Up until last year, I have been off dirtbikes for 24 years; turned 43 a few weeks ago.  Last year I bought a KTM 300 XCW spent 40 or so hours riding mostly tight single track.  This year, I will be racing 3-6 Hair Scrambles and XC races.  I should add that my conditioning is likely better than most 18 year olds; just the aches and pains are more apparent.

I'd also like to pick up a bike and start racing MX on occasion, as well as practice some of my off-road skills at the local MX track, but to be honest, I am very intimidated.  Most of the guys riding at the track have obviously been riding MX for some time now, and even to hit the track for practice seems like I am going to do nothing but piss other riders off.

So, looking for feedback from others that were/are in the same boat as me, as well as experienced riders that can give me tips on getting started, how not to piss the other riders off, and become a danger on the track.  Seems this kind of indimidation should not hold me back from enjoying the sport of MX, but I just don't know where to begin.

Also, my 300 XCW is not a good track bike but can it work as an intro bike?

your 300 should be ok if you're accustomed to it...but the question that needs answering is "do you have insurance?"

Go to some practice days and start slow.

BTW, if anybody is pissed at you for being a beginner....ignore them, they were where you are once too.

Edited by Slackkinhard, 02 April 2012 - 10:46 AM.

The most important thing to remember when you're on an MX track with other riders is to hold a steady line.  If you can do that, you'll be fine.

The 300 should get you by to start off.  I'm not sure how off-road bikes differ from MX bikes in terms of suspension, but as you get faster on the MX track, your suspension will need to go stiffer and stiffer.  I'd imagine that it's mostly the same on the trails as well.

Slackkinhard, on 02 April 2012 - 10:45 AM, said:

Life or disability?    - I've both.

An off-road bike suspension is softer than MX and the rear tire is 18" instead of 19".  You are correct that the same principles apply to both off-road and track that as my speed improves, suspension will need to be stiffer.

Holding the line - Great advice; just ask Justin Barcia (Houston last weekend).

You'll be fine. In a race or two they'll be calling you a sandbagger!

Taurkon, on 02 April 2012 - 10:54 AM, said:

There's a lot to be said for getting comfortable with a track when you're learning. Find one that isn't constantly full of fast guys, so you can get seat time. Start with tabletops instead of doubles. Work up to the steep faced obstacles. Crank your suspension up as you get faster. The 19" rear turns a bit better, but all in all, your 300 will have enough power to launch you out onto the flat. That's where the insurance comes in...dirt bikes don't kill, they maim.

You will be fine. Remember to hold your line and don't get worried if someone blows by you. Ride your pace and the fast guys will find a way around; don't worry you won't hold them up. Most people I have met out at the track are extremely nice and willing to lend a hand. Don't be afraid to ask some of the fast guys (...seems like it's the kids who are fast haha) for some pointers when they are taking a break.

Im 38 never rode a dirt bike before on a real track just took my time two weeks ago and did not ride over my ability. Second day i stood more and im feeling comfortable. Cant wait for this weekend to ride again.

You will be fine, take your time and be smart.

Definitely appreciate the advice and encouragement.  The thing is, when I was a kid, I lived and dreamed MX but parents would not support it.  Use to read MX Action mags 10X over... entire walls of my bedroom plastered with pics of R. Johnson, J. Ward, B. Hannah, D. Chandler, ect....

Glad I am in good enough condition and have the time at this point in my life to really give it a go, regardless of the fact that it is for fun and not a career.  Gonna hit the track this week for the first time!!!  Woot!!!

I'm fifty years old still do about ten MX races a year. Keeps me in tune for my XC series races that have MX sections or cool natural jumps. Nothing more fun then doing a creek jump or big double when the kid numbers are rolling them at a race

What Others said about hold your line and suspension I cpletely agree  when the landings get super harsh recognize it as suspension issue and not you. Your corner speed will be fine but in mx you should be standing most of the time  set your bars up so while standing it is comfortable and not in your lap. Mx is more fatiguing( more intense would be better term)  than offroad so expect to be tired and sore

Don't worry a bit about it m8 it's up to the fella passing to do it safely.  It's been said lOads before but it's true steady line and if anybody gives you hard time bout getting in the way it's because their not good enough to get past in time.  Good luck hope you have a few good days out

gruberyz, on 02 April 2012 - 06:47 PM, said:

Much respect for the vet riders still willing to huck it.  I see a lot of those guys at the tracks I ride at, and all I can think is man, I hope I can ride like those guys when I'm their age!

Totally agree with what Tech420 said.  The fast guys are used to getting around slower riders, I should know because I get passed by them all the time.  I've asked them on occasion if I got in their way at all, and most of them will just smile and say no.   As long as you don't make any unexpected moves near jumps or in the corners, they'll hardly even notice.

Taurkon, on 02 April 2012 - 06:43 PM, said:

dude i was in the same boat, thats why at 38 i bought my first dirt bike. I love riding and love hanging out with my son at the motox track. I hope to do a race in a year or so also, even if im dead last

I don't think you'd be a bother! But you might be more comfortable your first time or two on a non-crowded track.. I'd go somewhere with an intermediate track or go on a weekday

You aren't old.. I got my but kicked last year in open C by a 65 year old man on a 250. (I was on a 450)
I cried for weeks.

Hey Taurkon, I'm 42 and just started racing mx last year and I'm in Alberta too. I race in the Aotmx and you would fit into the 40 novice class just fine too. There were some guys that raced when they were younger that we're obviously faster than most of us and a few guys that were a lap or two down. I started out trying to make the top ten and ended up winning a few motos along the way. No one got in anyone's way and we all chatted and got along well off the track. There's an mx school at Devils lake mx in the spring that will help you put a ton, you would get put into a group with the guys in your class(40 novice) and you could judge ho you migh do off of that. Bottom line is that everyone was out to have fun and if you're competitive you'll rise to the top and if not you'll still have a blast. Give it a shot, maybe we'll meet out on the track this summer.

Glenn #77

glenn77, on 04 April 2012 - 08:49 PM, said:

Ya thats one of the things that is so appealing about motocross is it's like one big family and everyone is very friendly.

When is that motocross school out at Devils Lake? Do you know where I could find some more information on that? Can never have enough practice.

Thanks and hope to see everyone this season

clossono, on 07 April 2012 - 10:34 PM, said:

The racing school is June 2nd. $75 for the day. All the info is on the Aotmx website. Hopefully we'll see you there.

You know I went with the kids Saturday and raced the over fifty class at a local MX park. I was the only over 50 rider and they put me on the line with the over 30,over 40 and women's class. I finished second to last. Of course with only one guy in my class i guess i should have picked up my over 50 first place trophy. However I had a blast everyone raced clean and friendly but most of all for the first time in ten years I jumped the big step down before the finish line jump. I have been rolling this jump since the first time I saw it. During the first moto I just hated people flying by me and hooting at me in mid air as I rolled it like a big baby. Well I decided second moto to do it or crash trying. I came up to the double in front of it and cleared it in third as I always do but in mid air I went to fourth and pinned it on the approach to the step down carrying way more speed than I needed. Bam the roller coaster front ramp pitched me way in the air and a litte back brake tap and I landed front tire barely down first and it was so smooth and so fun! Even at my age I can still sometimes reach inside and suprise myself.