I am 31 and will also be racing in the AOTMX this year. I'm not sure how many races I will be going to, but it will be blast. I have never raced before, and look forward to racing my 2011 YZ450F. I allready got my numbers on my bike and getting pumped up.
A couple of my fav tracks aren't open yet (BUMPMX and Castrol), I want to get quite a few practice runs in before the race to shake the cobwebs off.
Old dude wants to race MX - Help!
Started by
Taurkon
, Apr 02 2012 10:30 AM
51 replies to this topic
Posted 10 April 2012 - 06:18 PM
cyber649, on 10 April 2012 - 01:04 PM, said:
I am 31 and will also be racing in the AOTMX this year. I'm not sure how many races I will be going to, but it will be blast. I have never raced before, and look forward to racing my 2011 YZ450F. I allready got my numbers on my bike and getting pumped up.
A couple of my fav tracks aren't open yet (BUMPMX and Castrol), I want to get quite a few practice runs in before the race to shake the cobwebs off.
A couple of my fav tracks aren't open yet (BUMPMX and Castrol), I want to get quite a few practice runs in before the race to shake the cobwebs off.
Posted 11 April 2012 - 08:56 AM
The bike I have is a GYTR customized one that Argyll Motorsports had, most beautiful thing I have ever seen 
.
I didn't know about the school until now. I will definitely be going to the school, the more I can learn the better, and for $75, I'd be crazy to miss it. I will be # 414. I look forward to meeting you.
Take care and ride safe.
.I didn't know about the school until now. I will definitely be going to the school, the more I can learn the better, and for $75, I'd be crazy to miss it. I will be # 414. I look forward to meeting you.
Take care and ride safe.
Edited by cyber649, 13 April 2012 - 06:11 AM.
Posted 12 April 2012 - 11:40 PM
Nice to see some Alberta riders! I'm turning 42 this year and started riding 3 years ago. I'll have to look up the race school... sounds like a fantastic opportunity!
Posted 14 April 2012 - 08:58 PM
I'm 48 and going to my first race this summer.
I had many lessons and practice last summer.
Can't wait.
Coo
I had many lessons and practice last summer.
Can't wait.
Coo
Posted 15 April 2012 - 11:21 AM
Well they cancelled our XC race Saturday something about the high probability of tornados in central Oklahoma. So we loaded up and went to Ft Smith for MX racing. Was super windy so my big whips were way tricky 
Anyways rode over 50 class again only had a real MX rider in the class along with me on my woods bike. Ran us with the over 30 expert class and wow could those boys ride. Anyways I came up short of beating my YZ450 mounted competitor and got lapped by the first three over 30 experts. I had a blast though actually having someone in my class pushed me faster through the corners and had me braking later trying to reel the guy in. I could sort of catch him on the long straight with the doubles but he ran away from me in the rythmn section bad. Guess my old knees and soft woodsy suspension just suck in it. Probably go back next Saturday as no close XC races until the following week 
Anyways rode over 50 class again only had a real MX rider in the class along with me on my woods bike. Ran us with the over 30 expert class and wow could those boys ride. Anyways I came up short of beating my YZ450 mounted competitor and got lapped by the first three over 30 experts. I had a blast though actually having someone in my class pushed me faster through the corners and had me braking later trying to reel the guy in. I could sort of catch him on the long straight with the doubles but he ran away from me in the rythmn section bad. Guess my old knees and soft woodsy suspension just suck in it. Probably go back next Saturday as no close XC races until the following week
Edited by gruberyz, 15 April 2012 - 11:22 AM.
Posted 15 April 2012 - 12:58 PM
Grub...nice report, THANX!
Awesome that you are doing it at over 50. And your previous post....about coming in first?!....AWESOME. Cool that the first place guy (you in your class) was the second to last to cross the finish line I guess that is no problem to run a couple classes at once? Makes sense if there is only two or three over 50s or 45s or ladies...put all the small number classes together.
So cool that you loaded up for, drove to, got ready for and participated in an MX race. Like how many guys at the office do that?!
I'm looking forward to mine and will post a good report on it too (I hope).
Dude. You should have stopped by and picked up the trophy you earned! :_)
Awesome that you are doing it at over 50. And your previous post....about coming in first?!....AWESOME. Cool that the first place guy (you in your class) was the second to last to cross the finish line
I guess that is no problem to run a couple classes at once? Makes sense if there is only two or three over 50s or 45s or ladies...put all the small number classes together.So cool that you loaded up for, drove to, got ready for and participated in an MX race. Like how many guys at the office do that?!
I'm looking forward to mine and will post a good report on it too (I hope).
Dude. You should have stopped by and picked up the trophy you earned! :_)
Posted 15 April 2012 - 01:43 PM
Lol well with five racers in my family we only pick up the valuable trophys now. Like last years OMA senior award or RFGP. Last year a guy came by and we were setting up the trailer on some sandy soil. the jacks were just sinking in so I told m daughter to get some wood to put under them. She came back with four of her MX plaques from the summer. Worked great Guy commented that those must come easy. I said you need some. My daughter still picks up everyone she can. 
Posted 17 April 2012 - 08:54 PM
I'm 54 and started racing mx mid last season. I hadn't raced since 1975(?). Already started this season, 3 races down, a bunch to go. Last race , if the memory is right, had 14 riders in my class. Super senior 50 +. Ran us with the 450 novice last race. Usually run us with the women A & B. So go for it. Ride your own pace, hold your line, and most of all have fun! I have taken last place in every race I was in till the 2nd race of the season. Blew my streak, took next to last! Now my daughter (11 years old) on the other hand, is kickin my butt!
