Thanks for derailing the intent of this thread.
Old dude wants to race MX - Help!
Started by
Taurkon
, Apr 02 2012 10:30 AM
51 replies to this topic
Posted 18 May 2012 - 04:32 PM
Regarding racing now or waiting until you are comfortable, I recommend waiting. Once you have the confidence you will have more fun and you will do much better than trying to race if you don't feel you are ready. However, when you are racing, you learn 200% faster than you ever would just practicing. When the adrenaline is pulsing though your veins and someone is trying to pass you or you are trying to pass someone else, you will be riding so much better than you ever would in practice that it will amaze you. That's the rush of competition. There is nothing like it.
At a recent hare scrambles there was a section that lots of people were having trouble clearing. A rider balked in front of me and fell over in the ravine. The bike fell on top of him. I leaned my bike against a tree and proceeded to help the rider. After pulling the bike off him I realized that this rider was in fact a very nice little old lady. I didn't ask her age but would estimate she was a few years past me and into her early 60's. I followed her around for a while and she was going at a pretty fair clip. I've found that many older folks that try racing get completely hooked and manage to go for years injury free and have a blast. Hare scrambles is as much fun as MX and doesn't have the big jumps. It's a great way to have some fun and get into racing before going full bore on the MX track. There also seem to be many more senior riders competing in hare scrambles than MX, At least where I live in N. Texas. Give it a shot.
At a recent hare scrambles there was a section that lots of people were having trouble clearing. A rider balked in front of me and fell over in the ravine. The bike fell on top of him. I leaned my bike against a tree and proceeded to help the rider. After pulling the bike off him I realized that this rider was in fact a very nice little old lady. I didn't ask her age but would estimate she was a few years past me and into her early 60's. I followed her around for a while and she was going at a pretty fair clip. I've found that many older folks that try racing get completely hooked and manage to go for years injury free and have a blast. Hare scrambles is as much fun as MX and doesn't have the big jumps. It's a great way to have some fun and get into racing before going full bore on the MX track. There also seem to be many more senior riders competing in hare scrambles than MX, At least where I live in N. Texas. Give it a shot.
Posted 19 May 2012 - 02:38 AM
My son started racing MX at 8, and I entered my first race at 46. The time spent with him at the track, working on the bikes, driving to track, etc.. is all good in itself. Back to topic.
The local track had a 30+ novice "C" class and I figured because it was "C", I'd be okay. I've seen the open 40+ and 50+ guys ride, and there was no way I could compete with them, I'd be the old AFX "jam car"! Those guys are fast as hell. At any rate, I finished in last place and was very happy with it. I didn' t get lapped, and went to work the next day. All was good. I raced 2 races that year, and none last year.
This year there is a 40+ novice "C" I entered. Ended up 3rd overall in the first raace and had the time of my life actually racing someone! The class is a bunch of great guys and we shared a beer or two after the day was over. We aren't the fastest group out there, but I would bet big $$ we are having the same amount of fun!
Like alot of other stuff, compared to the "kids" we may not do it fast, but we get it done!
The local track had a 30+ novice "C" class and I figured because it was "C", I'd be okay. I've seen the open 40+ and 50+ guys ride, and there was no way I could compete with them, I'd be the old AFX "jam car"! Those guys are fast as hell. At any rate, I finished in last place and was very happy with it. I didn' t get lapped, and went to work the next day. All was good. I raced 2 races that year, and none last year.
This year there is a 40+ novice "C" I entered. Ended up 3rd overall in the first raace and had the time of my life actually racing someone! The class is a bunch of great guys and we shared a beer or two after the day was over. We aren't the fastest group out there, but I would bet big $$ we are having the same amount of fun!
Like alot of other stuff, compared to the "kids" we may not do it fast, but we get it done!
Posted 19 May 2012 - 06:28 PM
I know this is kinda a old thread, but I have to agree with most. sooner or later you have to get out there and reguardless of your age it is NEVER to late to start! I got my first race bike when I was 21.... still at it at 39.
