Into the World of Dirt Bikes

So, it's winter and you've just finished binge watching all the Crusty Demons of Dirt and catching up on classics like The Great Outdoors (No, not the one with John Candy and Dan Aykroyd), and Bar to Bar 2008-2015. Now you're thinking about diving into the world of dirt bikes, because let's face it what is cooler than riding dirt bikes. The rush of flying 25 feet in the air with nothing underneath you except a bike, just soaring effortlessly above the ground like an eagle. The outcome on the way down is usually the difference maker between someone with experience and one that is about to take an epic dirt nap. I know this because I have been on both ends and taken my share of epic dirt naps.

First things first, the bike. Whether you are on your way to your nearest dealer (if you're in Edmonton, AB region, might I suggest CC Cycle in Barrhead, they are awesome.) or perusing the classified, there is one thing I would highly stress to people getting into the sport. Do not get caught up in all the aftermarket add ons and gimmicks. You simply do not need them. These modern moto machines are full of power, more than most will ever be able to even comprehend. Even as a veteran of the sport now for the last 19 years, I still find myself drooling over all the trick parts out there. If your at the dealer, first step is just get the bike. I would highly suggest the the 250 four-stroke as they are more rider friendly and will teach you to become a better rider overall rather than jumping straight onto the 450. If you are leaning more to the classified and wanting a used bike, I would suggest a couple different options. If you are looking to just free ride and play around, I'd personally lean towards a two-stroke. They are substantially less maintenance and cost way less in the long run. They are also way easier to work on if you are out in the bush. That being said, they are still extremely competitive in the amateur ranks even if you are wanting to dabble with racing at the regional motocross track. The other option is if you are wanting to get out and competitively race on the regional circuit, the standard 250/450 4-stroke of today's modern era is always a safe bet as well. It is really going to come down to preference and how much you want to invest up front. (One piece of advise that I got when I first entered the sport and was buying used bikes, was look for the used race bikes. There are many that will shy away from a bike that has previously been raced, but the thing I would like to elaborate on is this: Racers drive hours upon hours to get to the track and perform competitively week in and week out. I have yet to find a racer that has left their bike(s) neglected and unmaintained. We racers don't drive all over the country to show up with a bike that has a 5% chance of running and maybe finishing a race.)

Now you've got the bike, what's next? The gear. The first thing on my list is a quality helmet. This probably the most important investment you will make in this sport. There are a plethora of options out there now days, but I personally would never cheap out on my helmet. It could be the difference from eating through a straw the rest of your life or walking away from your inevitable future crash.

When you are choosing said helmet, I highly recommend one that has either the SNELL M2015 or ECE 22.05 certification even if you are just planning on just bush riding. Nothing strikes a nerve harder with me then seeing a new person enter the sport with a $9000 bike and a $50 helmet. You should also note that helmets are usually good for one significant crash. If you are the recipient of the aforementioned "dirt nap", remove all the padding in your helmet, and inspect the liner for any indications of compression in the foam. Once done, check to make sure that there is no structural damage to the shell as well. Some of the higher end manufacturers will even re-test the structural integrity of your helmet for you if you ship it down to them and pay a modest fee. Aside from that, i would never recommend purchasing a used helmet. You just never know if it was involved in a crash or not. 

Next is the boots. I have had many brands in different price ranges and all I can say from my experience is like a helmet, don't cheap out. My first pair of boots I bought were a lower entry level boot, and I learned the hard way of why you don't cheap out. 4 screws and a plate in my ankle later. I don't totally fault the boots, but if you compare my boots now to then, it is easy to see why my foot broke the way it did. However when you are picking out a set of boots, I strongly suggest to try on as many as you can and don't get caught up with what the pro's are wearing. They are paid to wear them, and some of you may remember the old Berik boots Ricky Carmichael wore in 2006, well there was a reason no one wore them at the local tracks. Their production models were less then adequate. Boots are a fickle thing, because you want one that provides lots of quality support, is rigid so that you won't hyperextend your ankles or get any side-to-side flexion but is not so stiff that you can't feel the shifter or brake pedal. There are plenty of options whether it be a hinged boot like the Gaerne SG-12 or a solid boot like the Tech 10's, there are bound to be a high quality mid-range to premium boot to fit your needs and budget. You can always find some good quality used boots as well, as many local racers are usually upgrading every couple years. You may need to replace a couple soles down the way, but that doesn't usually run more than $150 CDN installed.

