curious how many 40 yr olds vs 50 yr olds still ride or race

ehr400
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ehr400 10/27/2011 12:05pm
10/27/2011 12:05pm
Rupert X wrote:
Wondering why there is seldom 50+ class at my local tracks and why MXSPORTS treats us so inhumanely as to limit 20 guys in the back...
Wondering why there is seldom 50+ class at my local tracks and why MXSPORTS treats us so inhumanely as to limit 20 guys in the back of 45 + ?

Two classes for women at Loretta's and they make up about 1 or 2% at local tracks ?

Why is this ? Why the different and preferential treatment ?

We demand answers !

Justice for ancient men in colorful costumes !

Or, we shall OCCUPY some berm somewhere, spill beer and spread tales.
TomZ wrote:
Funny you would mention that Rup......I believe i will have a spousal consent form signed soon by Mrs Z allowing me to qualify for LL this...
Funny you would mention that Rup......I believe i will have a spousal consent form signed soon by Mrs Z allowing me to qualify for LL this year.

I think you are just the guy to lead this charge. Let DC know we're behind you all the way.

You should come to LL this year, it will be like the old days......bring the sidecar please as my ability to walk post-moto is sometimes compromised.

Ride on old guys !!
Hey TomZ, you said you will be at Baja this weekend? I plan on being there Sunday. What number are you? Maybe I will catch up with you.
Camp332
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Camp332 10/27/2011 12:25pm
10/27/2011 12:25pm
Camp332 wrote:
I was having a shitty couple days, then I went and moto'd today. Boom instantly fixed! Moto = Happy Life, Happy life = Happy wife
I was having a shitty couple days, then I went and moto'd today. Boom instantly fixed!

Moto = Happy Life, Happy life = Happy wife
Huckster wrote:
Isnt that backwards? Happy wife = Happy life, no just turned 45. Still riding but not racing as much due to my kids being involved in...
Isnt that backwards? Happy wife = Happy life, no

just turned 45. Still riding but not racing as much due to my kids being involved in other sports and life seems to get in the way on Sundays.

Just curious to hear from the guys who do both MX and HS. How do they compare? I have always been interested in doing a HS but never have. I like the idea of a shorter day with more time on the bike.
Yes, you are right, Huckster. I'm 35, and married to a 26 year old. Still figuring it all out!
steve_o_de
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steve_o_de 10/27/2011 5:14pm
10/27/2011 5:14pm
I'll be 49 in April. I raced around 20 events this season. I go out to have fun and do my best to compete, but I try to keep it all in prospective. I have to go to work on Monday! Make it fun and keep doing it as long as you can. Also at my age, I try to help younger riders and offer help at the track when I can. Give back to the sport, help and promote those who have helped you.
bearded clam
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bearded clam 10/27/2011 6:36pm
10/27/2011 6:36pm
rg4 wrote:
Cool thread. My old man is 54 years old. He races when his calendar allows. Unfortunately that is not very often. From a son's perspective, I...
Cool thread. My old man is 54 years old. He races when his calendar allows. Unfortunately that is not very often. From a son's perspective, I can say that it is very special when my dad and I have the opportunity to race on the same day.
Its the best isnt it! Unfortunatly for me my Dad stops racing around this time of year and heads south to surf. He will show up at the old timers next summer and hand a hurtin to the 50 novice guys LOL. I think he won every race he entered this summer Smile

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kopfjaeger
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kopfjaeger 10/27/2011 8:18pm
10/27/2011 8:18pm
Just turned 40....didn't start riding until I wAs over 30... Race 15 to 20 xcountry races per year
Craze
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Craze 10/27/2011 9:53pm
10/27/2011 9:53pm
7I3N wrote:
I’m 53. Rode my first MX race at Indian Dunes in ’72. I still ride every weekend. Mostly in the desert, but still go to the...
I’m 53. Rode my first MX race at Indian Dunes in ’72. I still ride every weekend. Mostly in the desert, but still go to the track once in a while. I’m not as fast as I used to be on a track, but I can still rip in the desert. I haven’t raced much lately, only a GP and a 100 mile Hare and Hound in the last two years, but I’m 2-0 in the over 50 expert class.