Once the itch gets you to race, there are just a few things to keep in mind... as far as your bike goes it really doesn't matter as long as you are comfortable with it. You can always make adjustments as you go and get better. Keeping your line is one of the best pieces of advice you can get. as far a pissing off the other riders... you pay for the track time too... you have as much right to be there as anyone else.
If you attempt the racing scene... don't be worried about the guys in the class. I race in the +35 class and there are always new riders showing up and they all say the same thing.... gotta go to work on monday! Those are the guys I would recommend racing with... even if they are faster. Depending on where your located you will likely always cross what we call "sand baggers".
Just have fun and keep it on 2 wheels... everything else will follow...
Good Luck!
Once the itch gets you to race, there are just a few things to keep in mind... as far as your bike goes it really doesn't matter as long as you are comfortable with it. You can always make adjustments as you go and get better. Keeping your line is one of the best pieces of advice you can get. as far a pissing off the other riders... you pay for the track time too... you have as much right to be there as anyone else.
If you attempt the racing scene... don't be worried about the guys in the class. I race in the +35 class and there are always new riders showing up and they all say the same thing.... gotta go to work on monday! Those are the guys I would recommend racing with... even if they are faster. Depending on where your located you will likely always cross what we call "sand baggers".
Just have fun and keep it on 2 wheels... everything else will follow...
Good Luck!
Posted 20 May 2012 - 08:26 AM
DirtDad3, on 19 May 2012 - 02:38 AM, said:
My son started racing MX at 8, and I entered my first race at 46. The time spent with him at the track, working on the bikes, driving to track, etc.. is all good in itself. Back to topic.
The local track had a 30+ novice "C" class and I figured because it was "C", I'd be okay. I've seen the open 40+ and 50+ guys ride, and there was no way I could compete with them, I'd be the old AFX "jam car"! Those guys are fast as hell. At any rate, I finished in last place and was very happy with it. I didn' t get lapped, and went to work the next day. All was good. I raced 2 races that year, and none last year.
This year there is a 40+ novice "C" I entered. Ended up 3rd overall in the first raace and had the time of my life actually racing someone! The class is a bunch of great guys and we shared a beer or two after the day was over. We aren't the fastest group out there, but I would bet big $$ we are having the same amount of fun!
Like alot of other stuff, compared to the "kids" we may not do it fast, but we get it done!
The local track had a 30+ novice "C" class and I figured because it was "C", I'd be okay. I've seen the open 40+ and 50+ guys ride, and there was no way I could compete with them, I'd be the old AFX "jam car"! Those guys are fast as hell. At any rate, I finished in last place and was very happy with it. I didn' t get lapped, and went to work the next day. All was good. I raced 2 races that year, and none last year.
This year there is a 40+ novice "C" I entered. Ended up 3rd overall in the first raace and had the time of my life actually racing someone! The class is a bunch of great guys and we shared a beer or two after the day was over. We aren't the fastest group out there, but I would bet big $$ we are having the same amount of fun!
Like alot of other stuff, compared to the "kids" we may not do it fast, but we get it done!
Awesome post and advice and share. Thanks
Was just thinking about the track I'm making around the yard (you might have seen it in "Backyard track" thread). It aint no big deal (neither am I as a 48year old guy in first year of it and 20 year old bike) But it's been like $1000+ so far. I've "ruined" some of my nice residential yard by tearing it up with the bikes and dumping mounds of dirt everywhere. I'm sure the audence here would not call what I did runining it, but most of my neighbors fertilise and weed kill and cut and bag and mulch their turff.
Was just thinking "is it worth it? Crazy?"
Heck no man. It's what I want to do and my present hobby/sport. I know I like it.....but am I to old for this?!?!? Like 48 now....what, am I going to be doing this when I'm in my 50s? Will I have to "fix" my yard again sooner or later?
Hell no.