Now here is the controversial gear related topic that has the motocross industry in civil unrest for the last 4-5 years. Neck braces! Some swear by them and some absolutely refuse to buy into them. It is going to come down to personal preference. I have raced with and without and my upmost opinion now, is that they do more harm than good in the overall. In 2005 before the new style neck braces, my dad strapped on the old neck rolls of the early 2000's... well a lot of good it did as I still managed a compression fracture on my T6 & T7 vertebrae. In 2010 I purchased a Leatt GPX Carbon Pro, rode for a few years had a few crashes, and usually lead to broken clavicle or on the really bad day a broken scapula, ribs and yet again that clavicle. Needless to say I was lucky to not become paralyzed from the spinal piece that rested on your spine (Law suits currently in effect). Later switched to an Atlas Brace, and yes way more comfortable and no spinal column resting on your spine. Was definitely better than prior model I was wearing but still limited mobility. In 2019 decided to take it off after a long discussion with friend Ryan Hughes (Professional MX Rider/Trainer), he explained to me how it hindered proper riding form and caused a lack of vison down the track to see any upcoming obstacles. Took off my brace that year and have never put it on again. I am able to ride with substantially more mobility, have proper riding technique, and gained an extra 4" of upward vision to see down the track better and compensate for upcoming obstacles. Since than I have had some gnarly spills and was able to tuck my head to avoid any potential neck injury, and usually walked away with only minor injuries vs broken clavicles or scapula's. Once again it is rider preference, but for me it's a hard pass.

Now for the rest of the gear. Knee pads vs knee braces. Now depending on your type of riding you can go either two options here too. If you are planning on racing, I would recommend the knee braces. There are plenty of off-the-shelf (OTS) knee braces on the market now and can be ascertained for a very reasonable price (between $400-$800), not like the old days of $2600 CDN for custom braces. The other option is knee pads. Now although the new knee pads are far superior to the old shin pad I wore when I first started, they still do not offer the same amount of support I like to have when in a racing scenario. With racing comes a lot of movement on the bike and a higher risk of dabbing your foot in a corner and hyperextending a knee. Not to mention the constant high speed bumps, chop, and jumps. It will be rider discretion to figure out what fits your own personal needs or not. A chest protector is the next item on my list. Now I personally do not wear a full on chest protector, I find them bulky and extremely hot in the summer months. I personally go for the under jersey roost guard, but I also usually just race in a track setting. If you are planning on bush riding, a full chest protector may be a wise decision as you have a higher risk of coming into contact with sharp brush, and tree limbs and could prevent you form impaling yourself. Again research and go with what is most comfortable for your style and type of riding. 

Jersey and Pants... now if flashy is your thing, then you are in luck. Most of the gear now days is full of colour, and made of nice light weight breathable material. I like to look for a set of pants that have either reinforced knees or at the least leather inserts on the insides of the knees to prevent burns from the exhaust header and to prevent knee braces or knee pads from wearing holes through them prematurely. Lastly you have, gloves, goggles and MX socks all of which are going to be rider preference and budget. 

Now that you have your bike, and gear you are set to get out and enjoy this wonderful sport. It is truely a great family sport and some of the best memories I can remember came from riding and racing with my dad, brother, and just being at the track with my wife, kids and the many moto friends I've made along the way.

#dirtbike #motocross #mxlife #mxfamily #newtomotocross #braap
  

Last Minute Gift Ideas That Won't Break the Bank for the Motonut!

1. O'Neal Pro XL Knee Brace Sock   - Best socks I own, especially with knee braces.

2. RPM Pro Detail Kit - Everything you need to maintain and clean your bike.

3. Smith Fuel V.2 Goggles  - Lets just say I have a few pairs and they rock!

4. Ethika Subzero Performance Boxer Brief - These are a must for the track or gym, as they keep "things" nice and cool.

5. Ryno Power Gym Membership - Ride Techniques, Training plans, Nutrition.

6. OGIO Endurance 2XL Gym Bag - Go big or stay home. All the room you need for all your gym gear.

7. FitBit Charge 3 - I like to keep track of my HR and monitor my sleep schedule when I train. Super easy to do without all the added dribble attached to smart watches. 

8. DC Heathrow Shoe - I like a minimalist shoe for training. These are super light and comfortable. Even on 7 mile run days.

9. ProTaper Neon Grips - Super soft single compound grips that are ultra tacky and just the right amount of flashy.

10. Matrix Concepts M64 Elite MX Stand - Nobody like a flimsy stand holding up their blinged out ride. Check out the Matrix M64, best stand I've ever had.

Hope this helps all you late shoppers, as most of these items can be found at your local bike shop and or Big box sports store. If your out in the Barrhead area checkout CC Cycle as they have most of these last minute gift ideas in stock. Tell them Bobby sent you! 

Anyways have a Merry Christmas and keep the rubber side down!

#motocross #moto #braap #dirtbike #lastminutegiftideas #mxlife 

Attracting the Right Kind of Attention!

