Bar bangin' under the lights

The fans came out in droves for the 44th anniversary of TNMX at P.I.R. last Thursday, and they were not disappointed. 70 pros came out to qualify for the nights main show, which had a $15,000 purse to offer to the field, with the winner walking away 2,500 big ones richer. That kinda cash can get you to the next few nationals, or fund one killer post win party. Whichever way you choose to spend your dolla bills, they would have been hard earned Thursday, as the competition was no joke. Jeff Alessi made his return to racing, '08's winner Tiger Lacey is always fast on Thursday's, '09's winner Daniel Blair is no one to forget about, and one time Pro Circuit driver Bobby Bonds was in house as well. NW pros like Tevin Tapia, Mike Horban, and Nate Whitlow always ride hard, and there were some new faces behind the helmets this year, like the very exciting Jimmy Decotis.

One of the highlights of the night was watching Austin Ulrich back up his prediction, and holeshot the first pro heat, only to have the race red flagged after a gnar crash in the back of the pack. But in dramatic fashion, Ulrich pulled out his slick bag of tricks, and nailed a second holeshot on the restart. I'd say that falls under the definition of "badass," right there.

The field was so stacked that it took three heats, and two LCQ's to set the roster for the main event, which was set to drop gate at 9:30, but didn't get under way until almost 9:50. Jeff Ansett led the majority of the race, before finally cracking to the pressure that Bonds was applying each corner of each lap. Behind them, the race for third blazed on, as Jeff Alessi battled with Daniel Blair, and NW hero Nate Whitlow in close tow. The final checkers waved around 10:15pm pacific time, with Bobby Bonds taking home the coveted Red Bull broom, followed by Alessi and Blair.

But the pro racing was only part of the evening, as hundreds of local amateur racers lined up on the same gates throughout the night as well. 50's, and mighty 450's, beginners and the fastest intermediates, all had some serious racing to contend to. The P.I.R. track is always well crafted and tended too, and tonight was no different. Truckloads of sand were brought in to provide a near dreamy racing surface, and the layout, with split sections for amateurs and pros, made for epic racing no matter what class you were apart of, or watching. With so many fans and riders, the sponsors showed up in full force as well, with a full FLY racing vendor, Red Bull mini coupe, complete with Red Bull ladies, and the always inspiring Hooters babes to come and dish out free wings. It felt like being a part of an AMA SuperCross race, with all the fans, pros, pristine track, and sponsors.

It truly was an epic Thursday night for motocross, and here's to 44 years of great racing under the lights. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I can't wait to see what 45 years has in store for us next summer. Hope you all had a blast rubbin' plastic with your buddies, watching some great racing, and enjoying some of the best facilities the northwest has to offer with friends and family.

Yup. Yup. Yup.

Warsh-ougal motor-cross

2010 Washougal national is just days from dropping the gate on the 8th round of the AMA circuit. It's gonna be a barn burner with tons of good racing, good weather, beer gardens and scantly clad women to try and divert your attention from the racing with their "assets." Be strong, and keep your eyes glued to the track for 30+2, then you'll be free to chase all the tail you want once the checkered flag waves.

The start straight has been re-vamped for 2010, replacing the short funnel that of years passed that left anyone in the back of the pack shit outta luck. It was also the cause of many o' first turn pileups that either ruined a guys day, or made it all the better (RC coming from deep in the pack in 2006).

If I was a betting man, oh wait, I am a betting man, I'd put the money I don't have on Pourcel in the tiddler class. He's been a bit inconsistent this summer, but he's a badass on a dirtbike and if anyone can find traction on the big dirty ice skating rink we call Washougal, it'll be Pourcel.



The 450 class is a toss up. The church boy of Dungey has been dominant since round 2. He looks like a seasoned vet, stomping on a bunch of B riders most days. But the gray haired K-Dub returned last weekend at Millville and got 3rd o/a straight off the couch. He's excited about racing and he's always fast at Washougal. He thwarted Ricky not once, but twice here, making Washougal the worst track in Ricky's illustious career, statistically. I'd say the gold is going to go to one of the two, but don't count out a surprise ride from someone like Josh Grant or Andrew Short, who have both shredded some serious gnar at Washougal in years passed.



