The track we race is run by the local Lions Club. It's an organization whose donations are put back into the communities they service. This being said it is understood that the series and races are not AMA sanctioned events, the points you earn at this race are only for the series at this venue. People get crazy, they will comment on the gate fees for riders to enter the pit area and the fees to race each class. There is always one person that will ask "how much do you win?" This series does not award money, it's a non-profit and the prize is a trophy. For Liam, a trophy is the coolest thing ever. He compares the latest one to the others when he gets home.
Because they don't allow sandbagging and have policies in place to prevent a rider from doing just that. It would seem only right that each rider sign up for the appropriate class. If after three races a riders skill level is more advanced then the other riders the Lions Club will "Bump up" the rider to the next race level ie if riding Novice level and the riders lap times are comparable to the Amatuer or Expert riders they will be bumped up and lose the earned points.
I don't know the terminology for a Moto-cross stage Mom, but I like to think I'm not one. However, I have encountered one and it's not always the Mom. MX is a prodominately male sport, so of course seeing Dad on the track is the norm. That being said, one child in my son's race class has raced the same class for three years. The first year he raced he had a gnarly crash and broke his fimor which took him out for the season. Last year was a great year for him. He took third place overall, this year is his year, I will be very surprised if he doesn't take it all. I was asked if I thought he should be bumped to the next level-Amateur. As a Mom and sometimes a selfish parent (my son has remained in 2nd place the first 3 races). I thought about talking to the club (protesting) that he be bumped. I couldn't, another parent came to me and said she had. My reply to her was "This is his year, it's good for my son to race against the friends he has made", That being said the selfish side of me would like to see my son take the 1st place overall position but I don't want my son to win that way. What kind of example am I teaching?
The Club did not bump up the child and he and my son have battled out at each and every race since. This is going to be a nailbiter of a season for sure.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Let the racing begin!
The first race of the season is under our belts and what a great race day it was. Up at 3:30am, kids in the car and we're on the road an hour later. I was a bit under the weather but MotoMoms have to be there for their kids. I can't expect him to stay strong and not wimp out if I do.
The weather called for rain, and lot of it but it stayed pretty light for a while and then it didn't. No thunder no lightning-you guessed it. They ride, all in all it ended up being a good day. The track was a mud bog, the first race wasn't too bad but the more racing went on coupled with the rain, the worse the track got. I believe the word Quicksand was mentioned a few hundred times.
Liam was on fire during practice and the first race didn't disappoint. The first moto he came in second place. He amazes me everyday! He went up to the other riders as they came off the track and told them what a great job they did. Sure, at 6 it's good sportsmanship, at 10 not so much. Liam cheered on a few of his buddies G and T before racing the first moto of his next race class, 50 Novice.
The time had come for his second race this time with the KTM. The track conditions were tough but he made it through. This class is for more advanced riders (it's all about the seat time), unfortunately, the mud was thick and the kids were getting stuck, falling over and truth be told, KTM's don't like mud! Liam didn't get all the laps in, it was decided he would race the TTR50 in the second moto for this class.
MOTO 2 for both classes were still a struggle. With mud as deep as their foot pegs, Liam stayed slow and steady threw it all. He finished second place again gauranteeing him a second place finish for the day in the junior 50 class. The 50 Novice was a different story...he went out on the TTR just as he had in the junior class moto2 but continued getting caught up in the mud. It seemed he was "walking"the bike more then he was riding it. By the third lap he was half way around the track when the bike just stopped. It wouldn't do anything, the flagger helped him and the "track tech" went over but nothing! We thought for sure the engine was cracked.
Once the bike came off the track and it was cleaned up (Thank you, moto-families with gas powered pressure washers) the bike didn't seem that bad off. The next day Sean gave the bike an extra look over and it wasn't the engine at all....YIPPEE!!! I totally did the Snoopy dance! The parts have been ordered and will be replaced in time for the next race!
I love watching my guys ride and I love the enjoyment they have doing it. He's only 6, he can still change his mind....many times...right? My gut feeling is he wont, I guess I can dream of Hawaiian beaches and umbrella drinks as I am sitting in my chair covered in dust listening to different tones, feeling the vibrations and yelling "WHAAAAT?" as a pack of riders BRRRRAAAAPPPPP and RRRIIINGGG DING DING DING by me. Because I am a MOTO-MOM!
The weather called for rain, and lot of it but it stayed pretty light for a while and then it didn't. No thunder no lightning-you guessed it. They ride, all in all it ended up being a good day. The track was a mud bog, the first race wasn't too bad but the more racing went on coupled with the rain, the worse the track got. I believe the word Quicksand was mentioned a few hundred times.
Liam was on fire during practice and the first race didn't disappoint. The first moto he came in second place. He amazes me everyday! He went up to the other riders as they came off the track and told them what a great job they did. Sure, at 6 it's good sportsmanship, at 10 not so much. Liam cheered on a few of his buddies G and T before racing the first moto of his next race class, 50 Novice.
