Sorry to make another post involving motocross, but right now there is not much more I can think about. So today my post is going to be on dirt bike riding gear and accessories.
First I want to start off with the basic proper safety equipment.
Helmets are key and could save you from serious crashes, they range anywhere from $89-$600.
With this you get what you pay for and I would recommend a higher end helmet like a Shoei, Arai, or Bell. I mean come on it is your head and you can choose on how valuable it is to you.
Next would probably be boots, which can help ankle injuries, and or leg/calf injuries. Again they range from $120-$550 and yes you do get what you pay for. Higher end boots like the Alpinestar Tech 8 or 10s both have an inner bootie for extra support. My recommendation would either be Alpinestar Tech 8 or 10 or the Gaerne SG 10 or 12's.
Those are the basics to get you started but you should probably think about the right gear to wear, and by gear I mean riding pants, jersey, and gloves. All of these are designed for extreme conditions in a crash and are made to be fire resistant. A good set of gear for everything I listed usually runs between $150-$200.
You are going to need something to keep the dirt out of your eyes and for this they make goggles. Goggles also vary on price from $20-$100 with the more expensive ones having more options. I would recommend the Scott XI No Sweat goggles for all types of riding. They have excellent ventilation and comfy foam around the liner.
The last thing I am going to mention is not a necessity, but I highly would recommend getting one. Within the last couple years major improvements have been made on limiting the neck movement that causes paralysis and or death. Leatt has come out with a neck brace similar to what they use in NASCAR, Indy Car, and most other major motorsports. They range anywhere from $225-$1000 each with more adjustments and carbon fiber!
I will get back with more specific gear and accessories to keep you safe and your bike running the way it should!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
3rd!
Just checked VDR's website and they posted the overall year end standings. Got to give my riding buddies some credit here with Mike "Mikey Mouse" Umphres #837 who races the Sportsman class won the year end Championship, Bobby "Flower Power" Dazey #227 who races the Novice class also won the year end Championship for his class.
I on the other hand did not win the Championship but I did meet my goal of a top 3 overall for the year. It feels good to reach my goal, but I know next year is going to be even tougher. But good job to everyone who raced any of the races and see you next year!
Only 3 days left until the LAS VEGAS SUPERCROSS! Can't wait to see how it turns out, racing is just like modern day TV Series.... You watch every episode waiting for the Season Finale and how everything will all play out. Not to take anything away from Bubba, but I hope Chad Reed comes through, with possibly a little help from Mike Alessi. Bubba is a great rider but we need to have someone beat him to keep him motivated and wanting to race. Without any competition it will only be a year or two until he is retired from racing!
Anyway I will update with the race times (hopefully the right ones) for the Vegas Supercross!
If you would like to check out some good enduro racing footage and write ups check out www.smith-offroad.com he has awesome helmet cam video!
I on the other hand did not win the Championship but I did meet my goal of a top 3 overall for the year. It feels good to reach my goal, but I know next year is going to be even tougher. But good job to everyone who raced any of the races and see you next year!
Only 3 days left until the LAS VEGAS SUPERCROSS! Can't wait to see how it turns out, racing is just like modern day TV Series.... You watch every episode waiting for the Season Finale and how everything will all play out. Not to take anything away from Bubba, but I hope Chad Reed comes through, with possibly a little help from Mike Alessi. Bubba is a great rider but we need to have someone beat him to keep him motivated and wanting to race. Without any competition it will only be a year or two until he is retired from racing!
Anyway I will update with the race times (hopefully the right ones) for the Vegas Supercross!
If you would like to check out some good enduro racing footage and write ups check out www.smith-offroad.com he has awesome helmet cam video!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
RACE REPORT
Last Sunday was the final race of the VDR Harescramble Series. Going into the season my goal was to improve my final standings from the year before. Last year I finished 5th in the Pro class so this year my goal was top 3. Heading into Sunday's race I sat 4th in points hoping to move up into 3rd.
The track, and weather were great on Sunday the only thing that sucked was the rider turnout. With 2 other races going on I knew it wouldn't be great but I didn't think it would be that bad either.