I remember a tee shirt from a few years back:

“You don’t quit riding because you get old. You get old because you quit riding.”
Craze wrote:
Must be the Rekluse you run in the 450...LOL...What's up Neal?
7I3N wrote:
You know what they say: If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying hard enough. ;) What’s up Dave? You ready to do another ride down Dutchman’s...
You know what they say: If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying hard enough. Wink

What’s up Dave? You ready to do another ride down Dutchman’s?
Not until I get a friggin Rekluse !!!....LOL
Flyer523
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Flyer523 10/28/2011 3:06am
10/28/2011 3:06am
I am 49 years old. Started riding/racing in South America in the early seventies and moved to the US in 1979. Raced for 4 years here and gave it up for school and then work. Started back up again in 96 and have been riding ever since with a few races here and there, love it! Ride a 2010 450 pumpkin and a 2006 RM 250(300 Eric Gorr)
part-timer 10/28/2011 7:50am
10/28/2011 7:50am Edited Date/Time 10/28/2011 7:53am
I'm 49. Have not raced since 2006, and I do miss it. The fire still burns inside me but I don't miss the constant wrenching and cost. I have a lot more responsiblity than I did 8 or 10 years ago and maybe I'm a bit lazier too.
I still ride sometimes but have only put 3 hours on my CRF250X since July. My son will be getting a CRF50 soon and hopefully we'll ride together on a frequent basis.
Stooperbike
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Stooperbike 10/28/2011 1:40pm
10/28/2011 1:40pm
jwhite66 wrote:
I think we have it better then the kids at the races. The night before a race we can hang out with everyone and sound faster...
I think we have it better then the kids at the races. The night before a race we can hang out with everyone
and sound faster then we are. On race day we don't need to jump that 100 ft double if we don't want to,
don't need to worry about turning A , Factory rides , going Pro or making our mom or dad mad. We can
ride, get a work out , yell at other riders , find someone to race with , and enjoy the day with people we
want to be with......... thats a good day. And at the end of the day a cold beer taste soooooo Good.
Thumbs up to that!
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 10/28/2011 1:57pm
10/28/2011 1:57pm
I'm 48. I got my 1st "Wooden Bear" at Mammoth when I was 45.

On the other-hand: I hit the ground REALLY hard at the Baja 500 in June. Shoulder...serious injury, serious surgery, SERIOUS PT...9 months out! While I'm at it...had my right hand (Ring-finger, last week) and, next month, my left knee fixed. Proll'y keep me oiut 'til the next Rip to the Tip (Late April...Hopefully!).

Lot's of time to think about lot's of things...and lot's of time to QUESTION myself...

Fuck it.

2012 KX450 already gettin' built. (250 2T, also...I mean...why not?)
2-CRF-Xs gettin' ready for the 2012 Rip, Beach Bash and...of-course...the 1k...suppose to go to......CABO!

I figure you do this shit while you can and as Chad says, "No regrets. They don't do ANYTHING for you!"

So, I'll see you at the races...?
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 10/28/2011 2:00pm
10/28/2011 2:00pm
kopfjaeger wrote:
Just turned 40....didn't start riding until I wAs over 30... Race 15 to 20 xcountry races per year
Bruce Hendel...The VP Racing Fuels guy...get this...

He doesn't ride a damn thing "moto"...at all...'til he's in his 30s; and, get this...he goes out and buys a BRAND NEW CR500...

Yeah, I've heard from his bud's back in Indy that it was HILARIOUS!

Nowadays, Bruce is a BAD-ASS on a scoot and don't EVEN try to mess with him on a bicycle!

