AMCA British Motocross Championship Round 1 – Bevercotes
Report By Graham Atkinson
23 April 2026
The last time I watched motocross racing, it was still called scrambling. The name supposedly came from an early description of a race as “a fair old scramble.” That takes me back to the late 1960s, sitting with my dad in front of a black-and-white TV on a Saturday afternoon, watching BBC’s Grandstand with Murray Walker commentating.
The first official race in the UK took place in 1924, and the term scrambling remained in use until the late 1970s. It was eventually replaced by motocross, a term adopted from France, combining “motorcycle” and “cross-country.” That name stuck—and is now universally used across the UK.
Fast forward to today. A friend invited me along to a motocross event, mentioning that someone he knew would be racing—and that I’d enjoy meeting him. You can’t really say no to that, can you?
So here I am, on a chilly Sunday morning in the paddock for the AMCA Motocross Bevercotes Round 1. Vans, motorhomes, and bikes are packed into every available inch of a field. Behind me, a dirt track snakes up and down the hillside. It’s a far cry from my childhood living room, and I find myself wondering what the day will bring.
AMCA Motocross Bevercotes 2026
Before arriving, I had spoken with Matt Ryder, who kindly agreed to let me follow his racing over the two-day event. His son Ricky was also competing, though in a different class.
Matt explained that years ago, motocross was so popular that riders had to qualify just to enter championship events. While participation has declined somewhat, the sport still attracts strong numbers—167 riders competed this weekend alone.
The Amateur Motor Cycle Association (AMCA), founded in 1932 in the West Midlands, remains a cornerstone of amateur off-road racing. With over 200 clubs, more than 1,000 events annually, and five dedicated tracks, it continues to thrive. As the name suggests, it’s strictly for amateurs—no factory bikes allowed. Every machine and component must be commercially available to the public.
The AMCA has long been described as offering “excellent fun, community-minded, and a great day out,” and that sentiment still rings true today.
Riders can start as young as seven or eight and continue well into their seventies. It’s reminiscent of Sunday morning youth football—parents cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines. The day’s racing is divided into 13 classes, often combined to ensure full grids.
The format is straightforward: practice sessions followed by races lasting 12–18 minutes plus one lap. Each rider competes twice per day, with up to 100 points available. At the end of Sunday, points are tallied and trophies awarded. The championship spans seven rounds, rewarding both consistency and physical endurance.
Matt Ryder: A Lifetime in Motocross
Matt (#91) began his competitive journey in BMX racing in 1988 at age 16, finishing an impressive 5th in the Nationals. After a few years, he transitioned to motocross, initially buying a 125cc bike for practice before upgrading—with help from his dad—to a proper motocross machine.
Although the original plan was beach racing, Matt had other ideas. He went straight into motocross, launching what has now become a 38-year career.
His achievements are considerable:
- 8th and 9th in the MCA British Championship (2002/03)
- East Midlands Champion for 11 consecutive years (ages 29–40)
- Winner of both 125cc and 250cc classes in 2006
- Vet’s 40 Champion in 2014 (runner-up in 2013/14)
- Vet’s 50 Champion in 2023 (runner-up in 2024)
Like many in the sport, Matt has faced setbacks. A serious accident sidelined him for several years, and more recently, injuries have limited his participation. In 2025, he crashed in the opening round and missed the rest of the season.
Now in 2026, he’s taking a more measured approach—selecting events carefully to balance racing with longevity.
He also competes at the prestigious Farleigh Castle World Vet’s event, going up against former Grand Prix professionals. Finishing 9th initially, then 7th in subsequent years, he’s more than held his own against elite competition.
Motocross isn’t without its physical toll. Matt showed me his arms—black and blue from “roost,” the spray of dirt and stones kicked up by riders ahead. It’s a painful reminder of how unforgiving the sport can be.
AMCA Motocross Bevercotes Race Day
Sunday began with practice sessions, where I noticed Matt wearing a plain black suit—saving his race gear for later. Meanwhile, Ricky was riding his dad’s bike after his own failed to start. A loose wire was eventually found and temporarily fixed, thanks to help from fellow riders.
That moment summed up motocross perfectly. Despite fierce competition, there’s a strong sense of community. Riders help each other, even when they’re rivals.
Matt had an excellent day, finishing second overall across four races without incident. Ricky faced tougher conditions—poor starts and heavy rain made racing unpredictable—but still secured a respectable sixth place.
This is far from a casual hobby. Success requires dedication. Matt trains at the gym three times a week, cycles regularly, and practices on track at least once or twice weekly to maintain fitness and sharpen skills.
Ricky (#39) began racing at just seven years old, though an early crash put him off for a while. He returned at 11, and with encouragement from his dad, began taking things more seriously. After losing weight and improving fitness, his lap times dropped dramatically—by five seconds per lap.
That commitment paid off with a third-place finish in the AMCA Senior Championship last year. With time on his side, he’s clearly following in his father’s footsteps.
There’s also another talented member of the family—Luke, Ricky’s brother. He won the Under-18 British Championship at 16 and has multiple top-ten finishes. Currently, he’s taking a year out to focus on the Ironman challenge.
The Workshop, Equipment, and Final Thoughts
After the AMCA Motocross Bevercotes Round 1 I visited Matt’s home to be ushered into what can only be described as the ultimate man cave. Trophies line two walls, while another displays a helmet from nearly every year of his racing career—except one, which was destroyed in the pits and later discarded, much to his regret.
Safety is paramount in motocross. Even helmets that appear undamaged are replaced annually due to internal wear. The foam padding deteriorates over time, reducing effectiveness.
In recent years, Matt has had his helmets custom airbrushed by an artist known as “Percys BadBrush Dezigns.” Each one is unique, with his favourite featuring a British Bulldog design. With 17 custom helmets, the collection is as much art as it is equipment.
Despite the muddy conditions, Matt’s bike looked immaculate—like it had just left the showroom. Ricky’s bike, however, had already been sent for repairs, including wiring and suspension work. Preparation is everything in motocross, and attention to detail can often make the difference between winning and losing.
My thanks go to Matt and Ricky for welcoming me into their world, both at the track and at home. Their passion, resilience, and dedication perfectly capture what motocross is all about.