The time had come for his second race this time with the KTM. The track conditions were tough but he made it through. This class is for more advanced riders (it's all about the seat time), unfortunately, the mud was thick and the kids were getting stuck, falling over and truth be told, KTM's don't like mud! Liam didn't get all the laps in, it was decided he would race the TTR50 in the second moto for this class.
MOTO 2 for both classes were still a struggle. With mud as deep as their foot pegs, Liam stayed slow and steady threw it all. He finished second place again gauranteeing him a second place finish for the day in the junior 50 class. The 50 Novice was a different story...he went out on the TTR just as he had in the junior class moto2 but continued getting caught up in the mud. It seemed he was "walking"the bike more then he was riding it. By the third lap he was half way around the track when the bike just stopped. It wouldn't do anything, the flagger helped him and the "track tech" went over but nothing! We thought for sure the engine was cracked.
Once the bike came off the track and it was cleaned up (Thank you, moto-families with gas powered pressure washers) the bike didn't seem that bad off. The next day Sean gave the bike an extra look over and it wasn't the engine at all....YIPPEE!!! I totally did the Snoopy dance! The parts have been ordered and will be replaced in time for the next race!
I love watching my guys ride and I love the enjoyment they have doing it. He's only 6, he can still change his mind....many times...right? My gut feeling is he wont, I guess I can dream of Hawaiian beaches and umbrella drinks as I am sitting in my chair covered in dust listening to different tones, feeling the vibrations and yelling "WHAAAAT?" as a pack of riders BRRRRAAAAPPPPP and RRRIIINGGG DING DING DING by me. Because I am a MOTO-MOM!
Ice Ice Baby....to ride to ride
New Englanders are hardcore. Nothing keeps us inside snow, sleet, rain or hail we love it all. Sean spent the better part of 3 nights drilling screws into 4 brand new tires. He used approximately 1200 screws on the boys bikes in preperation of snow and ice riding. Once ponds freeze to a depth of 12 inches or more you are good to go.
Ice riding isn't just about seat time, its a good training on slick dirt and mud. The more comfortable you feel on the bike, no matter track conditions, will make you a more prepared rider. Liam could care less what terrain he's on as long as he's on his bike he's one happy fella. Jeremy was a bit skeptical, he is the cautious one after all. Aren't most first borns?!
The first trip out they went to a place called Turkey Pond, known for snowmobile races. The nice thing about Turkey Pond, it's pretty good size and it's quiet. It's no Winnepasaukee but it works for our needs. The bonus of riding Turkey Pond, is that the NH Snowmobilers Club conduct races each weekend they check the ice conditions around the pond routinely throughout the day. As everyone knows, ice melts, noone wants to be on melting ice in the middle of a body of water when it lets go. Safety first!
The boys stayed off to the side and far enough away from the snowmobilers to practice riding on the slick conditions.
For those who have never heard of, or are wondering how the air stays in the tires after you've drilled over 1000 screws in them. Here is a quick lesson in ice riding: Each tread of the tire gets one to three screws. Each tread with makes a pattern, as the screwheads are turned to the same direction. When the bike is on the ice the screws dig in and give you traction. Less screws less traction, more screws better traction. The tube is not in the tire when the screws are drilled in. A buffer is used between the tire and tube to protect the tube from being pierced by a screw. The buffer can be any thick material such as cut up strips of carpet or tire. Voila, you now have ice tires!
Sean and Liam were out a few hours with some friends of ours. Liam did great! He was excited to talk all about it. Thankfully we have a pond near our home, Doors Pond. Sean was able to bring both boys there to ride. Of course all the fun ends when you have a massive snow storm forecasted. YUP, We love New England weather! It changes as quickly as Tori Spellings hairstyles did on 90210. Maybe more, but it would definately be a close race!
Like I said New Englanders are hardcore. The blizzard of 2010 didn't keep them off the ice. 18 inches of white fluffy fun was left behind, a beautiful white carpet just waiting for someone to make the first snowman, snow angel, ski or sledding run. Not my guys-they took the snowblower to Doors Pond and made a track to ride on. If you're gonna crash, fresh snow is the perfect landing pad!
Ice riding isn't just about seat time, its a good training on slick dirt and mud. The more comfortable you feel on the bike, no matter track conditions, will make you a more prepared rider. Liam could care less what terrain he's on as long as he's on his bike he's one happy fella. Jeremy was a bit skeptical, he is the cautious one after all. Aren't most first borns?!
The first trip out they went to a place called Turkey Pond, known for snowmobile races. The nice thing about Turkey Pond, it's pretty good size and it's quiet. It's no Winnepasaukee but it works for our needs. The bonus of riding Turkey Pond, is that the NH Snowmobilers Club conduct races each weekend they check the ice conditions around the pond routinely throughout the day. As everyone knows, ice melts, noone wants to be on melting ice in the middle of a body of water when it lets go. Safety first!