I can ride laps for many years....God willing.
Besides, the one boy (and all his buddies) rip around.
None of us have raced yet. I'm going to and can't wat.
So, two questions I often meant to ask:
1) people always mention getting ready for fisrt race. Not often mention of physical condition. Us being old, what shape are some of us starting in? I often read about somebody's practice and familiarity and lessons advice before first race, but not much advice about stamina. I can't hold onto the thing for that long. Hands and wrists go numb and speagetting and weak. Arms are alright. Core and legs too. How has condition effected thos first race experiences.
2)forgot what #2 was.....
Told ya, I'm old.....
CooHead
Posted 20 May 2012 - 10:16 AM
CooHead, on 20 May 2012 - 08:26 AM, said:
Awesome post and advice and share. Thanks
Was just thinking about the track I'm making around the yard (you might have seen it in "Backyard track" thread). It aint no big deal (neither am I as a 48year old guy in first year of it and 20 year old bike) But it's been like $1000+ so far. I've "ruined" some of my nice residential yard by tearing it up with the bikes and dumping mounds of dirt everywhere. I'm sure the audence here would not call what I did runining it, but most of my neighbors fertilise and weed kill and cut and bag and mulch their turff.
Was just thinking "is it worth it? Crazy?"
Heck no man. It's what I want to do and my present hobby/sport. I know I like it.....but am I to old for this?!?!? Like 48 now....what, am I going to be doing this when I'm in my 50s? Will I have to "fix" my yard again sooner or later?
Hell no.
I can ride laps for many years....God willing.
Besides, the one boy (and all his buddies) rip around.
None of us have raced yet. I'm going to and can't wat.
So, two questions I often meant to ask:
1) people always mention getting ready for fisrt race. Not often mention of physical condition. Us being old, what shape are some of us starting in? I often read about somebody's practice and familiarity and lessons advice before first race, but not much advice about stamina. I can't hold onto the thing for that long. Hands and wrists go numb and speagetting and weak. Arms are alright. Core and legs too. How has condition effected thos first race experiences.
2)forgot what #2 was.....
Told ya, I'm old.....
CooHead
Was just thinking about the track I'm making around the yard (you might have seen it in "Backyard track" thread). It aint no big deal (neither am I as a 48year old guy in first year of it and 20 year old bike) But it's been like $1000+ so far. I've "ruined" some of my nice residential yard by tearing it up with the bikes and dumping mounds of dirt everywhere. I'm sure the audence here would not call what I did runining it, but most of my neighbors fertilise and weed kill and cut and bag and mulch their turff.
Was just thinking "is it worth it? Crazy?"
Heck no man. It's what I want to do and my present hobby/sport. I know I like it.....but am I to old for this?!?!? Like 48 now....what, am I going to be doing this when I'm in my 50s? Will I have to "fix" my yard again sooner or later?
Hell no.
I can ride laps for many years....God willing.
Besides, the one boy (and all his buddies) rip around.
None of us have raced yet. I'm going to and can't wat.
So, two questions I often meant to ask:
1) people always mention getting ready for fisrt race. Not often mention of physical condition. Us being old, what shape are some of us starting in? I often read about somebody's practice and familiarity and lessons advice before first race, but not much advice about stamina. I can't hold onto the thing for that long. Hands and wrists go numb and speagetting and weak. Arms are alright. Core and legs too. How has condition effected thos first race experiences.
2)forgot what #2 was.....
Told ya, I'm old.....
CooHead
for that first race... try your best to relax... remind yourself over and over... if you tense up, the arm pump comes faster... for me it is easier said than done. lol
oh... fyi... the age classes are getting larger and larger... apparently there are lots of us crazy people! lol
Posted 20 May 2012 - 11:15 AM
Oh. I see what my #2 comment was going to be about:
"AFX Jammer Car" OMG, HaHa....I actually did LOL on that?! That really hits home. I bet me and DirtDad would get along pretty well together! We are in our 40s and starting MX and both played with AFX sets some 40 years ago. Awesome laugh and memories that was.
