Motocross

This is a seriously muddy game, not just for the riders.

Even the spectators get muddy as they watch from very muddy fields next to the tracks and get sprayed by passing riders. Get in the first four rows of people and you usually get covered in mud from the spray.

If a bike gets stuck, they try to get it out usually by giving it full throttle and the crowd usually ends up in mud/water everywhere. Dress accordingly.

Some tracks have a pond or large puddle in it and the track goes right through it. The spectators standing right on the edges of the pond get soaked every time a rider comes through. This is classic mud fun.

Warnings and Tips

If you're going on any beaches/streams/sea, or any public footpaths, tracks or parks the you require a motorbike or moped driving licence.

Depending on the size of engine up to 50cc moped licence is fine. Above that you need a motorbike licence. You also need insurance and a road legal bike (i.e. O.K. tyres, tax, mot, etc).

If you go on proper tracks or if your mates got a large field or somewhere you can do it then you just need the bike and maybe safety gear.

You'll need a crash helmet by law unless you're doing it on private land, then it's up to you it you use one or not. Some tracks require you to wear the proper protective clothing, others don't.

If you're going faster than about 40 kph you need some form of eye protection. It really hurts when the wind hits them between 60-100 kph. Usually MX riders don't go that fast. The ones that do either have helmets that'll keep the wind off their eyes, or wear some form of safety goggles.

Reader Story: Muddy Mayhem at the Motocross Track

by Rodney, from Birmingham, England

Blimey, mate! I'm still grinning from ear to ear thinking about the last motocross race at our local track. It was a right old basher of a day, if you know what I mean! The rain had been coming down all morning, making the ground so sodden it felt like riding through treacle.

As soon as we got to the pits, me and me mates were getting ready for the off. We're talking full-face helmets, goggles, knee pads, elbow guards, you know, the whole shebang! But I was feeling a bit self-conscious about what I had decided to wear: me trusty old motocross boots and a robust work overall that I use for swim training. They're not exactly the most stylish things in the world, but they've got their uses!

I reckon it's because of all the times I've had to ride through puddles that are so deep you can't see your own boots for the water! You gotta have gear that'll keep you wet for fun. And let me tell you, these overalls are like a second skin. They're perfect for getting wet and muddy!

As we got ready to hit the track, I could see the rain coming down in sheets. The ground was already starting to flood, with big puddles all over the place. And then there's the pond... blimey! That thing's a right old challenge even on a dry day, but today it was like riding through a lake!

The green flag dropped and we were off! I took me bike out of the gate with a roar, feeling the mud squelching beneath me tires. The first lap was absolute chaos. Everyone's trying to find their rhythm on this sodden track.

As I came into the second turn, I saw one of the big puddles ahead and thought, "Right-o, mate! Time for a splash!" So I took it in stride, feeling me bike squelching through the water and mud like it was butter. The crowd went wild as I emerged on the other side, grinning from ear to ear while spraying them with muddy water.

But that wasn't even close to being the most fun part! As we approached the pond for the first time, everyone just lost their minds. Bikes were flying, riders were laughing as they got completely soaking wet, and the crowd was going mental!

I remember seeing one of me mates coming outta the other side with a massive grin on his face, water dripping off his clothes like he'd been swimming. We all just laughed and high-fived each other as we rode by.

And then there were the spectators! Blimey, they got absolutely drenched trying to get close enough to see us ride through that pond. I reckon some of 'em might've even enjoyed it a bit too much. I saw one bloke doing backflips in his wellies and shouting, "This is the life!" while another lot were just laughing and taking selfies with their phones.

Anyway, after what felt like an eternity on that sodden track, we finally crossed the finish line. Me bike was covered from stem to stern in mud, me overall and me clothes underneath were soaked through, but I couldn't help feeling a right old sense of satisfaction. It had been one heck of a ride!

As for the crowd? Well, they just kept on coming, laughing, and cheering even after we all got off our bikes. Many riders and spectators jumped into the pond and splashed around like crazy in all their wet clothes. They knew as well as me that sometimes you've gotta get wet to have fun!