Although if Ronnie Mac were there, I'd put all my chips on his redneck ass.

See ya at the races!

NW Born Ricky Deitrich

A day in the life!

Stay Positive

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that's why they call it the present, and presently, there is a pretty good season brewing." - David Bailey

I'm sitting on my computer at about 1 a.m. after missing what was sure to be an epic day at the racetrack. I haven't raced competitively since my little get off during indoors, and I was pumped to get back bangin' bars to say the least. Sleep the night before was tough to come by, and I felt like it was my first race all over again. But sadly, I've become somewhat accustom to bad luck. A random, freak of nature, difficult to even explain, foot injury left me at home instead. Watching the Freestone national coverage on SPEED and www.allisports.com all day didn't help my itch to race all that much either.

But in the dark of night, while putting in some practice laps on MX vs. ATV Reflex, I had a bit of a revelation. It came with the realization of skills, and how they work and stick to a person. I've been an avid hoops fan for about 7 years now, and no matter how many months go by without touching a basketball, I can always find my way around a basketball court when it comes time to play again.

The same is to be said with motocross. Although your first times back on a track after a few weeks, or even months, might be a bit hard on the forearms, it's literally "just like riding a bike." I'm not trying to say that I'll be a pro superstar next time I throw a leg over a dirtbike, but I am saying that time off the seat isn't the end of the world. In fact, it's time to grow as a motocross athlete. Time to focus on the things that you need to improve on, use the time off to break bad habits, and above all, stay positive when you come to the race track.

There's nothing worse than showing up to ride with a negative mindset. One that you're going to battle arm pump all day long, or that #69 is going to have you beat in all of your motos. That's only going to set you up for failure and frustration. Unfortunately, I know from experience.

Stay positive! One of the most important aspects to going fast on the track is looking ahead. Looking ahead to the end of a rut, or the exit of a turn, or the next obstacle in a section. Looking where you want you and your bike to go, instead of where you don't want it to go. This applies both literally and figuratively. Focus on how you want to ride and the things you want to excel in. Visualize your success, and it is sure to follow.

Peace easy, my motor-cross loving friends!

Seattle SloppyCross

The only round of AMA Supercross that makes it's way to the Pacific NW is just a day a way. I'm excited to say that I'll be attending, and hopefully the rest of you will be able to squeeze into Qwest Field as well. The weather in Seattle can be less than favorable at times, and only the creator of the universe knows why they chose to put an un-covered stadium in a city that rarely sees the sun. But it has been dry the last two days, and the forecast only calls for a 30% chance of wetness, so it should be a good race.

Chad Reed was supposed to be absent from the Seattle round, as he's any minute away from becoming a dad. But it has just been made news that he's in for tomorrow, but is on call to leave at any moment to go be with his wife, Ellie. It'll be good to see the valiant Aussie mixing things up a bit. Good luck skippy.

Sadly, his Kawi stable-mate is going to be missing from all the remaining Supercross rounds. http://twitpic.com/1hok7u/full
Villopoto broke his tib-fib at St. Louis, and may even be missing from the National 'chip this summer. He's pretty banged up, and I know I'm not alone in saying I can't wait until he's back. Rumor has it that the Zulu Warrior, Grant Langston, might possibly pick up the vacant KX-F spot for the outdoors.

Hope everyone has a helluva time at the race, and for those that don't get to go, well that's what TV and DVR is for. Chime in on who you think is gonna take the top steps of the podium come tomorrow night. My money's on Ice Trey Canard and K-Dub for his final win of his career. So if my crystal ball is still working properly, it should be a good night for Geico Powersports Honda.

I'd love to go with the hometown kid of Josh Hill, but he's still battling rib injuries, and just the fact that he's even out there is a testament to what a trooper he really is. From Josh's Twitter: "@JosHill75 I've only got 5 more days to figure out how to not get 13th and pick up 2nd in points, goodnight." Good luck Josh, you know the N-Dub fans will have your back!