Posted 18 April 2012 - 03:03 PM
Taurkon, on 02 April 2012 - 10:30 AM, said:
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?
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?
Hold you line. Don't try to move over when someone quickly comes up on you from behind. If they're faster they have already decided what side to pass you on. If you try to move over from them you have a 50% change of moving the wrong way.
Don't take the main line on doubles or triples if you're not jumping them. Instead stay to eighter side.
I hope these 2 tips help. Other than than just get out there and have fun.
GS
Posted 20 April 2012 - 08:28 AM
I am 43 and just started racing recently. I "race" with my 9yo for practice, and he can corner quicker than I can. I have a little more race time but would still consider myself a novice. He actually puts in way more practice time over summer vacation while I am at work. I need to train him to work on the bikes and build a practice track and mow the grass with all his free time! 
Posted 24 April 2012 - 07:15 PM
this thread is very encouraging i am 48 and female and have been dying to take my yz125 to the local track but i am a big chicken. i am kinda not sure about going because there seems to be only guys. and i do not want to make anyone mad or get in there way. i have been riding the bike for 6mon. in the desert and am pretty comfortable on it but i know the track is alot different than the desert. reading the advice is great info .
Posted 24 April 2012 - 07:39 PM
yzyamablaze230, on 24 April 2012 - 07:15 PM, said:
this thread is very encouraging i am 48 and female and have been dying to take my yz125 to the local track but i am a big chicken. i am kinda not sure about going because there seems to be only guys. and i do not want to make anyone mad or get in there way. i have been riding the bike for 6mon. in the desert and am pretty comfortable on it but i know the track is alot different than the desert. reading the advice is great info .
Haha, I'm only 16, and I'm not a woman, but I know how you feel. Once you get riding, racist (I'm black) and sexist people will only make you want to ride better so that you can kick their butts! Some people will stare at you for being different, but most people are nice at the tracks. Nearly everyone I've met at the tracks have been extremely nice and helpful. Most of those people are just there to have fun just like you are, so don't worry about jerks that judge you. It doesn't matter what they think.
And everyone has to start out as a beginner at some time, so most people understand if ur not super fast. You shouldn't have any problems as long as you aren't trying to block people from passing you. All you need to remember is to hold your line, and let faster riders pass. They will find their way around you, just slow down a little, and keep going straight if you hear someone faster behind you.
So if you decide to go to the track any time soon, You should start a topic. People will gladly give you tips/help, plus, everyone would love to hear about your first track experience!
Edited by kx910, 24 April 2012 - 07:45 PM.
Posted 25 April 2012 - 06:13 PM
KX910 you have a good head on your shoulders. i am going to take your advice and go try. who says you can't listen to young people.hopefully i will meet some one that i willing to show me the ropes not just look at me as the old lady. maybe i will post a progress report in a few weeks. i am glad to see young girls enjoying this sport, i just wish i had found dirt bike when i was younger, i plan on having a blast riding as long as i can!!
Posted 25 April 2012 - 07:13 PM
yzyamablaze230, on 25 April 2012 - 06:13 PM, said:
KX910 you have a good head on your shoulders. i am going to take your advice and go try. who says you can't listen to young people.hopefully i will meet some one that i willing to show me the ropes not just look at me as the old lady. maybe i will post a progress report in a few weeks. i am glad to see young girls enjoying this sport, i just wish i had found dirt bike when i was younger, i plan on having a blast riding as long as i can!!
Sounds good. Trust me, once you go on the track once, you'll never want to get off. Just ride hard, stay safe, and have fun! I know you'll do well as long as you keep a good atitude like that!
Posted 27 April 2012 - 07:29 AM
I was nervous as shit the first day on a track but before the end of my first lap I was having the time of my life. Don't go out of the way to let others by. Don't take it personal if they get close to you.
Move up gradually with jumps, practice what it means to preload the suspension. Jumping scares a lot of people away from the track but knowing how to compress the suspension to get lift in various throttle positions is important in all riding.
Think about going fast through the desert and something comes up that needs quick response to jump or prepare for a rough landing. If you never jump any thing you will get stiff and break something.
Move up gradually with jumps, practice what it means to preload the suspension. Jumping scares a lot of people away from the track but knowing how to compress the suspension to get lift in various throttle positions is important in all riding.
Think about going fast through the desert and something comes up that needs quick response to jump or prepare for a rough landing. If you never jump any thing you will get stiff and break something.
Posted 27 April 2012 - 11:40 AM
38, just learning how to ride, my goal is to do a race when i am 40.
Good luck and just have fun!!
Good luck and just have fun!!
Edited by ajcjr, 27 April 2012 - 11:42 AM.
Posted 27 April 2012 - 04:07 PM
ajcjr, on 27 April 2012 - 11:40 AM, said:
38, just learning how to ride, my goal is to do a race when i am 40.
Good luck and just have fun!!
Good luck and just have fun!!
Ur not gonna race till ur 40? Are you sure you're not gonna try a race before then? Local tracks hold beginner races, and to me those are just for fun! People understand if you don't win as long as you enter the beginner class. If you try a beginner race, you'll immediately be hooked on motocross!
Posted 27 April 2012 - 05:13 PM
kx910, on 27 April 2012 - 04:07 PM, said:
Ur not gonna race till ur 40? Are you sure you're not gonna try a race before then? Local tracks hold beginner races, and to me those are just for fun! People understand if you don't win as long as you enter the beginner class. If you try a beginner race, you'll immediately be hooked on motocross!
Yes, i have raced in many other form of motorsports, but for motocross i want to put some more time in the seat before doing so. I dont think its a big deal (and dont give a crap about what anyone thinks either). When im comfortable on the bike ill compete in a race, for now im just trying to learn everyday.
