After an awesome weekend at Sun River with my girlfriend and family over Thanksgiving, I missed 2 races, putting me out of the series. I decided to go to round 4 in Monroe, WA to ride with my friends from Pinnacle. After not racing since the last arenacross, I was struggling with arm pump a little in practice. I finally settled into a good race pace. After crashing in one qualifier and get hit in the head by another rider, I went to the LCQ for the 450 Junior class, making the main in the Plus 25 and BTH.
MAIN 1 (450 Junior)
What a battle this class was! For the most part it was a stuff section in every corner. I accidentally took out 2 riders by being aggressive - I'm pretty sure they wanted to kill me, but hey, I took 2nd. All I had to say was "Welcome to arenacross"!
MAIN 2 (Plus 25)
I had a good start behind the pros and one other Plus 25 rider; passing him clean and running away with it.
Main 3 (BTH)
This was a good race with lots of passing after the start. I was pretty much towards the back of the pack, then moving to 2nd, back to 4th, and then 3rd and back to 4th for my finish. Needless to say, I was not too happy with the overall, but hey, ya can't win them all!
Until next time...
Dec 14, 2009
Dec 1, 2009
Devol Top Gun Shoot Out: From The Girlfriend's Perspective
I could tell Jeremy was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t make the first day and most of the second day of the Devol Top Gun Shootout, but I braved bad weather and the 96 mile drive from Albany and made it just in time for his second moto of the day.
Finding Jeremy took me 45 minutes of driving around the Washougal track. Then I realized that if I found his 187 pound Great Dane (how hard is THAT?!), I would eventually find him. Which I did. Go figure.
This was my first time watching Jeremy race because I was anything but interested when I first met him at a race in Albany. Needless to say, I was a bit horrified but terribly proud at the same time. He got the hole shot, and of course, he battled it out for a first place finish +25 class.
In the Open 450C class, Jeremy finished 3rd because the pack of 4 he was in got into a bit of a pile-up, sending Scotty Eerkes over the bars. Crazy! Again, I was horrified.
Jeremy rode for the Ritchie Racer/ Rydco team which meant fun, themed potlucks every night! Socializing was great, especially when Zeus (yes, Jeremy’s horse-dog) and some out-of-this-world hot sauce is involved! It’s a long story…
Sunday was the similar – wet, muddy, cold. It started out dry and the track was even dusty! Then it got crappy, soupy and sloppy. Crazy Oregon weather. Jeremy won the +25 class (sweep) and finished 4th in 450C Open junior.
Later that night was the Goon Nationals. For anyone who doesn’t know what that is, it’s just a bunch of guys and gals being goofy on dirt scoots! The great Roger Ducoster showed up as a guest to the Goon Nationals, but there was some doubt amongst the crowd. Turns out, it wasn’t him. Silly imposter.
Monday - Labor Day - was the last day of the Devol Top Gun Shootout. The weather was B-E-A-UTIFUL. Jeremy wiped out in the huge ruts but battled it out for another 1st place finish in the +25 class. Unfortunately, Jeremy finished 15th in the 450C class due to numerous wipe-outs: one that ended in a broken hand. But I kissed it and it’s all better now.
My parents bet that I’d break up with Jeremy after my first time going to a race with him, but they couldn’t be more incorrect. I had the time of my life and I still love it to this day!
Nov 25, 2009
Arenacross, Round 1 - Pasco, WA
This last weekend was round 1 of arenacross - what a weekend!
Britta and I headed up to Pasco on Friday evening and made it to my uncle's place by 10pm...ish. The drive was long, but we made it fun with snacks (Flamin' Hot Cheetos), conversation and good music (Britta was dj-ing). After my uncle convinced me to buy his street bike, we decided to call it a night and go to bed.
Since sign-ups for the race didn't even open until 1pm, we were able to sleep in (7am - hahaha - I hate my job) and have a leisurely morning.
