If you’re racing in some small town somewhere, a well attended motocrossmeeting can nearly double the population overnight. Don’t expect to just turn upthe day before and get somewhere to stay. Book ahead and save yourself the hassle,this is also handy when you’re on a budget and the last place with a vacancy isalso the most expensive place in town.Scrutineers have to check your bike (and quite often your helmet as well)to make sure it’s safe and passes certain inspections. These rules and regulations vary so make sure you’re up to date on what’s allowed and what’s not for your bike.If the race meeting has a rider’s briefing then go to it! They have them for a reason and will explain the starting procedure and quite often will inform the riders of a last minute change to the race order or something similar.Pick the best gate available to give you a good entry line into the first corner. Stamp down any loose dirt on your start pad and in front of your gate, if the rider before you left a wheel track that’s not straight your rear wheel will follow it.Use your legs to grip the bike, your leg muscles are the largest muscle group in your body and will take some of the strain off your arms and shoulders.