So you think you know how to ride a bike? Well, think again. Because you probably know a lot less than you think. I know I do. And if you can admit that to yourself, then you can only get better.

Most of us aren't AA pros, nationally-ranked amateurs, or kings of dirt. And even if you are one of those talented, factory-sponsored superstars, you still have room for improvement, 'cause no one is perfect.

Over the weekend my local track hosted a BMX clinic given by Greg Hill. Since we're on the east coast, none of our local riders have ever experienced a two-day, extensive training seminar like the ones Greg and a few others give. We have a lot of fast riders who could be faster; a lot of talented racers who could benefit from experience and strategy; and a lot of BMXers who aren't in top form, not because they're lazy, but because they don't know how or why to train for BMX. As Richie Anderson has often said: "Racing is easy, it's the training that's hard."

There are a bunch of factory teams and individuals who give BMX clinics. In fact, we here at BMXtreme.com have a list of some good ones. (Click clinics to the left on the menu bar.) What you will learn after a good clinic (I stress "good" because I have been to some lame ones) are the things you can use to build on your racing and training forever. It's all the little things that you can put together that make the whole of racing a successful experience.

I urge anyone to contact someone who gives clinics. Their schedules are based on the people who call them and set up the events at their tracks. Don't wait for them to come to you. Some will even give one-on-one or small private lessons.

So what's it gonna be? Are you going to be stagnant and content with how things are? Or are you going to try to bring your racing and your life to the next level? The choice is yours.

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