We headed to the track around 12:30pm in order to find Team Pinnacle and set up in the pits. After walking the track (and practically ruining Britta's slipper-shoes - oh no! I'm in trouble now!) and getting the pre-practice jitters, it's time to ride!
Moto 1: +25 Qualifier
Coming out of turn 1 (behind Greg Crater, Keith Ford, and an unknown rider), Keith and I began a battle. I slipped into 4th place behind the Pros; leading the Amateur class and rounding out the final lap for the win. Without a break, I headed back to the line for my second moto...
Moto 2: BTH (Before The Hill) Qualifier
The gate dropped and I entered turn 1 in 3rd place with a comfortable lead. I caught a square edge in the whoops, pinching my tube, and I had to finish the last 3 laps with a flat tire - but 3rd place wasn't bad considering the situation. After a quick tire-change at the Pinnacle pits (thanks Rusty), I headed back to the track for Moto 3...
Moto 3: 250C Qualifier
After 2 almost back-to-back motos, I'm tired. Thanks to my amazing girlfriend for all her help (bananas and water sure came in handy)!
+25 Main
Basically, this was a straight repeat of the Qualifier; falling into 4th behind the Pros and winning the Amateur class.
BTH Main
After trying something different on the start in want of a hole-shot, I went wide (instead of the usual inside) into the first turn and got caught up in a 7 bike pile-up. My tire got pinched in the pile-up and I wound up with another flat...damn. DNF. I raced back to the Pinnacle pits to set a record tire change of 1.5 minutes. Thanks, Matt! This is where things got exciting...I had my girlfriend run to the start and hold my gate, buying me 2 minutes. I raced into the arena and to my gate just in time for it to drop.
250C Main
I ended up at the far inside gate lined up to the berm, so I decided to let everyone go so I could cut to the center of the track. I broke early for the corner and dove really tight to the inside, which allowed me to go from dead-last to 4th. I battled with Team Pinnacle rider Cameron Welch. I took 3rd but then he grabbed it back from me a lap later. I ended up 4th overall with ANOTHER flat - yes, that would be 3 flats!
Final Placings
+25 - 1st overall
BTH - DNF
250C - 4th overall
Round 2, here I come!!!
Nov 18, 2009
ARENACROSS!!!!!!
Hey everyone! We are starting the Northwest Arenacross Nationals this weekend!
I attended the Redmond round last year and won the 450 class on Saturday, and the Before The Hill (BTH) class on Sunday. In my eleven years of racing I have always been a good, technical, big bike rider and love arenacross. It separates the fast riders from the smart riders. Instead of being really fast and going around a slower rider, you have to think about your passes (when and how to make them), and nine out of ten times they aren't a clean pass. It gets very aggressive and there ends up being a bunch of take outs.
I am really excited and mentally ready for this season and I plan on taking the 09-10 arenacross title in; 450C, BTH, AND 25+........
Well, not by my self of course, but with the help of Pinnacle Suspension, WrenegadePoker.com, Moxie MX, Hyper-X, and S&M Steel Fab...THANKS FOR EVERYTHING GUYS!!!
I attended the Redmond round last year and won the 450 class on Saturday, and the Before The Hill (BTH) class on Sunday. In my eleven years of racing I have always been a good, technical, big bike rider and love arenacross. It separates the fast riders from the smart riders. Instead of being really fast and going around a slower rider, you have to think about your passes (when and how to make them), and nine out of ten times they aren't a clean pass. It gets very aggressive and there ends up being a bunch of take outs.
I am really excited and mentally ready for this season and I plan on taking the 09-10 arenacross title in; 450C, BTH, AND 25+........
Well, not by my self of course, but with the help of Pinnacle Suspension, WrenegadePoker.com, Moxie MX, Hyper-X, and S&M Steel Fab...THANKS FOR EVERYTHING GUYS!!!