I got a descent start running 2nd the whole first lap. Around lap 2 my arms started pumping up and I had to pee pretty bad, and held off both until I was able to pit around an hour into the race. After my gas fill up and my urination let out the race was on. I thought I was running 3rd overall but didn't know the guy in 1st had problems causing him to drop out of the race. I set my sights on catching what I thought was 2nd, but was actually 1st. Came from around a minute down to only finishing 13 seconds behind him at the checkered!
Other that coming up just short I felt good and strong at the end of the race which is usually hard to do. Still waiting on the final year end standings and will update as soon as I know! Already can't wait for next year!
The track, and weather were great on Sunday the only thing that sucked was the rider turnout. With 2 other races going on I knew it wouldn't be great but I didn't think it would be that bad either.
I got a descent start running 2nd the whole first lap. Around lap 2 my arms started pumping up and I had to pee pretty bad, and held off both until I was able to pit around an hour into the race. After my gas fill up and my urination let out the race was on. I thought I was running 3rd overall but didn't know the guy in 1st had problems causing him to drop out of the race. I set my sights on catching what I thought was 2nd, but was actually 1st. Came from around a minute down to only finishing 13 seconds behind him at the checkered!
Other that coming up just short I felt good and strong at the end of the race which is usually hard to do. Still waiting on the final year end standings and will update as soon as I know! Already can't wait for next year!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Wabulance
If you havn't noticed already, I am into dirt bike riding and racing. Yes this can be a very dangerous sport with or without proper safety equipment, but it is highly addictive too!
If you do not have insurance it can be even more risky everytime you throw a leg over the bike, and racing you can pretty much double the odds of it not being the greatest idea. Now I don't race a whole lot and I do not have insurance, which on top of the nerves of racing makes it an even "better" experience.
The first thing I don't understand is how they expect a single working parent to be able to afford health insurance on top of all the other bills and neccesities? I will admit some people are better at budgiting their money than others, but the cost of insurance can be a little ridiculous. Next if the US is the greatest country in the world, then why can't they figure out a way to include health insurance for its citizens?
This may be truth and it may not, but I have heard that in Canada if you sign up for their national racing organization you automatically have health insurance that is included. Now what the hell?
I guess my only option is to "tough" it out through injuries until I can either afford insurance for my family, or our country finally does something for US! Yes in some cases "toughing" it out cannot be done because some injuries (especially dirt bike related) can only be fixed through doctors, surgeries, etc.
For example I already had a $30,000 accident without insurance! YEA tell me about it.... I WAS SCREEEEWWWED!
So here is my brake down
Cost to ride: $15.00
Accident Including Surgery: $30,000.00
Memories of accident: PRICELESS
If you do not have insurance it can be even more risky everytime you throw a leg over the bike, and racing you can pretty much double the odds of it not being the greatest idea. Now I don't race a whole lot and I do not have insurance, which on top of the nerves of racing makes it an even "better" experience.
The first thing I don't understand is how they expect a single working parent to be able to afford health insurance on top of all the other bills and neccesities? I will admit some people are better at budgiting their money than others, but the cost of insurance can be a little ridiculous. Next if the US is the greatest country in the world, then why can't they figure out a way to include health insurance for its citizens?
This may be truth and it may not, but I have heard that in Canada if you sign up for their national racing organization you automatically have health insurance that is included. Now what the hell?
I guess my only option is to "tough" it out through injuries until I can either afford insurance for my family, or our country finally does something for US! Yes in some cases "toughing" it out cannot be done because some injuries (especially dirt bike related) can only be fixed through doctors, surgeries, etc.
For example I already had a $30,000 accident without insurance! YEA tell me about it.... I WAS SCREEEEWWWED!
So here is my brake down
Cost to ride: $15.00
Accident Including Surgery: $30,000.00
Memories of accident: PRICELESS
Friday, April 24, 2009
Pre Race Jitters!
It has almost been a month I have been waiting now to race the last VDR Harescramble! With 2 canceled dates it has been killing me to race and get the last one over with. At first I was excited and couldn't wait, but now only 2 days away (if they don't reschedule again) I am starting to get what my daughter would call BUUUTflies.
