Motocross Glossary
If you want to sound like you know what you’re talking about, slip a couple of these terms into your conversation:
Motocross or MX – motorcycle riding on a man-made dirt track with hills, jumps and sharp turns
Berm – a sloping corner
1 down 4 up – refers to the position of the gears (first gear is found by clicking down with your left foot; you then click up to find second, third, fourth and fifth)
Endo – to fall forward over the bike’s handlebars
Fender grab – a trick in which you reach forward and touch your front mudguard while jumping through the air
Crusty Demons of Dirt – a film showcasing motocross and featuring riders who jump more than 50 metres over sand dunes, mountains, houses, buses and much more
How Does It Work?
Do I need to have my own motorbike?
No, they are provided.
Do I need to have riding experience?
No, beginners are ok.
Do I have to speak Chinese?
No, instruction is available in both Chinese and English.
Can I bring my child/granny?
Yes, the club is completely family friendly.
So anyone can go?
Yes.
Where is it?
Cheng Lek Village, Sheung Shui, NT.
How do I get there?
Three options: KCR and minibus, KCR and taxi, your own car.
What do I bring?
Old clothes to ride in and new ones to change into when you finish.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes, some drinks and snacks are available, but feel free to bring your own if you want.
What if it rains?
Then you will get muddy and have a lot more fun!
When is it open?
Every day, unless the team is racing on the Mainland.
How much is it?
Very reasonable.
Can I go right now?
It is better if you ring ahead and book a day and time.
Check out the website for further information including prices, photos, race calendars, maps, contact details and much more.www.mxclub.com.hk |
Though most people do not even know it exists, the Hong Kong MX Club has been around for a while – based for five years in another location and five at its current site. Regardless of whether you are a fanatical, hardcore, Crusty Demon of Dirt (see sidebar), or just curious to have a look at and/or ride a motorbike, a visit to the park is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
Motocross is relatively unknown locally when Hong Kong is compared to countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and Japan, with much larger numbers of tracks and riders. The downside for prospective riders in those countries, however, is that they need their own bike or to be friends with someone who has one. The Hong Kong MX Club is great, not only because it is the only local outdoor motor sports facility, but because anyone can partake in the fun.
The club has a range of bikes to suit all ages, sizes and abilities for hire. For the kids the club has 50cc mini-bikes while 100cc bikes are best for beginners, and the larger and more powerful 250cc bikes suit people ready to start chasing some serious airtime. There are even four wheelers for those after a little more stability.
Angus Lai, club manager and chairman, says renting out bikes is perfect for Hong Kong as it encourages more people to try the sport. “I want to promote motocross in the region,” he says. “Especially here in Hong Kong where outdoor sports are not as popular.”
And as the club has a bike to suit every ability, it has tracks to suit riders of every level. The most basic is oval shaped and completely flat, and ideal for beginners. Most people start out here with lots of helpful instruction by the club staff. Those who are feeling confident and have mastered the skill of operating the hand controls, can move onto a track with a few more bumps and berms (corners). And riders with previous experience or who are just fast learners will find plenty of opportunities to get their adrenaline pumping.
As well as the bike and use of the track, the club provides all the safety gear: helmet, goggles, body armour, elbow and knee pads, gloves and boots. Everything is kept in tip-top condition and washed thoroughly after each use.
Safety is a prime concern of the club and so riders are well supervised, with beginners kept within their limits. The instructors are patient and want to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable time: though that can mean spending your whole first day just getting the hang of the gears. “We have all sorts,” instructor and team-rider Tony Sandstrom, says. “The other day I helped a 14-year-old girl and gradually she was able to feel how the clutch releases and you start to move forward. She loved it.”
To use the facilities you have to be a member of the Hong Kong MX Club. Currently the approximately 500 full (annual) members are a fairly even mix of locals and expats, but those who just want to try it out can become a member for a single day. The track is popular, particularly on weekends and holidays, so Angus prefers if you ring ahead to book a day and time. This guarantees you (or your group) sole use of the track and again helps to ensure everyone’s safety. Angus says to get the most out of it, people should come in groups of up to 10 (it’s more fun than riding by yourself) and plan to spend the whole day.
Visitors are recommended to leave their favourite Gucci outfits at home and wear an old pair of jeans, t-shirt and a pair of thick socks. Riders get hot and sweaty so a change of clothes is not a bad idea.
As well as single-day track use, monthly races and annual use, Angus is currently developing four-day camps, incorporating riding, fitness training and plenty of barbecues. So whether you are looking for something to do over the summer holidays or somewhere to go for your next company retreat, the Hong Kong MX Club may be an exciting option. |
Shaolin Soccer
 Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the handover, there will be a Handover Soccer Tournament on 1 July, featuring three mouth-watering games. It’s the FIFA All-Stars against the Chinese national team; German giants and four times European Champions League winners Bayern Munich take on the South American giants and twice World Club Champions Sao Paulo. And finally the Hong Kong Movie Stars take on the Chinese Movie Stars, no reports yet as to whether Stephen Chow will be taking part. Tickets are only $60 but we’ve no exact date as to when they go on sale. What: Henderson Handover Cup When: 1 July Where: HK Stadium How Much: $60 Enquiries: www.hkfa.com
Football Feast
Football fans will get the chance to see their heroes in action as Liverpool, Portsmouth and Fulham compete in the Barclays Asia Trophy in July. The four-team tournament line-up will be completed by Hong Kong’s FA Cup winners South China and the action will take place at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium. Pompey will take on Fulham in the first semi-final on July 24, with Liverpool facing the Hong Kong entrants later that day. The third-place play-off and final will then be played on July 27
What: Barclays Asia Trophy When: 24 & 27th July Where: HK Stadium How Much: tbc Enquiries: www.hkfa.com
Summer Ice
 The World Ice Hockey 5’s take place this month with 62 teams from around the world taking part in the largest ice hockey tournament in Asia. Expect the action to be fast and furious at the MegaBox ice rink – where NHL superstar, Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks – currently contesting the Stanley Cup finals against the Ottawa Senators – and 2006 Olympian will be the special guest of honour.
What: World Ice Hockey 5’s When: 10-17 June Where: MegaBox mall How Much: Free to watch Enquiries: www.hockeynightinasia.com
Dragon Boats
 The first Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the 10th June - on a course specially created for the event - off the picturesque Tai Wan To beach close to Yung Shue Wan. 55 teams will compete in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed division races over the international standard distance of 500m. With local and overseas teams competing to be the first name on the brand new trophy, racing is sure to be competitive. There’s also a post competition beach party from 7-10pm to round off a hard day’s racing or spectating.
What: Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival When: 8.45am- 5.30pm 10 June Where: Tai Wan To beach, Lamma How Much: Free Enquiries: www.lammadragonboat.com |