See ya'll at the racing course.

Dear old Dad

I'm sure we all remember how we got started in this sport we call motocross. A dusty field somewhere, maybe some hand me down gear, and more butterflies than you could catch in a lifetime. Starting up your little bike for the first time, getting the hang of the throttle and brake, then putting around a little as you try to establish your balance like a scene straight out of Bambi (You mean that wimpy dear?). Sure, the story varies for everyone a little bit. Maybe you had some brand new gear, or maybe you learned to ride in the parking lot of your local track. I think it's safe to say our stories all have one thing in common; our old man.

It's not a stretch to say that our dads had a pretty big influence on us, and why we choose to risk life and limb on any given Sunday, at tracks across the world. I'm no different. My dad rode, and his dad before him rode. To this day my dad is often at the track to watch me and help me learn. My friends show up at the track with their pops, and my closest competition on the track shows up with their dads, as well. Local pro's will bring their dad's along to do the all important role of mechanic/truck driver/food provider/moral support. Famous legends of the sport like RC, James, and Showtime all had close relationships with their dads throughout their entire careers, and still do to this day.

Fathers day is a little ways away, still, but it's never a bad time to find the one you call Dad, and tell him thanks, give him a pat on the back, or find someway to let him know you respect the hell out of him for all he's done for you. Whether you realize it or not, he probably busted his ass to get you your bikes and gear your whole life. Motocross aint cheap, but that wasn't gonna stop him from getting his son or daughter out there to have the time of their lives. I can still remember my dad starting up my little '84 CR-60, giving me a little push to get me going, and running along side me, as I wobbled around like it was my first time on two-wheels. Think back to your days learning to ride with your dad, and don't ever forget 'em.

I am, by no means, trying to downplay the role moms, brothers and sisters, and even grandparents had in getting us to where we are today. I've seen plenty of moms show up at the tracks with their kids, countless times. And for that, we thank you. But the term isn't "mini-dad" for no reason. Dad's are how this sport keeps thriving, as the love of dirt and motorcycles gets passed on.

THANKS

Twisting throttles

The best time of year is upon us, once again. I'm not talking about Christmas, summer vacation, or Arbor Day. No, this is the transition from indoors to outdoors, here in NW Motocross, and what a time it is. If you weren't already amped about the coming months, hopefully this will get your blood pumping, and your right wrist twitching.

The tracks are going to be at their finest in the coming race days. All the dirt will still be clinging on to every last drop of moisture that fell from November to February, so the gettin's gonna be good. Tacky dirt, with fat ruts and intense braking bumps is what spring is all about my friends. I'm talking about the stuff this good sport is made of. The elements that separates motocross from the likes of field hockey or curling. Ok, maybe that wasn't the best analogy, but you get the picture.

Every day at the track, we can all feel the excitement, as everyone knows there's nothing but fun to be had for the next seven months. No matter where you ride, what bike you're on, how old it is, 2-stroke or thumper, and how old and busted your gear is looking, make sure to have a helluva time, every time. Think back to the cold dark days of winter, inside the arenas, glance around and take in the sights, the smells, and the atmosephere of the great outdoors, buckle your helmet strap, kick her over, and go rail!

Good luck to every rider out their competing: young, old, fast, slow, guys and gals, and everything in between. We'll all be rooting for the riders who will be contesting for spots at Lorretta Lynn's or maybe a few nationals this summer.

The best of times are upon us.

WHOOOAAA SLUUUUUDGE!

ABC's of Motocross Racing

A- Arm Pump: The stinging and burning in your forearms after a long day of racing.

B- Bro: They typical supercross fan, decked out in black shoes, black socks, black shorts, and usually sporting some form of Monster or Rockstar hat or shirt. Usually has the all black bike to match, but is rarely ridden.
Barn Burner: An exciting race filled with multiple passes, and/or takeouts.

C- Cheap Seats: Where you send a rider after a vicious block pass.

D- Dancing: What your back end does in a section of rigourous braking bumps.

E- EFI: Acronym for Expensive Freaking Invoice, which is usually used to describe the empty wallets after the purchase of a new 4-stroke.