Bruce is...well...let's jus' say he's "Over 50"...
NorcalVet
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NorcalVet 10/28/2011 2:36pm
10/28/2011 2:36pm Edited Date/Time 10/28/2011 2:38pm
--- still ride/ race when I can!! +45 Novice. Broke my left femur back in April, only been back once on a track. Got to to ride a rm250 along w/ my fi rmz all day. I was sore for 3 days after.

Riding/maybe racing at the best Norcal Track this sat & sun. Oatfield. Awww 35 mins from home.
>>>> 3 moto format on Sunday. Hmmmm



the best dirt around....


OTHG is the only way to go here in Norcal/ Valley: Newest video from the Prez of the Bay Chapter

7I3N
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7I3N 10/30/2011 3:13pm
10/30/2011 3:13pm
Slept in this morning. It was a long week and I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do today. I was having a cup of coffee and went out in the back yard with my dog when I heard it. The sound of bikes. The new track they just opened here is only about three miles from my house as the crow flies, and I could hear the bikes. Before I knew it I was loaded up and headed to the track. Just finished four thirty minute practice sessions. Damn this beer tastes good.

I met a guy at the track that was 70 years old. Still riding and riding well. Not just rolling around. Doing most of the jumps and having fun. It was pretty cool.
Crash82
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Crash82 10/30/2011 4:49pm
10/30/2011 4:49pm
I quit again around 41, I had mid to back of the pack B class speed at the Monster and was getting over confident on the big jumps. When Chase at 18 who had unreal skills on a bike got hurt bad, I saw what him and Johnny went through and it scared me so bad i quit. That's been 7 or 8 years I guess? Wow doesn't seem that long. Anyway I have the fever again and thinking of maybe a 2 stroke and some hare scrambles? I can't ever hit the big jumps again,at this age my old body couldn't handle a big crash, problems from all the crashes and crap in past are showing now, both knees, both wrists, back, shoulders and some weird pain on the left side of my brain. I swore I would never slow down no matter what but heck i may not get another bike, I can ride my Dad's DRZ400 ever once in a while and get my fix in a cow pasture I guess. Bike prices and parts are stupid these days anyway I guess I just talked myself out of it lol.
Tim507
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Tim507 10/30/2011 5:40pm
10/30/2011 5:40pm
Me...just about to bust into the over 60 class.........started racing in 1968 in the Seattle area. Went to Germany in 1973 as a US Soldier and raced the German ADAC circuit for two years. Rode some pretty awesome tracks including Gaildorf. Even made Das Motor Rad Mag in 1975.

Raced pretty much non-stop until I was 50 or so, then focused on my business. Now that the friggen economy has cleaned me out, I am downsizing my overhead and in 2012 racing for fun is back on the agendaSmile

Ride KTM's and have a bike for every purpose - yes it is a sicknessSmile I will spend $$$ on bikes but not on women - yes I like women but bikes are more forgiving.

350 for MX, 250 XCF-W for woods and a 500 XCF-W for the desert and dual sport. All EFI bikes as I am tired of jetting and I am old and slow..............now for my vintage bikes (all pre-70's 2 stroke MX bike, that is another storySmile
sharkey
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sharkey 10/30/2011 5:43pm
10/30/2011 5:43pm
jwhite66 wrote:
I think we have it better then the kids at the races. The night before a race we can hang out with everyone and sound faster...
I think we have it better then the kids at the races. The night before a race we can hang out with everyone
and sound faster then we are. On race day we don't need to jump that 100 ft double if we don't want to,
don't need to worry about turning A , Factory rides , going Pro or making our mom or dad mad. We can
ride, get a work out , yell at other riders , find someone to race with , and enjoy the day with people we
want to be with......... thats a good day. And at the end of the day a cold beer taste soooooo Good.
Stooperbike wrote:
Thumbs up to that!
thats perfect
sharkey
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sharkey 10/30/2011 5:50pm
10/30/2011 5:50pm
pilotdude wrote:
I'm 44 and won the 40+ B class at Washougal this year. Contemplating going to A class next year.

