titleBMX Nationals – What to Expect/titlepFor many riders, this years Nationals will be their first – an exciting but intimidating experience. The highly anticipated 2008 National BMX Championships have finally arrived. At the time of writing this, there are 1140 entries./ppCat Hopkins (Hills, WA) experienced her first Nationals at the age of 10, eight months after starting her passion for the sport. The event was held in Perth that year, largely the reason Cat took part. The racing atmosphere was amazing Cat says. But I admit, I didnt think there was going to be so many people there!/ppFor Lauren Reynolds (Bunbury, WA), her first experience was at the age of 9 in Adelaide. I was pretty young and hadnt had much racing experience recalls Lauren. Especially interstate racing, so I didnt have a clue what to expect./ppPersonally, this is my first National experience and I have been riding approximately seven months over the last year. I find the idea of riding at Nationals nerve-racking, particularly at the thought of riding against elite riders who have ridden for years. My training has consisted of riding the bush, gullies, local highway and flying to Perth for Super Series comps – with my first training session a few weeks ago (thanks Kero!)./ppI didnt really know what training meant back then says Lauren. I rode club nights each week and heard from older riders to do grass sprints. I had a few cracks at that and thought I was pro because I did sprints Lauren laughs. But I came first!/ppI came 11th out of 11 riders Cat chuckles, as she remembers the event. It was gold! I was pretty much last out of the gate and last to the finish. I only passed someone if they fell off. I loved everything about Nationals, it was so much fun. I rocked up to racing in black and white polka dot pants and bright red shoes. And to top it off, the Hills shirts back then were fluoro yellow and orange. You have no idea how embarrassing it is to look back she laughs. Luckily Im the only person who has the photos and Im not showing anyone!/ppI had a few nerves in the final but thats what makes me race better Lauren continues. I liked everything about it – the crowd, number of pro shops, presentations and the general adrenaline of riding my bike in front of hundreds of people with a gate full of girls racing. There wasnt anything to not like!/ppSo what can you expect from Nationals for your first time?/ppLauren says Nothing is worse than going to a major event like th00004000is, under prepared! Focus and expect a tough field of riding. Go there open minded, prepare yourself physically and mentally. Expect the competition to be tough and love what you do. Its a great experience for everyone!/ppExpect a lot adds Cat. Imagine States twice as big. Nationals is crazy, like you have no idea. The level of riding is high! How to prepare? If anything, mentally. Dont put pressure on yourself to perform. If its your first Nationals, just have some fun. And its understandable to be nervous as hell. Ill tell you now, I still get nervous when Im up there./ppDelphine Jamet/ppJamet Bike Co/ppa target=_new href=http://www.jametbikeco.comhttp://www.jametbikeco.com/a/pbrbra href=http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.new.balance.992.sale.review.price-20New Balance 992 Kids/abra href=http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.body.glide.for.runners.sale.review-20?_encoding=UTF8node=21Body Glide Skin Lubricant/abra href=http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.blackbery.storm.sale.review-20Buy Blackbery Storm/abra href=http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.leatherman.super.tool.300.sale.price.review-20?_encoding=UTF8node=3Leatherman Super Tool 200/abra href=http://astore.amazon.com/rockwell.sonic.crafter.review.blades.accessories.prices-20Rockwell Sonic Crafter Accessory/abr