The boys stayed off to the side and far enough away from the snowmobilers to practice riding on the slick conditions.
For those who have never heard of, or are wondering how the air stays in the tires after you've drilled over 1000 screws in them. Here is a quick lesson in ice riding: Each tread of the tire gets one to three screws. Each tread with makes a pattern, as the screwheads are turned to the same direction. When the bike is on the ice the screws dig in and give you traction. Less screws less traction, more screws better traction. The tube is not in the tire when the screws are drilled in. A buffer is used between the tire and tube to protect the tube from being pierced by a screw. The buffer can be any thick material such as cut up strips of carpet or tire. Voila, you now have ice tires!
Sean and Liam were out a few hours with some friends of ours. Liam did great! He was excited to talk all about it. Thankfully we have a pond near our home, Doors Pond. Sean was able to bring both boys there to ride. Of course all the fun ends when you have a massive snow storm forecasted. YUP, We love New England weather! It changes as quickly as Tori Spellings hairstyles did on 90210. Maybe more, but it would definately be a close race!
Like I said New Englanders are hardcore. The blizzard of 2010 didn't keep them off the ice. 18 inches of white fluffy fun was left behind, a beautiful white carpet just waiting for someone to make the first snowman, snow angel, ski or sledding run. Not my guys-they took the snowblower to Doors Pond and made a track to ride on. If you're gonna crash, fresh snow is the perfect landing pad!
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Biggest Bash there ever was.....The Banquet
The end of the season banquet is a HUGE deal, this is of course is where the riders receive their overall season trophies. It's quite the big deal to a five year old. Let's face it, trophies are a big deal for just about everyone!
It was great when he earned his first trophy (4th place) reaction of others as he carried this huge piece of plastic and wood back to the motorhome. Awe struck kids double his age, congratulating him was heartwarming. They've been there, they've won that first trophy before.
Throughout the season each rider accumulates points based on how they finish each race in the series.
1st place-25 points 2nd-22 points 3rd-20 points 4th-18 points 5th-16 points and so on.Now the racing is done and it's time to party! Sean stayed home with the Diva Doll and off Liam and I went to the banquet, unfortunately Jeremy was unable to join us. Football games have him pretty much booked Fall and Winter and both boys know that a commitment has to be seen through.
My little man earned 5th place in points-not too shabby being the only 5 year old on a track with kids as old as 10 in his division. I'm one proud Momma! His accomplishment is an amazing moment not just for him but for me as well. Why am I so excited? It's been 2 years since he first rode the TTR 50. The training wheels are off now, the chain is hanging by a wing and a prayer...literally. He feels so comfortable with this bike it truley is a second set of legs to him. This journey began when Sean dropped the trailer ramp and Liam started that bike up. The grin from ear to ear and sparkle in his eye I will never forget.
Whether I like it or not my son was born a dirtbike rider and he was 3 years old, now I look at this incredibly amazing boy. I never dreamed his abilities would take him to this level. I thought it was a phase. Phases are normal right? At age 3 who says "Mommy I'm going to ride a dirtbike like Travis Pastrana"? and be hell bent on achieving it.
The banquet is held at the Fireside Lodge in Lebanon, NH. It's rustic facility with post and beam exposed walls. The night begins with a cocktail hour, dinner and then the awards. The staff was top notch the organizers of the event surpassed my expectations. I love that they gave families an option to enjoy the dinner or attend just the awards, many families are local and the cost isn't always justified. For us it made sense to "do it up"! We live over an hour away from Lebanon so it made sense to attend the dinner. I already told Sean that staying overnight is a must next year, we will work it into the 2011 MX budget.
We've met so many wonderful people this season. We've a bond that many will never understand. We aren't soccer Mom's, we don't drive mini vans. We don't wear white EVER and we own stock in Fox, Thor, Moose, Oakley, Shift and many others. We are sponsors to our kids in an extreme sport. We encourage it, we teach sportsmanship, we teach patience, we teach strategy, we teach perseverance. We are Moto Moms!
We've met so many wonderful people this season. We've a bond that many will never understand. We aren't soccer Mom's, we don't drive mini vans. We don't wear white EVER and we own stock in Fox, Thor, Moose, Oakley, Shift and many others. We are sponsors to our kids in an extreme sport. We encourage it, we teach sportsmanship, we teach patience, we teach strategy, we teach perseverance. We are Moto Moms!
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Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Hurry up....and wait!
When we prepare to go to the track for a race, we first have to determine if we will be driving up on Friday or early Saturday and staying overnight until Sunday. Once this is decided we can load up the motorhome with supplies. Water, food for all meals and snacks, toys, gaming systems, books, crayons pretty much anything and everything that will keep thre children entertained during the down time of racing. You're probably wondering how can racing possibly have down time. Well here goes.