F- Fun-2-5: A 125cc 2-stroke motorcycle, usually accompanied by a large grin.

G- Gnar: The thing you shred on a good day at the track.

H- Headshake: Term used to describe what happens when your front end loses stability; sometimes careening you and your bike off of the track, and possibly into the stairs of your local track's scoring tower.
Huck: To clear a large jump. Example: "I hucked the big double in the back section."

I- Indoor: where riders, especially from the NW, go to continue their moto shenanigans during the winter months.

J- Jesus: The person you talk to once you realize you're not going to make the gap.

K- Kill switch: Button on opposing riders handlebars that, when pressed, will guarantee you an instant holeshot.

L- Lid: Shiny new helmet.

M- Motor-cross driver: You, or anyone who drives in the sport of motor-cross.

N- Nervous class: Nickname for the "novice" class.

O- Open Class: The 500cc class, which was once upon a time the premier class in motocross racing, where real men went to do battle.

P- Pogo-cross: Used to describe a supercross or arenacross track that is littered with ill-advised jump combos and rarely has any sense of flow.
Panic Rev: An intense twisting of the throttle used in effort bring the front end up, and avoid bone jarring injuries.

Q- Quitet 4-stroke: Oxymoron.

R- Rail: Often used in the verb sense; to rail. The art of speeding thru a corner or rut with little to no stoppage of throttle application.

S- Supercross Only Contract: Viral outbreak plaguing southern California. Easily treated by Midol and/or feminine hygeine products.
Scrub: Jump technique made famous by James Stewart in his 125 days. Now one of the most over-used, and possibly ineffective, techniques in all of motocross.

T- Thumper: Term used to describe the "farting thru a straw" sound that the modern 4-stroke emits.
Tiddler class: Term used to describe the now defunct 125 class, but still applies to the current 250 class.

U- Unobtanium: The trick stuff you see on factory bikes that you know you'll never be good enough to experience.

V- Vet Class: Where old fogies go to re-live their childhood battles, only moderately slower.

W- Whiskey Throttle: No, not liquid courage in the form of Whiskey. An out of control feeling that usually ends with a concrete barrier.
Flying "W": When you have lost all control, but are too stubborn to let go, even though your feet are in the air, almost above your head, resembling the letter "W."
Words to live by: "Jump for show, corner for dough." - A wise man

X- X-Ray: Tool used by doctors to determine the extent of how badly you ate it.

Y- YZinger - Any 2-stroke motorcycle from the Yamaha lineup.
Yardsale: Vicious wreck.

Z- Zook: Short term slang for Suzuki.
Zulu Warrior: Nickname for racer #8 from South Africa

#- 2nd place: First loser

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE COMMENTS, AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN MOTO SLANG OR TERMINOLOGY!

Budget Tips

Not all of us know the luxury of chilling at the track in a pristine toy hauler, with fresh gear, and a brand new state of the art bike with all the latest bling. For those of you out there on a budget, here are a few tricks of the trade to keep your wallet from getting in the way of pounding laps.

- Plan ahead: Making a budget and planning out your weeks of riding will help immensely. Knowing where you want to ride will help keep a balance of how you spend what little funds you have.

- Pick and choose: If money is tight, you aren't going to make it to every practice and race. So decide where your priorities are at. Whether it be practice day hero, strictly doing races, or making it a priority to hit up more tracks than just those in your local area. Check the weather ahead of time, and make sure you are going to be getting the best experience for your dollar.

- Be lady like: Shop for sales! Check the clearance racks or the blowout stuff online. If it's something that is ultra cheap, and an item you may not need at the moment, get it anyway. Better to have parts at hand that were inexpensive, than to wait until something breaks and pay full price. Last years gear was cool looking too, and will cost you about half the price.

- Stay safe: Nothing hurts a budget rider like medical bills and costly repairs. Don't ride over your head and risk your body writing checks that you can't cash. Same with your mount. Make sure you stay on top of routine maintenance. It doesn't get much worse than missing prime weeks in the spring and summer because you're saving up to rebuild the top end.