Sep 17, 2009
9/11
For the past six months or so I have been doing some odd jobs, like repossessing semi-trucks. On Thursday the 10th, I got a call and was asked to fly out to Sacramento, CA to drive a truck back to Richland, WA.
I arrived in Sacramento at 8:45am on 9/11. Around 9am, I was on my way through the security gate when I noticed a bunch of people standing around in a circle. Naturally, I asked what was going on...this guy shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know". I walked up to get a closer look. It was the National Guard folding a flag in memory of our fallen civilians, police, firefighters, troops and families that were effected on 9/11/01. It was very quiet and very moving for me. After it was done I felt like applauding, but for some unknown reason I refrained. Then everyone walked off and continued with their lives like nothing happened.
Later, I was thinking about this 5 minute event that took place and i realized how surreal it was and how it almost seemed like it was a inconvenience to everyone around me. Whether it was or wasn't, that is the vibe that I got, which bothers me.
Let's not EVER forget how many people lost a loved one and how that day has forever effected us and our country.
I arrived in Sacramento at 8:45am on 9/11. Around 9am, I was on my way through the security gate when I noticed a bunch of people standing around in a circle. Naturally, I asked what was going on...this guy shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know". I walked up to get a closer look. It was the National Guard folding a flag in memory of our fallen civilians, police, firefighters, troops and families that were effected on 9/11/01. It was very quiet and very moving for me. After it was done I felt like applauding, but for some unknown reason I refrained. Then everyone walked off and continued with their lives like nothing happened.
Later, I was thinking about this 5 minute event that took place and i realized how surreal it was and how it almost seemed like it was a inconvenience to everyone around me. Whether it was or wasn't, that is the vibe that I got, which bothers me.
Let's not EVER forget how many people lost a loved one and how that day has forever effected us and our country.
Aug 28, 2009
P.I.R.
Thursday night, I raced at P.I.R. and went 3-2 for 3rd overall. I definitely could have gone faster in places, but the humidity was killing me during practice. The track didn't have a very good flow to it either, but I still had fun and the riders were fast!
We will be putting on my new forks Saturday at practice and dialing them in - I'm so excited, I feel like a 5 year old on Christmas morning!
Thanks for all your help, Matt (Pinnacle Suspension)!
We will be putting on my new forks Saturday at practice and dialing them in - I'm so excited, I feel like a 5 year old on Christmas morning!
Thanks for all your help, Matt (Pinnacle Suspension)!
Aug 16, 2009
Training
On Friday, my spokes finally came in. Now I get to start riding and prepping for Top Gun. 5 hours and a headache later, I got my wheels all laced up (thanks for the help, J.R.).
Day 1 (Saturday): I got my wheels on my bike and was able to ride. I rode for about 20 minutes non-stop and was able to push it for most of the ride. With having not quite adjusted to the almost-all-green diet I'm on, I feel somewhat weak, so i tired out pretty quickly. Traction was good - riding was good - not a bad day.
Day 2 (Sunday): After church with my girlfriend, I rode for about 30 minutes. The dirt was hard-packed and loose and dusty on top. Needless to say, this made it hard to find traction and keep it. My girlfriend used a stop-watch to track my lap times. I'm a consistent 01:02:20-80 per lap. My goal is to hit under a minute by next weekend. I'm riding with Jordan Hartfeil (my girlfriend's cousin). He's a fun person to ride with...I have discovered that I really need to work on my breathing when I ride. It is supposed to get hot this week so I guess that will make me figure it out...quick (I hope).
Day 3 (Tuesday): More carnage at Mt. View! So it was kinda hot today. Ok, I mean REALLY hot, but I was excited to ride. I got to the track, unloaded, geared up and BAM! - someone is down (typical day at Mt. View). The bike was still running and then stalled out; not a movement from the person. I walk over to help. Her eyes were closed and twitching - clearly, she was out cold. It was a 16 year old girl. She came out of it and started to talk to me as I was on my knees to keep the sun out of her eyes. I helped the medic get her helmet off and help her off the track. She was OK. I hate to see that happen, but at the same time, welcome to motocross!!