"AFX Jammer Car" OMG, HaHa....I actually did LOL on that?! That really hits home. I bet me and DirtDad would get along pretty well together! We are in our 40s and starting MX and both played with AFX sets some 40 years ago. Awesome laugh and memories that was.
Posted 20 May 2012 - 04:58 PM
Glad to bring you a Chuckle Coo! Those little AFX Chevy Bel Airs and Nomads were the shizzle!!!!
As far as conditioning for a race. It can be mental and physical. Physically was my strong point. I have been a runner for many years and known to lift a weight or two. Neither really matter for MX. My buddies would rip for 4-5 laps and then pull off because they couldn't hold on. I'd be consistent and go a full 20 minute session and not be phased.
My first race I was basically tense before I even got to the track. I mean really tense. Don't know if it was for me or my son out there, but I was stressed. My mind was all over the place even the week before race day.
This year was a completely different story. I actually enjoyed it. I was relaxed, stretched out, and waited to get myself pumped up in staging. As soon as that gate dropped it was on. I can't wait to line up next weekend again!
So mentally is just as big a factor as physically for me. As motoguy mentioned, when you are stressed, your body fatigues much quicker. Hey, at this stage, any race you can finish with a smile on your face is a good one!
As far as conditioning for a race. It can be mental and physical. Physically was my strong point. I have been a runner for many years and known to lift a weight or two. Neither really matter for MX. My buddies would rip for 4-5 laps and then pull off because they couldn't hold on. I'd be consistent and go a full 20 minute session and not be phased.
My first race I was basically tense before I even got to the track. I mean really tense. Don't know if it was for me or my son out there, but I was stressed. My mind was all over the place even the week before race day.
This year was a completely different story. I actually enjoyed it. I was relaxed, stretched out, and waited to get myself pumped up in staging. As soon as that gate dropped it was on. I can't wait to line up next weekend again!
So mentally is just as big a factor as physically for me. As motoguy mentioned, when you are stressed, your body fatigues much quicker. Hey, at this stage, any race you can finish with a smile on your face is a good one!
Posted 21 May 2012 - 05:45 PM
Im 36 and picked up MX after 21 years have passed ... I agree with the steady line advice and everyone has been really nice at the local tracks. Its not how fast youre going, its how much fun your having!!! Saying that though , I take extreme joy passing youngsters as they side to side glance like they were making a remake of Top Gun ... locked & passed. Have fun and your never too old to roost!!! Good gas to all you guys for your need for speed 
Dholmes55, on 21 May 2012 - 05:45 PM, said:
Im 36 and picked up MX after 21 years have passed ... I agree with the steady line advice and everyone has been really nice at the local tracks. Its not how fast youre going, its how much fun your having!!! Saying that though , I take extreme joy passing youngsters as they side to side glance like they were making a remake of Top Gun ... locked & passed. Have fun and your never too old to roost!!! Good gas to all you guys for your need for speed
Posted 22 May 2012 - 06:38 PM
Right on Dholmes55 !!! I just turned 50 and started hitting the tracks again.It's better than a gym membership.I raced my tail off in the early 80's and now it's all about the fun.I even have a little money to give my yz the RETRO LOOK,Bob Hannah would be pleased I'm sure.Go have yourself some good clean dirty fun.
Posted 24 May 2012 - 06:57 AM
Alan48, on 22 May 2012 - 06:38 PM, said:
Right on Dholmes55 !!! I just turned 50 and started hitting the tracks again.It's better than a gym membership.I raced my tail off in the early 80's and now it's all about the fun.I even have a little money to give my yz the RETRO LOOK,Bob Hannah would be pleased I'm sure.Go have yourself some good clean dirty fun.
Us old guys "team +35" at the 12 hour race of Dade City.... 37 to 49 years old and we had a blast!!! Its all about the fun!!!