SX Academy

Supercross Academy: Here

Check out Mitch Rask putting down some supercross laps in this video from Racer X, at the SX Academy at the Honolulu Hills MX Park. Good to see him out there working with some very fast guys. Good luck in 2010 Mitch.

Josh Hill to San Manuel

Check it out here

After a rough 2009, Team Yamaha called it quits, and is setting up a lease program, to send out support to L&M, JGR, and Star Yamaha teams, instead of running an official factory effort. But where did that leave J-Hill, after his toughest year as a pro? Luckily he was able to slide into the #2 spot at San Manuel, behind James Stewart, and rumor has it that Larry Brooks (I'll keep my opinions about the man to myself) is trying to sign an aging K-Dub as well. That would be one hell of a blue trio.

I know I'm super pumped to see Josh on the 2010 YZ450 come supercross. Congrats to Josh!

The only thing I am desperately hoping is that Josh is not going SX only so early in his career...

2-Stroke Revival?

I've ranted about the ups and downs of 2-strokes and 4-strokes before. Basically it's whatever floats your boat. Different strokes for different folks. I recently made the switch back to premix, and I find I ride it better. That's just me. Some riders just flat out don't like it.

The point is, I've observed quite a few more pingers around Albany and other tracks lately. I'm hoping it's not just a temporary trend while the economy is in the shitter, but it doesn't appear to be a short term fix. A lot of us, myself included, bought into the 4-stroke hype when all the shiny new thumpers were coming out, with all the new bells and whistles, and double the cc's I might add. But now, after seeing what crap the used bike market is due to ticking time bomb 250F's, I think a lot of people are wising up, and realizing what we had wasn't so bad. Not to mention the fun factor of holding a 2-stroke pinned around a motocross track. Not that I would know what that feels like...

Indoor Motor-Cross

The sun has gone away behind the clouds, and all the riders are moving their pits under the covers for the Winter. Arenacross is starting up in Salem, and Clark County as well. Gone are the days of wet morning practice, the big table tops, and choppy braking bumps, and enter the days of tight bowl turns, and man made triples.

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who preferred the lights compared to the Great Outdoors, but the indoor months always have their own special draw. The racing is tight, and physical, and all the riders get to rub plastic just a little more. 2nd place on the last lap? The only option might be that block pass in one of the 180 bowl turns. Rubbin's racin.

New Management

AlbanyMX.com website captain Wes Hare is now at the helm of nwmoto.com, and is working to keep the northwest moto scene alive and kicking. Make sure to check out both regularly for all the info, and important race dates.

Obviously I'm just doing this for fun still, but hopefully I can provide some insight from a riders standpoint.

Washougal 2009

(YOU BETTER BELIEVE I GOT ME A RACER X BUTT PATCH STICKER!!)

This is gonna be a long one...

As usual, Washougal is the only pro event I get to physically attend each year. I've been trying to make it up to Seattle SX for years, but can never pull it off. Who needs gucci-cross anyway? Also as usual, the entire week leading up to race day, I was super pumped. This was the first Saturday event I had been to, and the first time I had got to see practice too. It was interesting to see riders piece the track together, and ultimately lay down some blisteringly fast laps times.


If there is a God, he blessed us with great weather on on Saturday. Washougal is already the most beautiful track on the tour, and arguably in the world if you ask me, and blue skies just made it that much more picture perfect. The track was good as well. Alot more "jumpy" than in years past, but lets face it, this is 2009. It's still a dinosaur as far as jumps are concerned. People complain about the dirt every year, but like I've said before, diversity is good for Motocross. It mixes things up, keeps riders on their toes, and helps seperate the good riders from the BEST riders.

Enter Chad Reed! Washougal is about as technical and slippery as you are going to get in AMA motocross, and as many expected, Reed rode to the occasion. He has admitted that he is having trouble pushing it to the edge, so I'm sure it was nice to be at somewhat of an advantage in the NW.