You would think after hundreds of races they wouldn't be there anymore, but it happens everytime sometimes worse than others. I am sure there are tons different sports and activities that have the same affect on its participants, and I am sure they feel the same way. But what is also weird about this PHENOMENON is every time the race starts they are gone instantly.
Some people say that if you have them it is not a good thing and that you need to be confident and relaxed before the race. I can agree with this but it is easier said than done. If I was lined up next to Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and Chad Reed I am 100% positive they would not be worried about me beating them. Yea they may think can this guy even ride, but as far as racing me they wouldn't have a doubt in the world that they couldn't beat me.
Which leads to my next point.... Because they are so CONFIDENT I doubt any of the 3 would have butterflies. I on the other hand would probably be puking on whoevers boot would be lucky enough to line up next to me!
So here is my advise to anyone who experiences butterflies or pre race jitters. Go into whatever you are doing knowing you are the best and nothing can stop you. Be confident and let everything take its place... I am not saying if you think you are #1 your going to be champion, but if the sport you are doing requires extreme physical activity this may help your stamina and endurance in the end!
You would think after hundreds of races they wouldn't be there anymore, but it happens everytime sometimes worse than others. I am sure there are tons different sports and activities that have the same affect on its participants, and I am sure they feel the same way. But what is also weird about this PHENOMENON is every time the race starts they are gone instantly.
Some people say that if you have them it is not a good thing and that you need to be confident and relaxed before the race. I can agree with this but it is easier said than done. If I was lined up next to Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and Chad Reed I am 100% positive they would not be worried about me beating them. Yea they may think can this guy even ride, but as far as racing me they wouldn't have a doubt in the world that they couldn't beat me.
Which leads to my next point.... Because they are so CONFIDENT I doubt any of the 3 would have butterflies. I on the other hand would probably be puking on whoevers boot would be lucky enough to line up next to me!
So here is my advise to anyone who experiences butterflies or pre race jitters. Go into whatever you are doing knowing you are the best and nothing can stop you. Be confident and let everything take its place... I am not saying if you think you are #1 your going to be champion, but if the sport you are doing requires extreme physical activity this may help your stamina and endurance in the end!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Bad Neighbors Part 1
For all of you out there that got stuck with the lousy neighbors, I feel your pain! We moved in to the house we are currently at about a year ago. Everything was fine at first, nice neighborhood, nice house, etc. Everything was good until we met the neighbor living next to us.
Don't get me wrong he was a nice guy and everything, but 1st he had a 180 pound pit bull which I didn't really like having a 1 1/2 year old girl. Next the guy doesn't have anything to maintian his own yard. He was asking to borrow mowers, trimmers, rakes, shovels. Finally I had to tell him I would rather mow his yard for him and have him get me beer or something rather than have him borrowing my mower once to twice a week.
We figured we could put up with everything until he could move elsewhere. Plan didn't work... It turns out douche neighbor has a douche daughter with a douche boyfriend, that he is having move in while he moves out! So it just goes to show you no matter how bad you may think a situation or something is.... IT CAN ALWAYS GET OR BE WORSE!
Don't get me wrong he was a nice guy and everything, but 1st he had a 180 pound pit bull which I didn't really like having a 1 1/2 year old girl. Next the guy doesn't have anything to maintian his own yard. He was asking to borrow mowers, trimmers, rakes, shovels. Finally I had to tell him I would rather mow his yard for him and have him get me beer or something rather than have him borrowing my mower once to twice a week.
We figured we could put up with everything until he could move elsewhere. Plan didn't work... It turns out douche neighbor has a douche daughter with a douche boyfriend, that he is having move in while he moves out! So it just goes to show you no matter how bad you may think a situation or something is.... IT CAN ALWAYS GET OR BE WORSE!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Do you understand the words coming out of my fingers
Some and most people in this world are dumb! They are that way because it is drama that they need in their lives to be happy! I would like to consider myself a drama free individual, but even if you try to live your life drama free it can never happen.
It can never happen because 2/3's of America got to have something "exciting" happen everyday. Whether it is a fight with a family member over something small, a relationship issue, or even on TV "reality" shows. Drama, drama, drama!
