Recreation

BMX Cycling

BMX at Elings Park

Bicycle Motocross (BMX) got its start in Southern California in the early 1980s and Santa Barbara’s first track was at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. It moved to Elings Park in 1996 – that’s more than 25 years of riding!

The main track is 960 feet long and features a racing gate for up to 8 riders. Two pump tracks, at 145 feet and 315 feet, are available for smaller riders until they’re ready for the big hills.

Elings’ track is sanctioned by USA BMX. Access to the track is currently available ONLY to USA BMX members. NO EBIKES allowed on the track at any time.

Due to safety and staffing issues, no drop-ins are allowed.

HELP US IMPROVE THE TRACK. Fundraising is underway to replace the track’s antiqued lighting. Your donation helps us relight the track, which allows riders to safely ride in the afternoons during these short winter days. Thank you for considering a donation.

Make a gift to support the BMX Track

USA BMX Memberships Are Required

Elings Park’s BMX track is available to USA BMX members and only on specific days and hours for organized activities.

Become a USA BMX member today!
Annual Full Membership: $80
Memberships for Toddlers (on balance bikes): $40*
Available only online

* Can be upgraded to full membership within six months

Become a Member

Current BMX Activities

Currently practices are only held Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon ($10 per rider). Races and other activities are to be announced.

Please Note:

Riders must bring proof of USA BMX membership.

Riders younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Full-face helmets are recommended for all riders, but are required for those aged 8 and under.

Closed-toe shoes are required for all riders.

Parking is free on weekdays.

Follow “@Elings.BMX” on Instagram for up-to-date information and announcements.

Text 805-325-5590 with questions or to make a reservation.

Bring Your Bike

Bikes made specifically for BMX are rugged yet lightweight, quick-handling, and dirt-ready with knobby tires and a strong rear brake. They can be ridden around town, on short off-road rides, and in full-on dirt-track BMX racing.

On your bike, make sure all bolts are tight – especially the axle and stem bolt. Freestyle-type axle pegs, reflectors, brackets, and kickstands must be removed for safety.

No e-bikes or mountain bikes are allowed at the BMX track.

BMX Birthday Parties

BMX-lovin’ kids aged 13 and under can hop on their saddles and strap on their helmets for the sickest birthday party ever – at the Elings Park track.

Saturdays only, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for three-hours
Up to 15 riders allowed
One-day trial USA BMX membership link is provided at the time of reservation
Riders must also sign a waiver before entering the track
$400 per party (parking is free for organizer and guests)

Email Denise at Dsouza@elingspark.org to make a reservation and for more information.

Camp Elings: BMX

Summer brings eight weeks of BMX Camp for boys and girls ages 5 to 12. It’s popular – and fills up quickly.

Find Out More

Watch Video

BMX Camp at Elings Park

BMX Jargon

Brush up on your BMX lingo to sound like a pro at the track.

Holeshot: A rider takes the lead out of the starting gate and into the first turn.
Can Can: A rider in the air takes a foot off the pedal and crosses it over the top tube.
Tail whip: A rider rotates the bicycle frame in the air while holding on to the handlebars.
Nothing: A rider in the air takes their hands and their feet off the bike at the same time.
Toboggan: A rider points the front of the bike straight down, leans back, grabs the seat with one hand while turning the handlebars 90 degrees with the other hand.
Manual: A rider rides a wheelie without pedaling.
Flat-land: A rider jumps too far on a jump and overshoots the landing area, landing instead on flat ground.
Endo: When a bike’s front wheel is stopped, and the rider falls over the handlebars.