As far as the event went, Washougal is always a great facility, and the fans just straight up love MX, myslef included. From what I could tell, turnout was a little low this year. If memory serves me correctly, it was about 28,000 last year, compared to 20,000 this year. The Amateur racing suffered this year as well. Bleak economy? Saturday's? 4-strokes? Not exactly sure what the problem was.

Also the viewing was worse than in years past. In '06 when RC and James battled tooth and nail, me and my dad were able to catch almost all the racing from one spot towards the back. We saw almost all the passing, and screamed our heads off. The same could be said for '08 when Dungey edged out Villopoto for his first win. Same spot, same story. This year? There was a giant hospitality tent, and a few food stands up in the back that completely blocked the view. I love cruising around the track and seeing the spots as much as the next moto fan, but this was a little ridiculous.

A few observations I had:

Chad Reed is a great rider, and ultra smooth and very technical.


Erin Bates is one of the nicest people you will ever meet

The only bike louder than the PC bikes of Pourcel and Wiemer was Ben Evans bike (but that was more than likely due to the fact that his MUFFLER was GONE) not sure how those bikes pass sound?

J-Law finally rode good, but is obviously going through a tough year. I was extremely pumped for him to be on the podium in the second moto, but had mixed feelings after his podium presence was less than stellar. Either way good job for J-Law.



Josh Grants YZ250 that he is riding at X-Games is the coolest piece of machinery I have seen in many years. On our way out, one of the JGR guys was riding it back into the pits. Between the smell and the sound, I practically fainted out of sheer horniness, and jealousy.

Nic Wolfer is one of my new heros, for trying to make this big show on an RM-250. I made sure to cheer a little extra every time he came by. He didn't make it this year, but he hadn't in years past either, so in no way do his results have anything to do with his smoker. Go get em next year Nic!

Overall, Washougal '09 was a great day for real motocross fans. See you next year.

Don't crash.... Ok don't crash again...

I had not raced a motocross bike for over a month until yesterday. I wasn't exactly filled with overwhelming pride and confidence in my riding skills a month ago, but as of July 11, 2009, I would say my confidence level is in the negative. If someone could have told me how bad I would have done in my first race back, I would have stayed in bed.

My speed was not the problem, surprisingly. My fitness was a big problem on the other hand. Bad starts didn't exactly make my day any easier, but I felt like I had what it took to comeback from the back and win the race. In my dreams...

I got inside my own head and rode a little too aggressively and took myself out of not just my first moto, but my second as well. All in all, I completed about 6 laps on the day. There's no feeling worse than being away from the sport that I love(d) so much, only to come back, be fast in practice, and do abysmally bad once the gate dropped. I left the racetrack with my head hanging low. I have been trying to view my glass as half full, and I will try this whole motocross racing thing again on Thursday, at Portland International Raceway. Thursday night motocross is a blast.

Silly Season

Normally the Off-season is considered "Silly Season." How about the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Nationals?? The 2 favorites out with injury. One of the favorites trying to make a comeback, with a kneecap that is split like Jon and Kate. Chad Reed's... dominance? First time winners. Crazy stuff this outdoor championship has become. And that's only the 450 class!

I'm not gonna sit here and do race reports or give you anything you can't find everywhere else on the webernet. But the racing this season has been good for sure. The Lakewood moto that got all the TV time was kind of a snoozer, minus Tommy Hahn's great ride. But the 250 motos were great races, and will be exciting to watch when they air on speed.

Considering how stacked the 250 moto is, (and was at the beginning of the season with Trey Canard still ripping it up) there hasn't been quite as much adversity as we all expected. It's pretty much been Pourcel and Dungey. Both were favorites, but how many out there were calling for Rattray or Searle to be surprise winners of this championship. And where is the blazing speed of Barcia that we saw in the early rounds? Wiemer's win was much deserved, and I think everyone is happy for him. Jake is one of those cool, down to earth, potato farmers.

So I have not ridden a motorcycle since I posted those pictures last time. My bike has been in the shop, it has been a Merry-Go round ride of going to different shops to figure out what was really wrong, not to mention my increasingly small paychecks. That's all over now, and I am so pumped to get back out on a bike and blow up some berms... or at least try.