I am an avid fan of Dirt bike racing and it seems that no one is interested in watching unless there was a big crash, a block pass that went a little too far, or a confrontation on the track. Same thing goes for professional football, NASCAR, etc.
Drama now that I think about it can be a good or bad thing just depends on the event and actions of what is taking place. For example if Jason Lawrence gets pissed off at Mike Allessi and launches his bike at him and starts pumbiling him while he is on the ground... Yea that doesn't seem like it, and yes he may have taken it a little too far.
But because of his actions it is going to be the talk of the week in the motorsports community... It is like they say Bad Press is Good Press... or visa versa whatever you get the point! To be continued...
It can never happen because 2/3's of America got to have something "exciting" happen everyday. Whether it is a fight with a family member over something small, a relationship issue, or even on TV "reality" shows. Drama, drama, drama!
I am an avid fan of Dirt bike racing and it seems that no one is interested in watching unless there was a big crash, a block pass that went a little too far, or a confrontation on the track. Same thing goes for professional football, NASCAR, etc.
Drama now that I think about it can be a good or bad thing just depends on the event and actions of what is taking place. For example if Jason Lawrence gets pissed off at Mike Allessi and launches his bike at him and starts pumbiling him while he is on the ground... Yea that doesn't seem like it, and yes he may have taken it a little too far.
But because of his actions it is going to be the talk of the week in the motorsports community... It is like they say Bad Press is Good Press... or visa versa whatever you get the point! To be continued...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Race Report
First things first... Need to apologize to all the millions of you that I mislead with the Supercross TV air times. It seems my inside source lead me wrong and just wanted to apologize. Was a good last weekend I enjoyed. I spent time with the family giving Kylee rides on my dirt bike at least twice a day.
We also tried to take her to the Wildlife Sanctuary, but because my lack of GPS skills we ended up finding the damn place 20 minutes after it had closed. Although Kylee did get to see a Camel, I felt pretty bad getting her all excited with only disappointment to follow.
I also watched both the Supercross Lites, and Supercross Seattle races... And man was I disappointed. First the track was actually pretty technical, with the lines and faces changing every lap it made for good racing. Stewart and Reed were not 2 to 3 seconds a lap faster than the rest of the field this week!
Gate drops in the main and Reed is down in the first corner! Damn it! Bubba got through the first corner OK, but still had a bad start and also had to work his way through the field. Both Supercross stars had their work cut out for them trying to work through traffic on this track.
As the checkered flew it was the Flyin Freckle (Ryan Villopoto) taking his first career win, with Bubba in second, and Miiilllllsssaaaappps in third. Reed crossed the line in 7th losing valuable points to Bubba in the Championship chase.
With all the chaos in the race and crappy weather throughout the week I was dying to get on the bike and cut some fresh lines. Which is exactly what I did, and it was perfect!
Check back for more info on next weeks races... I'm out!
We also tried to take her to the Wildlife Sanctuary, but because my lack of GPS skills we ended up finding the damn place 20 minutes after it had closed. Although Kylee did get to see a Camel, I felt pretty bad getting her all excited with only disappointment to follow.
I also watched both the Supercross Lites, and Supercross Seattle races... And man was I disappointed. First the track was actually pretty technical, with the lines and faces changing every lap it made for good racing. Stewart and Reed were not 2 to 3 seconds a lap faster than the rest of the field this week!
Gate drops in the main and Reed is down in the first corner! Damn it! Bubba got through the first corner OK, but still had a bad start and also had to work his way through the field. Both Supercross stars had their work cut out for them trying to work through traffic on this track.
As the checkered flew it was the Flyin Freckle (Ryan Villopoto) taking his first career win, with Bubba in second, and Miiilllllsssaaaappps in third. Reed crossed the line in 7th losing valuable points to Bubba in the Championship chase.
With all the chaos in the race and crappy weather throughout the week I was dying to get on the bike and cut some fresh lines. Which is exactly what I did, and it was perfect!
