Profile were making a BMX specific rear hub with 2-3 gears. Unfortnately it didn't catch on (would have been spot on for MTNX).
.
So go on everyone and expand your racing experience. Both disciplines will benefit. This is a great thing.

[Stef]

" The only requirements are a club membership ($25) and 29 inch bars along with single speed and quick releases zip tied to the frame."

There is no requirement to run single speed. Gears are not mentioned at all in the UCI or BMXA rules. You can run a rear cassette if you choose. In fact a few years back Profile were making a BMX specific rear hub with 2-3 gears. Unfortnately it didn't catch on (would have been spot on for MTNX).
.
So go on everyone and expand your racing experience. Both disciplines will benefit. This is a great thing.

The single speed requirement is definite if you want to race in the cruiser category. Also, nothing must protrude more than 6mm past your axle. This is why derailuers need to be removed. I know this rule is definite for SE Qld, not sure about other states. As far as just racing other MTB's any complete bike is fine.

How much fun are we about to have?

[luke.b]

" The only requirements are a club membership ($25) and 29 inch bars along with single speed and quick releases zip tied to the frame."


I'm a little confused. I haven't raced cruiser, or at a club before. Whats this for?

[barnesy]

Single speed IS NOT a requirement for BMXA. I know this to be fact since a good mate of mine raced the 2004 NSW State Titles on a Planet X, 24 speed jump bike in the cruiser class (25-29 class) ..he also won. When the powers that be consulted the rules to see if he was allowed, it was confirmed that there is no mention of not being allowed to race with gears in BMX. The down side is that most gear sets will not allow a gear change under full load anyway. So it is not an advantage anyway.

If you are being told that you must have a single speed, then this is against the BMXA rules. I have attached the BMXA rules 2007. Section 18 refers to the bicycle. You will see..no mention of not being allowed to run gears. We need to ge this straight so MTBers know they can race their bikes in the cruiser classes as is...