Liam and Jeremy each race in one class which has two heats (an am race and an pm race). This schedule can make for a very long day. Especially with a diva toddler. Gates open at 5:30am, registration is from 6am until 8:30am, a mandatory riders meeting at the tower is at 9am. Practice immediately follows the meeting. Racing begins at 10am, NOW...
The list race order is determined early on, before the season begins. After getting there and registering the boys entertain themselves and help Sean ready the bike. I entertain my daughter and try to keep her out of the way and happy. This can be difficult at times, no amount of toys or goodies will do.
Once practice is done we, run to get Liam to the prepared to race. His race is second in the schedule and Jeremy is right after him. Once both boys have raced we wait and wait and wait then watch the other classes race, then there is a one hour break-after all everyone needs lunch. Now from the time the boys have raced it's been about four hours. After the break, bellies full, racing begins again.
Then it's on to round two, Sydney is usually sleeping in her stroller until it's time for her brothers to ride. She gets very excited to watch them and claps happily everytime they ride by her. She thinks they can see her and I'm sure they can but they are too busy keeping in on two wheels. Once they are done, we wait for the results, times and standings if they are ready. Now it's about 3pm (remember we started at 4am, in the car with 3 kids and dogs) 6am if we stayed overnight at a nearby campground, Rivers Edge Campground and ATV Park. Which thankfully is only about 15 minutes down the road.
That's pretty much it in a nutshell folks. The good the bad and the unproductive. It's always nice when people come to cheer them on. It also breaks up the waiting around.
Liam and Jeremy each race in one class which has two heats (an am race and an pm race). This schedule can make for a very long day. Especially with a diva toddler. Gates open at 5:30am, registration is from 6am until 8:30am, a mandatory riders meeting at the tower is at 9am. Practice immediately follows the meeting. Racing begins at 10am, NOW...
The list race order is determined early on, before the season begins. After getting there and registering the boys entertain themselves and help Sean ready the bike. I entertain my daughter and try to keep her out of the way and happy. This can be difficult at times, no amount of toys or goodies will do.
Once practice is done we, run to get Liam to the prepared to race. His race is second in the schedule and Jeremy is right after him. Once both boys have raced we wait and wait and wait then watch the other classes race, then there is a one hour break-after all everyone needs lunch. Now from the time the boys have raced it's been about four hours. After the break, bellies full, racing begins again.
Then it's on to round two, Sydney is usually sleeping in her stroller until it's time for her brothers to ride. She gets very excited to watch them and claps happily everytime they ride by her. She thinks they can see her and I'm sure they can but they are too busy keeping in on two wheels. Once they are done, we wait for the results, times and standings if they are ready. Now it's about 3pm (remember we started at 4am, in the car with 3 kids and dogs) 6am if we stayed overnight at a nearby campground, Rivers Edge Campground and ATV Park. Which thankfully is only about 15 minutes down the road.
That's pretty much it in a nutshell folks. The good the bad and the unproductive. It's always nice when people come to cheer them on. It also breaks up the waiting around.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Extreme sports vs. Traditional sports
Motocross (MX or Moto-X), skateboarding, BMX riding and Freestyle Snowboarding are considered extreme sports. Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball and Hockey are commonly known as traditional or organized sports. Originally this installment of Diary of a Moto Mom was meant to be statistical. However, I'm an apples to apples person and frankly the information I gathered is more of an apples to shoes comparison. So I am going to change it up a bit, I honestly believe that extreme sporting events are no more dangerous then traditional ones. These are a sampling of my reasons and since I have more hands on experience with MX competitions, I have to assume skateboarding, BMX and freestyle snowboarding and skiing are the same. Yes, I know what it means to assume, but hear me out, here is my top 5 reasons.
- Registration process: Both have this requirement
- Age and abilities are broken down into classes: This is somewhat true for both, however, it is my experience with youth football (different organizations have different requirements) size does not matter. An 11 year old at 150lbs can line up face to face with an 11 year old weighing 90lbs. Who do you think will get by who? Lucky for me, our son Jeremy stands firm and 150lb Goliath kisses dirt.
- Wambulance on site before/during/after all competitions or games: Extreme sports, ABSOLUTELY; Traditional sports, coaches and officials should be certified in first aid/CPR but not a requirement.
- Number of trained medical personnel on site before/during/after a competition or game: Extreme sports, more then 5, less then 20. Traditional sports, 0
- The average wait time for a Wambulance: Extreme sports, 0 minutes an ambulance is on site for each and every competition. If someone crashes it is the EMT that decides that riders fate i.e continue to compete or get checked out at the local hospital. Traditional sports-Dependent on your location to the nearest Ambulance Hub and Fire Station.
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