United Bicycle Racers Association
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The United Bicycle Racers (UBR) (initially and briefly known as World Bike Riders (WBR)[1]) was a short-lived Bicycle Motocross (BMX) racing sanctioning body based in Modesto, California which was started by John Valdez, a bike shop owner, on his 18th birthday that lasted from 1977-1983. At its peak it had 34 tracks in California and Nevada.[2] His philosophy was to cater to the local racer and deemphasized the focus on National events. Still, because of its California base, it did attract many of the national caliber pro racers who normally do not attend the events of small sanctioning bodies.
The UBR went out of business due to bankruptcy[3] and ceased operations early in 1983.
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[edit] Vital statistics
Founded: May 1977.
Motto(s)/Slogan(s): "We're here for you."
Years of operation: 1977-1983.
Headquarters: Modesto, California.
Original Owner: John Valdez
Original President: John Valdez
Original Vice President:
Last Owner: John Valdez
Last President: John Valdez
Last Vice President:
Employees:
First track: King's BMX Raceway in Medesto.
Number of tracks claimed: 32 in 1982[4]
Span: Regional. Tracks in California and Nevada.
Members (Peak): 3,000+[4]
In house newspaper: UBR Scene
In house magazine: None
Number of nationals per year: Approx. six (including Grand National).
First Grand National: October 17, 1979 Centennial Coliseum Reno, Nevada.
First Grand National Pro Purse: US$1,500
Last Grand National: 1982
[edit] Proficiency and division class labels and advancement method
Amateur Proficiency levels 20 inch class:
Junior (Novice equivalent), Expert.
- 5 & 6 Junior (Boys & girls), then 7 Junior to 16 & over Expert in one year steps.
Girls could race with the boys (thanks to Cheri Elliott in 1982[2]) but were barred from Power Puff (the Girls classes) if they did.[5]
Amateur Open:
- 7 & under to 16 & over in 2 year steps. Age classifications only
Amateur Cruiser:
- 13 & Under, 14-16, 17-22, 23-34, 35 & Over. Age classifications only
Girls 20 inch:
- 5-6 girls to 14 & over girls in 2 year steps Age classifications only, no proficiency levels. Amateur only.
Professional Classes:
- Pro Cruiser, Pro 20". Men only.
There was also Open Expert, a Pro/Am division open to both Pros and Expert level racers.
Qualifying system:
Moto system a.k.a Olympic System a.k.a Cumulative Scoring System.
[edit] Operations
[edit] UBR Rule book
[edit] United Bicycle Racers Association list of National number ones
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Pro Nat. #1 Men
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Pro Cruiser Nat. #1 Men
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Amat. Nat. #1 Men
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Amat. Nat. #1 Cruiser
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Amat. Nat. #1 Women
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Amat. Nat. #1 Sidehack
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[edit] End Notes
- ^ Bicycle Motocross News June 1977 Vol.3 No.6 pg.4
- ^ a b BMX Plus! February 1982 Vol.5 No.2 pg.81
- ^ BMX Action November 1988 Vol.13 No.11 pg.34
- ^ a b Bicycle Motocross Action February 1982 Vol.7 No.3 pg.31
- ^ BMX Plus! June 1982 Vol.5 No.6 pg.77