When I finally got to ride, I rode one 15 minute practice. The track sucked - hard-packed and slick already. I was sliding everywhere and couldn't stop for corners or find traction anywhere. Personally, I felt good...only to discover a flat tire! CRAP THAT SUCKS!!! I guess God was telling me that I wasn't supposed to ride today...But that's OK - they gave me a raincheck to come back. See ya next week, Mt. View!!
Day 4 (Saturday): I rode for 1.5 hours today. I also achieved my goal on the track of breaking a minute on my lap time - 00:58:23. Towards the end of the day I discovered another flat (bummer). But after the use of some Gorilla Tape, I am pretty sure I solved my flat problem. I feel stronger and more aggressive than I've felt in a long time. We'll see when I go to P.I.R. on Thursday night if my hard work is paying off.
Pinnacle Suspension is coming to P.I.R. to help me get set up with my new fork system. Things are coming together well. Now if I can just get my race sag set right on my shocks.
The diet is going well, too. I'm down to 197lbs - I've lost 13lbs in the last 2 weeks.
Day 5 (Tuesday): Practice at Mt. View - I got my bike set up pretty well. I think now I can start over on Thursday when I get my new forks from Pinnacle Suspension. The track was good today, but once again I got another flat (DAMN THIS TIRE CURSE THAT HAS BEEN CAST UPON ME!!). I have discovered a small slice in my tire bed lock that has been causing these flats. I've got two more problems I'll fix this time.
I lost one of my sources of income today so this will only make things more difficult. But with the will of the Big Man Upstairs it will all pan out, even if I only get to ride one class at Top Gun.
Day 6 (Thursday): Tonight, I raced at P.I.R. and went 3-2 for 3rd overall. I definitely could have gone faster in places, but the humidity was killing me during practice. The track didn't have a very good flow to it either, but I still had fun and the riders were fast!
We will be putting on my new forks Saturday at practice and dialing them in - I'm so excited, I feel like a 5 year old on Christmas morning!
Thanks for all your help, Matt (Pinnacle Suspension)!
Day 7 (Saturday): We finally got my new suspension. It took a bit of time to fine tune, but WOW is it amazing! I couldn't ask for anything better. I think the bike tracks and rides better than ever. I challenge you to test ride it and give me some feed back...
I took my friend Jordan with me to P.I.R. and I think he liked the track and had some fun. I also had a chance to ride with Lexi (the girl that knocked herself out at Mt View). With some practice, they will both be excellent riders.
Wish me luck! Top Gun is coming up fast, but I'll be ready...
Day 1 (Saturday): I got my wheels on my bike and was able to ride. I rode for about 20 minutes non-stop and was able to push it for most of the ride. With having not quite adjusted to the almost-all-green diet I'm on, I feel somewhat weak, so i tired out pretty quickly. Traction was good - riding was good - not a bad day.
Day 2 (Sunday): After church with my girlfriend, I rode for about 30 minutes. The dirt was hard-packed and loose and dusty on top. Needless to say, this made it hard to find traction and keep it. My girlfriend used a stop-watch to track my lap times. I'm a consistent 01:02:20-80 per lap. My goal is to hit under a minute by next weekend. I'm riding with Jordan Hartfeil (my girlfriend's cousin). He's a fun person to ride with...I have discovered that I really need to work on my breathing when I ride. It is supposed to get hot this week so I guess that will make me figure it out...quick (I hope).
Day 3 (Tuesday): More carnage at Mt. View! So it was kinda hot today. Ok, I mean REALLY hot, but I was excited to ride. I got to the track, unloaded, geared up and BAM! - someone is down (typical day at Mt. View). The bike was still running and then stalled out; not a movement from the person. I walk over to help. Her eyes were closed and twitching - clearly, she was out cold. It was a 16 year old girl. She came out of it and started to talk to me as I was on my knees to keep the sun out of her eyes. I helped the medic get her helmet off and help her off the track. She was OK. I hate to see that happen, but at the same time, welcome to motocross!!