In the sport of motocross, we all want sponsors. Someone or a company that we can slap on our bike or bikes even just for the stigmatic purpose of “it looks cool”. And motocross is a sport that thrives off of the support of many companies, and individuals that are both fiscally and emotionally invested in this great sport. 

Now before we dive into the depths of what "I" know about this topic, I must clarify that I myself am not a Pro rider. I made it to Intermediate status and then broke my back in 2005 and that pretty much ended any and all aspirations I had of making it Pro. I am still currently racing for the fun of it in multiple clubs and am now starting the journey of getting my daughters involved in the great sport of motocross.

Firstly and this my absolute number 1 rule for attracting the right kind of attention, act and project yourself in and professional and courteous manner. You may not be the fastest, you may not have all the new current gear or swag, but if you are respectful and mindful towards your competitors, and the people in the pits and around you, it will come back on you tenfold. There are most always sponsors or reps at the track looking for new talent and or people to represent their companies. They look for the riders that have not only talent, but a good positive personality at the track.  I myself am not the fastest, but I always make time to say "hi" or converse with the people at the track in an pleasant and respectful manner. And I should stress that this is something that can be learned, as when I first started many years ago I was a somewhat shy and introverted person and had to learn to really step out of my comfort-zone at times and just make small talk. "Did you see that race last weekend RC and Stewart were hauling" etc. You're at the racetrack, remember that, as most are as interested in the many same things you are. Especially motocross.

Secondly give something back to your community. After being involved in this sport now for over 20 years, I have seen many riders come and go. I try and dedicate at least 3 days of riding/practice time at my local tracks. When there you always come across some new blood that are looking to test the waters in the world of motocross racing/riding. Go over and help them out, we were all there once. Whether they be a younger kid hitting the track for the first time or a 40 year old finally crossing "racing" off their bucket list. I myself try and dedicate a chunk of time to others while I'm at the track, giving what knowledge I have whether it be about jetting a carb (for those still riding 2 smokers you'll know what I mean), general maintenance, to riding form or practicing starts with them. At the end we're all in it for the fun of racing, and the more we act as a big family the better we all are as a community. And I can tell you first hand that this community talks. Word of mouth is probably still the best form of sponsor attraction.

Thirdly, hit the pavement. Just like the business world, you need to be prepared and do your homework. Have a formal race resume handy, a cover letter and source out companies that are either already involved in the sport or ones that you would feel could benefit from the added exposure. What I mean to say is, when you are picking out companies to go and drop a resume off with, I'd try and stick with the companies that you think other riders may benefit from their products or services. I wouldn't hit up a hockey store and expect them to support a sport that has no relevance to them what-so-ever. I'm not saying it absolutely won't happen but your chances are definitely substantially lower. Don't just email resumes to anyone and everyone. I have found the most successful way to get picked up by some of the bigger race companies is to join a sponsored website like Hookit or MX Sponsor keep your profile updated and post videos and pictures of you riding and in the pits. Make sure to apply early. Many motocross companies start accepting resumes in late September until December. Don't procrastinate and wait until the season has begun. By then, you are too late and have completely missed the boat. The other option is to hit local businesses in your area. This one is a little harder and even more full of rejection. You will have to learn to take "No" for an answer more than once. But just know this, just because they said "No" today, doesn't mean they are lost forever. If they have a certain product, purchase or service support them from time to time and stay in contact with them because there is always next year. The biggest thing I can address is to be completely honest and realistic in your expectations. Don't just stroll into your local bike dealer and ask for a free bike loaded to the nines with accessories, you are most likely no Ricky Carmichael. Take any and all the help that you can and be exceptionally grateful for it. Businesses are constantly being asked (especially moto related business) for this or that. Make sure that you are prepared to do the work for them. This is a professional deal and both parties have to gain something from each other. It is your job to promote said companies to the public to help boost the companies sales and sell more product for them, hence the always act professional in the pits and around the track. 

Finally, once you land the first of your sponsor(s), do everything in your power to help them and their business. That means social media (Insta, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook), word of mouth, decals on bikes, trailers, gear. You are essentially a mobile salesperson/billboard for them, so SELL, SELL, SELL, because the more you go to work for them, the more they will usually resiprocate back in your favor. 

The last thing I will touch base on, is like any career or job DO NOT sponsor hop. Try with all your might to stay loyal the brands that have supported you from the beginning. Yes you may come across some better deals from time to time, but jumping ship over and over has a negative impact on the image that you as a rider are trying to establish for yourself. This industry is big and vast, but it's also very tight knit and companies talk to each other whether they are competitors or not, and company reps move from company to company as well and they all have good memories.

So get out there, be proactive, professional and start promoting yourself. Next thing you know you've got your first offer.

For more information and to stay current, be sure to checkout our website at www.seven1racing.com 

#motocross #moto #sponsors #mxlife #dirtbikes #braap