Time off the bike is hell, as anyone out there reading this already knows. But it also re-motivates you. You realize how much more you love hitting the bumps in 4th gear with the throttle twisted all the way in the "on" position, rather than playing XBOX. I did get to work on my golf game a little, and I needed it trust me, but it's time to get back out there and moto away.

Must See

For any motocross fan, you MUST go here and watch the Randall Everett's YZ250 video. It's awe inspiring stuff. There is a version with, and without music. Watch both of course, but if you do ONE thing all day today, skip the shower, neglect your girlfriend, don't worry about the dog dish, watch the version without music. It will make your day. Matt Wozney is the mastermind behind MXPTV, and he is awesome. I could spend a whole day there, just watching the helmet cam videos and rider profiles.

I hope to be throwing up some pictures of my own YZ250 soon, but this economy is bleak. Especially here in Oregon. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, so selling my bikes has been a monumental task. But do not doubt my determination.

Mayday Mayday! Riders down!

May and June were not to kind to the sport of motocross. Particularly, front-runners of Ryan Villopoto and Mike Alessi, both out with Knee injuries. Didn't Chad Reed's best friends girlfriend's sister's uncle date Tonya Harding??

Either way it is a major bummer for the 2009 Season. Everyone was so super pumped on the all out war that was going to take place in 12 various battlegrounds across the country. Only San Bernadino in California got to see 800 and 2 go at it. And Sacremento and Wortham were the only ones fortunate enough to see Alessi "doin work."

Whoever wins the title, the earned it. Part of racing is consistency. The beauty of organized racing is there are no ifs ands or butts about it. Whoever has the most points after 24 motos is the champ. I will be more pissed than a gay man in California after a proposition 8 voting day if I hear a bunch of the usual bullshit when a top guy gets injured. "Reed didn't earn it because Bubba wasn't there." That kind of nonsense. This is racing, the most pure form of competition known to the human race.

Cliff took some great pictures from Albany last week!

Yours Truly:

Motocrossed!

It's the year 2000 all over again, and motocross is growing in popularity. How popular you ask? Judging by the release of Motocrossed, a Disney Channel original movie, I'd say pretty popular. If you don't know the story, well your not missing much. I'll fill you in real fast. (note: the following synopsis of motocrossed is not a joke)

Young Andy Carson is big up and coming racer.

Parents go away for the day, so he decides to race against his twin sister, Andy... err Andrea.

Andy and Andrea bang bars and Andy goes down and hurts his knee.

Now Andy can't compete in the big Factory Cup coming up soon.

Andrea gets her valued N*SYNC tickets, but then learns that the big Cup has been moved up a few weeks, and "Carson Racing" might not get a chance at their factory gig.

Andrea cuts her hair, pretends to be brother, gets roosted by all the guys, cries. yada yada yada.

She falls madly in love with the hot 250 rider. yada yada yada. That whole gig.

Where am I going with all this? In the end, after the points battle has gotten so tight, and the race for the coveted factory sponsorship has come down to the final race, it's up to Andrea to take it home for Carson Racing.

But oh no! The race bike is fried and someone needs to do a full top-end rebuild in between motos. Enter little brother, and ace mechanic, Jason. But surely no 13 year old could do a top end rebuild on a modern 4-stroke race bike, right? But ah, don't forget that this is the year 2000! Suzuki does not make a modern 4-stroke. In fact, no one, excpet Yamaha, does. So Andrea is in luck. Jason swaps the top ends of the RM-125's with time for a "moto-vational" family pep talk.

Of course she wins and gets the boy and they get factory support. yada yada yada.

I had not seen this awesomely corny, yet somehow better and more accurate than "Supercross", movie since I was in middle school. I had forgotten about this part of the movie, and didn't realize the significance it has in today's 4-stroke world. Understand I am not trying to become some 2-stroke advocate, or anything like one. But had this movie been made in the year 2009, this little top-end rebuild scene would have been nothing more than movie magic.

Even the Disney Channel can teach us valuable lessons I guess. Girls who cut their, and pretend to be their motocross racing brothers; not hot.