When I finally got to ride, I rode one 15 minute practice. The track sucked - hard-packed and slick already. I was sliding everywhere and couldn't stop for corners or find traction anywhere. Personally, I felt good...only to discover a flat tire! CRAP THAT SUCKS!!! I guess God was telling me that I wasn't supposed to ride today...But that's OK - they gave me a raincheck to come back. See ya next week, Mt. View!!
Day 4 (Saturday): I rode for 1.5 hours today. I also achieved my goal on the track of breaking a minute on my lap time - 00:58:23. Towards the end of the day I discovered another flat (bummer). But after the use of some Gorilla Tape, I am pretty sure I solved my flat problem. I feel stronger and more aggressive than I've felt in a long time. We'll see when I go to P.I.R. on Thursday night if my hard work is paying off.
Pinnacle Suspension is coming to P.I.R. to help me get set up with my new fork system. Things are coming together well. Now if I can just get my race sag set right on my shocks.
The diet is going well, too. I'm down to 197lbs - I've lost 13lbs in the last 2 weeks.
Day 5 (Tuesday): Practice at Mt. View - I got my bike set up pretty well. I think now I can start over on Thursday when I get my new forks from Pinnacle Suspension. The track was good today, but once again I got another flat (DAMN THIS TIRE CURSE THAT HAS BEEN CAST UPON ME!!). I have discovered a small slice in my tire bed lock that has been causing these flats. I've got two more problems I'll fix this time.
I lost one of my sources of income today so this will only make things more difficult. But with the will of the Big Man Upstairs it will all pan out, even if I only get to ride one class at Top Gun.
Day 6 (Thursday): Tonight, I raced at P.I.R. and went 3-2 for 3rd overall. I definitely could have gone faster in places, but the humidity was killing me during practice. The track didn't have a very good flow to it either, but I still had fun and the riders were fast!
We will be putting on my new forks Saturday at practice and dialing them in - I'm so excited, I feel like a 5 year old on Christmas morning!
Thanks for all your help, Matt (Pinnacle Suspension)!
Day 7 (Saturday): We finally got my new suspension. It took a bit of time to fine tune, but WOW is it amazing! I couldn't ask for anything better. I think the bike tracks and rides better than ever. I challenge you to test ride it and give me some feed back...
I took my friend Jordan with me to P.I.R. and I think he liked the track and had some fun. I also had a chance to ride with Lexi (the girl that knocked herself out at Mt View). With some practice, they will both be excellent riders.
Wish me luck! Top Gun is coming up fast, but I'll be ready...
Aug 10, 2009
Devol Top Gun Shoot Out
Hey everyone! Devol Top Gun Shoot Out is coming up and I am glad to announce that I'll be competing for the RITCHEY RACER/RYDCO team in the Plus 25, 450c class over Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4th-7th).
I have started a diet program and have gone from 210lbs to 193lbs (currently) and I'm aiming to get down to 185-190lbs. I'm riding 3-4 days a week so I can get back in shape and be on top of my game.
Recently, I had a decent session at the Motocross Northwest Nationals. The ten-round series had me 4th in the 450c class and 1st in the Plus 25 class.
Thanks for all your help PINNACLE and WRENEGADE INC.!
I have started a diet program and have gone from 210lbs to 193lbs (currently) and I'm aiming to get down to 185-190lbs. I'm riding 3-4 days a week so I can get back in shape and be on top of my game.
Recently, I had a decent session at the Motocross Northwest Nationals. The ten-round series had me 4th in the 450c class and 1st in the Plus 25 class.
Thanks for all your help PINNACLE and WRENEGADE INC.!
Aug 4, 2009
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Jul 30, 2009
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