RUUUUUPPEEEEERRRRT!
pilotdude wrote:
Also, I got lucky and won the Grand Prize drawing this year at the awards banquet-free gate entry and 1 free race entry at every Washougal...
Also, I got lucky and won the Grand Prize drawing this year at the awards banquet-free gate entry and 1 free race entry at every Washougal event next year...so I HAVE to race at least one more year!
they shouldnt give that award to locals ha ha. you lucky bastard

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chillrich
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chillrich 10/30/2011 5:52pm
10/30/2011 5:52pm
44 raced a regional series this year. 6th year racing and riding MX.... very addicting. Keeps me from watching football/baseball/hockey.
honda907
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honda907 10/31/2011 5:27pm
10/31/2011 5:27pm Edited Date/Time 10/31/2011 5:28pm
Been at it since 1978. 51 and counting. Still race in D6 in PA and CRA in Ohio. Love MX, but my kid likes offraod more than MX, so that may be the direction we go.

Still win on a regional level, and next year I am shooting to do some winning in the +30 Expert classes. got myself a trainer who comes to the house twice a week in the morning, so my goal is to get much stronger to run against those young guys!
Highsider
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Highsider 10/31/2011 5:33pm
10/31/2011 5:33pm
Tim507 wrote:
Me...just about to bust into the over 60 class.........started racing in 1968 in the Seattle area. Went to Germany in 1973 as a US Soldier and...
Me...just about to bust into the over 60 class.........started racing in 1968 in the Seattle area. Went to Germany in 1973 as a US Soldier and raced the German ADAC circuit for two years. Rode some pretty awesome tracks including Gaildorf. Even made Das Motor Rad Mag in 1975.

Raced pretty much non-stop until I was 50 or so, then focused on my business. Now that the friggen economy has cleaned me out, I am downsizing my overhead and in 2012 racing for fun is back on the agendaSmile

Ride KTM's and have a bike for every purpose - yes it is a sicknessSmile I will spend $$$ on bikes but not on women - yes I like women but bikes are more forgiving.

350 for MX, 250 XCF-W for woods and a 500 XCF-W for the desert and dual sport. All EFI bikes as I am tired of jetting and I am old and slow..............now for my vintage bikes (all pre-70's 2 stroke MX bike, that is another storySmile
Well done.
rbigair40
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rbigair40 10/31/2011 6:15pm
10/31/2011 6:15pm
44 still racing, at the mammoth east race had 26 in 40 plus and 12 in the 50
mx317
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mx317 10/31/2011 9:22pm
10/31/2011 9:22pm
53 and raced 8 out of last 10 weekends, rode track the other 2
Kartwheel84c 10/31/2011 9:48pm
10/31/2011 9:48pm
43 and I still race everything, MX, hare scrambles, enduros.
GuyB
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GuyB 10/31/2011 10:18pm
10/31/2011 10:18pm
I don't race or ride as often as I used to (or want to), but I'm going to try and do A Day In The Dirt again this year.
plowboy
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plowboy 10/31/2011 11:14pm
10/31/2011 11:14pm
GuyB wrote:
I don't race or ride as often as I used to (or want to), but I'm going to try and do A Day In The Dirt...
I don't race or ride as often as I used to (or want to), but I'm going to try and do A Day In The Dirt again this year.
I've got the video and that whole event looks like a blast....a long, long day tho. Hope you get to do it...and file a report.
hammertime
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hammertime 10/31/2011 11:47pm
10/31/2011 11:47pm
FreshTopEnd wrote:
My ability to ride is getting more limited, and I'll be 54 in a couple weeks, but my situation is a bit different. No track riding...
My ability to ride is getting more limited, and I'll be 54 in a couple weeks, but my situation is a bit different. No track riding, I have done a Reno to Vegas three day/500 mile ride off road twice, once in my late 40's and once more after 50 a couple years ago, and hope to be able to get in good enough shape the next time my friends put it together (they just ran it again a week ago).
awsome my friend! just work with what body you have to work with and keep the passion.