Check back for more info on next weeks races... I'm out!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
End O The Week
Coming down to the last couple hours of the work week! Business has been slow as I suspect people are not wanting to ride in slop! But we do have some hardcore customers so ya never know!
No big plans for the weekend other than spend time with the fam, watch the races, and throw my leg over the bike if I get a chance!
Got some news today that the lead ban that has been affecting mini dirt bike sales got is in hold mode for the next year, so we can see what happens then! You would think that a safety issue involving dirt bikes would be a concern with crashing instead of chewing on a fender?
Seattle Supercross is on tomorrow @ 10 a.m. on CBS and the Supercross Lights is on @ 4 p.m. on SPEED Channel! Hopefully the track is in good shape, but a mud race could be interesting also!
I am going to see how late I can keep the wife up tonight.... He he playing Wii! That damn game is addicting, mainly I think because she kicks my ass and I don't like to lose. Yes I know honey, a gentleman would let the woman lose, but I don't like losing at ANYTHING to ANYBODY! Usually if I am not good enough at something to win, I will quit and find something I can. Easy way out!
No big plans for the weekend other than spend time with the fam, watch the races, and throw my leg over the bike if I get a chance!
Got some news today that the lead ban that has been affecting mini dirt bike sales got is in hold mode for the next year, so we can see what happens then! You would think that a safety issue involving dirt bikes would be a concern with crashing instead of chewing on a fender?
Seattle Supercross is on tomorrow @ 10 a.m. on CBS and the Supercross Lights is on @ 4 p.m. on SPEED Channel! Hopefully the track is in good shape, but a mud race could be interesting also!
I am going to see how late I can keep the wife up tonight.... He he playing Wii! That damn game is addicting, mainly I think because she kicks my ass and I don't like to lose. Yes I know honey, a gentleman would let the woman lose, but I don't like losing at ANYTHING to ANYBODY! Usually if I am not good enough at something to win, I will quit and find something I can. Easy way out!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Primo?
Still raining/snowing today, with business about the same. Sitting here wondering what the track conditions may be like this weekend? Got a race in a week and need to get all the practice in I can!
If the rain/snow stops here in the next day or so it should make for primo track conditions at next weeks VDR Harescramble race. If it doesn't they will probably cancel again for the 4th time this year which would really suck because I could have done the enduro in Nebraska!
Saw a video of Andrew Short's track at his house in Texas and was thinking it would be nice to get another local track going in the area... Looking for something with good natural terrain, trees, water near by?
If your into golf go to youtube and check out the 830 metre par 3 in South Africa... Something if you got the time and dough to try out!
If the rain/snow stops here in the next day or so it should make for primo track conditions at next weeks VDR Harescramble race. If it doesn't they will probably cancel again for the 4th time this year which would really suck because I could have done the enduro in Nebraska!
Saw a video of Andrew Short's track at his house in Texas and was thinking it would be nice to get another local track going in the area... Looking for something with good natural terrain, trees, water near by?
If your into golf go to youtube and check out the 830 metre par 3 in South Africa... Something if you got the time and dough to try out!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The day
Today sucked as the weather took a turn for the worse... So did the business! It was a pretty slow day at the shop, although I did get this fancy blog going. Right now I am looking forward to getting home to the wifey and baby girl...
I am getting excited for the upcoming Supercross race this weekend in Seattle. Can't wait to see what the weather brings for the weekend riding!
Check out Plum TV's episodes of Mr. Internet www.plumtv.com has some good insight on the latest and greatest that the web has to offer! Dave Schiff the host puts together a show similar to E's Talk Soup. In one episode he goes into a website called hot chicks with douche bags... Funny stuff and is a must see!
I am getting excited for the upcoming Supercross race this weekend in Seattle. Can't wait to see what the weather brings for the weekend riding!
Check out Plum TV's episodes of Mr. Internet www.plumtv.com has some good insight on the latest and greatest that the web has to offer! Dave Schiff the host puts together a show similar to E's Talk Soup. In one episode he goes into a website called hot chicks with douche bags... Funny stuff and is a must see!
1st Posting
Hey everybody this is the first post of many of my awesome blog spot! Make sure you check back where you can find me posting of anything from events, news, or just life in general.
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