Got numbers?

The check's been sent the waiver signed and the number issued. Liam hoped for number 22, being the Irish boy he is, luck was on his side. They say ignorance is bliss and too much information can make you crazy. I'm already crazy so too much information stresses me out. Trying to plan and anticipate every situation and how it will play out and finish. My God, WHAT am I thinking, letting him race? He's five, he's little, tall-but little. He can get hurt, really hurt! I have visions of him racing along side a child much larger in stature and gerth, my visions continue with him being thrown from his dirtbike and landing on his adorable angelic head and unable to get up he could become paralyzed, he could die for crying out loud! What kind of mother am I to allow this?

I frequently have conversations with myself; some of the most quiet arguements I've ever had. If only with myself, it seems to help. I often wonder how my parents did it? When is a good time to let them grow up? How do you begin the process of letting them grow up? Make their own mistakes? Learn from their mistakes? I continued to ask myself insane questions one right after the other, "is there an ambulance on site?", "Are the flaggers CPR certified?", "Is there such a thing as race manners?". Ten days and counting, Lord help me.

Getting race ready

People already think I'm crazy for allowing Liam to race his dirtbike. Apparently I'm certifiable now, he has been begging for a mohawk. I went away over the weekend for my bi-annual scrapbooking getaway. Before I left, I told Sean he could take him to get his haircut which meant a mohawk (but it needs to be kept longer on the side-Mr. T doesn't live here). Part of the weekend plan included going to Moto101, a dirtbike track at New England Dragway in Epping, NH (a location found while researching the different circuits). The event I was at had limited cell service, I recieved a picture of the little man's new do when we went to eat lunch. A sideview of the blue mohawk and a big smile, as he is picking a lollipop. He received many compliments as the two ran errands. One of the errands included going to pick up his race numbers. However, the novelty of the mohawk wore off quickly when Liams had a reaction to the blue hair gel. It began to be uncomfortable and when Sean went to rinse his hair, Liam screamed, his head was burning. Sean checked the water and it wasn't hot he tried to calm Liam but the water forced a chemical reaction that felt like fire on my little man's head. A lot of Johnsons shampoo and serious scalp massage the "fire" was out and Liam was happy. He said he doesn't want a mohawk anymore. If I knew it would be that easy I would've caved in on that request ages ago.

I like to be in control, I like order, I don't ask a question I don't already know the answer, or somewhat know the answer to. I have a very difficult time admitting I'm wrong.

So, when my son came to me with his big bright brown eyes and said "Mommy, I really really really want to race my dirtbike" What is an over protective Mom to do? Since my husband is an avid rider, I put him in charge of the decision (I know not a control freak thing to do). I of course, expecting he's going to give the same answer I would have. No, for reasons A, B and C. Needless to say that didn't happen. My son is talented, there is no dispute to that. He spoke to a few people he knows that are avid riders (one, raced as a child)and being me I researched the "circuit" and sent email after email. The reply stated I had missed the deadline to register. My husband and I looked at the schedule because the email mentioned we could register Liam at each race. Since this would be Liam's first time, I want to make sure he has fun, so we both agreed a limited race schedule would be best. Did I mention this sport involves lot's of traveling? Dramamine is and will continue to be my best friend on many many trips, my poor sons as well.

The largest fear I have right now is that my child will be a small fish in a big pond. I have to insure he is matched up with other children of the same or similar level riding. My gut feelings tell me that wont be the case and I have to be prepared to care for the potential melt down that WILL occur if he is out of his league.

Liam needed new grips, my husband kept him out of pre-school for the day and they drove to Freedom Cycle in Concord. There was a Junior 50 Pro, Liam had to sit on the bike-He is like me, at a scrapbook store, so many papers so little time. Liam fit on the bike perfectly and Sean, my husband, looked at the price $3500. Thankfully, the little voice I have programmed in my husbands head chimed up! They proceed to the parts department and speak with two gentleman about youth racing. They explained that racing the "circuit" we were looking at was setting Liam up for failure. Not the fun factor I want for my son, and the fear of equal abilities has now come true. Luckily, being the crazy Mom I am, I researched three circuits in the New England Area. The gentleman explained that Canaan Lions Motocross was the best fit for Liam. Children with like dirtbikes ($3500 bike was a true race bike) would be racing and at the same ability level. The KTM-$3500 bike is considered a "true" race bike there is no clutch, push button start or battery translation, lighter and faster bike.

In my research I had looked into Canaan Motocross. I know what you're thinking, I said I let me husband do all the work and I would step aside. But, HELLO, I'm an Mom-protect protect protect, it's what I do it's what all Mom's do. I contacted the Lions Club and from my research I knew that all 8 races are at their track in Canaan, NH. I went to Canaan Motocross' website, downloaded the appropriate form had it notorized, sent in the registration fee and copy of his birth certificate. I closed my eyes said a prayer, stamped and mailed the envelope.

Ahhhh, now the worrying can really begin.