i got semi paralyzed in dec 98. the bouncing aspect of mx tracks doesn't work for my slow left side.....so about 7 yrs ago i discovered that there is no bumps on pavement and switched to street. my former pro mx skills have made me a top street i rider and i get that same rush from sliding around on the pavement at 41 that i used to get railing berms.....even though after i kill it and wheelie super motos and even sport tour baggers for miles.....when i get off the bike....i limp into the market for a bottle of water with a paralyzed left hand. because of the fucked hand, i'd like to thank rekluse on the supermoto.....and snappy low gears on the other bikes so i can whip it up.

my only physical freedom in life is when my feet are on the pegs of a streetbike. if you want to see a walking quadrapalagic on a streetbike.....facebook friend rick hamer-jackson
Scooter
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Scooter 11/2/2011 6:27pm
11/2/2011 6:27pm
Going to be 44 in a few weeks and still riding. Tore and ACL a few years back and stopped racing but still love to do moto's at the local track for fun.
Tim507
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Tim507 11/2/2011 7:33pm
11/2/2011 7:33pm
Tim507 wrote:
Me...just about to bust into the over 60 class.........started racing in 1968 in the Seattle area. Went to Germany in 1973 as a US Soldier and...
Me...just about to bust into the over 60 class.........started racing in 1968 in the Seattle area. Went to Germany in 1973 as a US Soldier and raced the German ADAC circuit for two years. Rode some pretty awesome tracks including Gaildorf. Even made Das Motor Rad Mag in 1975.

Raced pretty much non-stop until I was 50 or so, then focused on my business. Now that the friggen economy has cleaned me out, I am downsizing my overhead and in 2012 racing for fun is back on the agendaSmile

Ride KTM's and have a bike for every purpose - yes it is a sicknessSmile I will spend $$$ on bikes but not on women - yes I like women but bikes are more forgiving.

350 for MX, 250 XCF-W for woods and a 500 XCF-W for the desert and dual sport. All EFI bikes as I am tired of jetting and I am old and slow..............now for my vintage bikes (all pre-70's 2 stroke MX bike, that is another storySmile
Highsider wrote:
Well done.
Thanks - This is a great sport and I am completely hookedSmile I pay attention to all venues. Riding this weekend for sure! Gotta love 2 stroke vintage bikes.............
steve_97060
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steve_97060 11/2/2011 7:47pm
11/2/2011 7:47pm
Tim507 wrote:
Me...just about to bust into the over 60 class.........started racing in 1968 in the Seattle area. Went to Germany in 1973 as a US Soldier and...
Me...just about to bust into the over 60 class.........started racing in 1968 in the Seattle area. Went to Germany in 1973 as a US Soldier and raced the German ADAC circuit for two years. Rode some pretty awesome tracks including Gaildorf. Even made Das Motor Rad Mag in 1975.

Raced pretty much non-stop until I was 50 or so, then focused on my business. Now that the friggen economy has cleaned me out, I am downsizing my overhead and in 2012 racing for fun is back on the agendaSmile

Ride KTM's and have a bike for every purpose - yes it is a sicknessSmile I will spend $$$ on bikes but not on women - yes I like women but bikes are more forgiving.

350 for MX, 250 XCF-W for woods and a 500 XCF-W for the desert and dual sport. All EFI bikes as I am tired of jetting and I am old and slow..............now for my vintage bikes (all pre-70's 2 stroke MX bike, that is another storySmile
Highsider wrote:
Well done.
Tim507 wrote:
Thanks - This is a great sport and I am completely hooked:) I pay attention to all venues. Riding this weekend for sure! Gotta love 2...
Thanks - This is a great sport and I am completely hookedSmile I pay attention to all venues. Riding this weekend for sure! Gotta love 2 stroke vintage bikes.............
where you riding this weekend?

Post a reply to: curious how many 40 yr olds vs 50 yr olds still ride or race