The first thing to do before starting in motorcycle sport is to visit an event and determine whether this is really what you want to do. This may seem obvious to most of us, but sadly, as those of us who are organisers of the sport know only too well, there are many people who have watched it on the television and decide that they would like to emulate those on the box. Indeed, it is not unknown for these people to turn up at their first event fully equipped with new machine, new riding gear etc., but completely unaware of what is, or may be, required of them.

There is absolutely no substitute for attending several meetings of the discipline you are interested in, or many disciplines if you haven’t made your mind up what discipline you want to participate in. For example, you may want to ride in trials or road racing or any of the disciplines in between, i.e. enduro, motocross or grass track. There are also some other disciplines which may be a little more unknown that may interest you more. Overall though, whatever you wish to do, get out and have a look a a typical event.

Whilst at the event, ask questions of the riders, organisers and officials regarding what is required to compete but, of course, do not intrude when they are busy, or in the case of a rider, when they are ‘psyched’ up waiting for the start of a race or about to enter a section. Most riders and organisers will be only too willing to help as we all like to welcome newcomers into our sport.

Here in the Eastern Centre, we specialise mainly in the off-road disciplines although we do have the Snetterton race circuit within our borders. Unfortunately, there are no currently no active road racing clubs in the centre and most clubs specialise in Motocross, Enduro, Trials and/or Grass Track. In fact many clubs are multi-disciplinary. The likelihood also exists that Supercross and Supermoto may be added to the disciplines run by centre clubs at some time in the future.

Before being able to enter an ACU organised event, it will be necessary to belong to an ACU affiliated club. For a list of clubs affiliated via the Eastern Centre ACU please visit the Eastern Centre website.