Do people think you're crazy for riding?

josh8811
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504
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Location
Kaysville, UT, USA
12/15/2013 12:31pm
bvm111 wrote:
Of course they do! My parents never understood and 12 years ago they were the main reason I stopped riding. The most miserable time of my...
Of course they do!

My parents never understood and 12 years ago they were the main reason I stopped riding. The most miserable time of my adult life have been the last 12 years I didn't ride. Now at 40 I'm married with a stepdaughter and newborn son and I was the one trying to convince myself that I shouldn't start riding again because it is the mature thing to do!

Last year I finally found the bike a wanted, an unridden 2006 KX250 and I said now or never!

I met my wife after I stopped riding and she was the first to say after I came home from my first ride.... You are so different!

My response.... "I am different, I am alive again, and I'm not concerned what everyone else thinks" with a large childish grin on my face!
friday10 wrote:
Nice! A different kind of "Born Again".
I wasn't fortunate enough to have a dirt bike as a kid. As soon as I could afford one, I bought one; A 2003 CR250.. Ten years ago I finally learned what made me happy. I'll ride as long as I'm physically able!

http://youtu.be/mvqtWjN7lOI
visser62
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Seattle, WA, USA
12/15/2013 12:37pm
Everybody supports my riding, except for my mom, who is really cautious.
Paw Paw 271
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Benton, LA, USA
12/15/2013 12:53pm
Do it of that is your desire. Don't let others tell you how to live you life. I am almost 70 and I have some riding buddies that are in their late 70's. The riding is a big source of our exercise and we feel like that is what keeps us going. I have raised a riding family. My wife, son (47 years old) and now my 2 grand sons 19 & 20 years old. It has been a great family fun provider.
Rmzrider183
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Location
West Grove, PA, USA
12/15/2013 1:03pm
My mom and step dad are against riding still to this very day. My dad is the one who supports it and im thankful, he grew up in racing roots. Went to driving school etc was a mechanic in nascar for 20+ years, showed me how to work on my bikes. The only person in my family who actually understands all pressures of life go away with the twist of the throttle.

The Shop

Bytor
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9/23/2012
Location
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
12/15/2013 3:44pm
Spend your life savings and buy a track, Let me know how that goes. Woohoo
kevkx125
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213
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12/4/2013
Location
Douglassville, PA, USA
12/15/2013 3:46pm
I've been lucky my dad bought me my first two dirt bikes and my mom always supported it. All of my friends ride. I have belong to a offroad club for the last 25 years so most of the people I am surrounded by share the same passion. I will never understand people who think that their opinion's are the only one's that count, if you don't like dirt bike that's fine but please just keep your opinion to your self.
COAL-TRAIN
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Harbor City, CA, USA
12/15/2013 5:07pm
Anonymous wrote:
Do friends, family, or even yourself at times think you're crazy for investing so much time, money, etc. into the hobby? I love riding dirtbikes and...
Do friends, family, or even yourself at times think you're crazy for investing so much time, money, etc. into the hobby? I love riding dirtbikes and have for over 10 years, so I've heard all the negative comments in the past from family and friends. Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences.
I read through this whole thread. Lots of interesting views. For me...everyone I know...family, extended family, friends...they all support my racing...its what I love and what keeps my blood pumping.
For others thats not the case...the wives are the biggest kill joys for fellow racers. The part I don't get is guys let there wives tell them they cant race lol. That to me I truly don't understand...if your a man w 2 nuts how do you not make your own decisions?
"Hey honey...racing w the boys sunday...don't expect me till after dark"...If that's a problem w the woman you got the wrong one.
12/15/2013 6:04pm Edited Date/Time 12/15/2013 6:07pm
I think that's why I haven't proposed at 5 years. I love her, she's a great girl but she doesn't go to the track with me, and drops the line: "you love that bike more than me." a few times.....

I respond with: "These motorcycles were here long before you, they'll be here long after you."

If we have kids she's in for a rude awakening. If I have a son or daughter that wants to race, no woman is telling me we're not doing it. It's how I grew up and I'll be damned to rob my kid out of that enjoyment.

Everybody I work with will tell me how stupid I am to ride a motorcycle like that and endanger my life. F*ck off, that's why I pay for benefits. Might as well occasionally use what you pay for.
mx5471
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985
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USA
12/15/2013 7:03pm
GeorgiePorgie. You got a good gig going. Don't screw it up with marriage, and especially with children. Kids change your life forever. Unless you have lots of bucks, just having the kid can stop you from riding, from a financial aspect. Supporting a child costs way more than what it costs to ride. A third person with special stuff that you have to pay for. All the stuff you need for the baby, like a crib, and other baby stuff. Diapers cost a lot. After they're off the boobies, you got baby food, and clothes,and toys, saving for college. Then the time you have to spend babysitting while your wife gets a break, and taking them to friends houses, after school activities, and for birthday parties, and all that. You won't have time to ride. Plus the activities or sports they get into as they grow older and participate in at school with their friends costs money. You will want to do all those things. Marriage will change your life considerably, and with a child, your life will never be the same again. It's all about raising them and it's great. But you make lots of sacrifices. And if your wife doesn't want them on a bike, they won't be on one. Depends on how strong she feels about it. But she can stop it in a second, seen it happen before. You can ride on sunday while she does something else, but when a child is involved , it all changes.
COAL-TRAIN
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Harbor City, CA, USA
12/15/2013 7:07pm

haha...this is what my ex wife would come home to
COAL-TRAIN
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Harbor City, CA, USA
12/15/2013 7:09pm
I still have bikes in the house...just not her Smile
mx5471
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USA
12/15/2013 7:11pm
If it's your ex wife, why would she be coming home to your house?
TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA, USA
12/15/2013 7:28pm
Anonymous wrote:
Do friends, family, or even yourself at times think you're crazy for investing so much time, money, etc. into the hobby? I love riding dirtbikes and...
Do friends, family, or even yourself at times think you're crazy for investing so much time, money, etc. into the hobby? I love riding dirtbikes and have for over 10 years, so I've heard all the negative comments in the past from family and friends. Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences.
I'm Fifty and I ride for peace-of-mind and clarity. Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I'm a COMPLETE Moto-Dork. So are...Don Emler, Danny LaPorte, Jimmy "69" Moe, Davey Coombs, "Newmann", Mean Bobby M, Mitch Payton...just to name a few. We do this, or have done it, 'cause it's just f'n cool and we love it. Some of those guys might say other-wise; but, they're full of shit of they do; because, I've seen. I understand it. I know it.

Let ya in on another lil' secret: We are SO fortunate to get to do this.

When someone, that obviously "doesn't get it", chimes in with an "Anti-Moto" comment? I actually feel sorry for them. They're never gonna "get it". That's jus' sad...
TerryK
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9899
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CA
12/15/2013 7:58pm
Been riding and racing motorcycles of all types for 35+ years. Everyone has pretty much given up on me lol. They don't bother saying anything because they know what my answer will be. lol
JM485
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Davis, CA, USA
12/15/2013 8:27pm
mx5471 wrote:
GeorgiePorgie. You got a good gig going. Don't screw it up with marriage, and especially with children. Kids change your life forever. Unless you have lots...
GeorgiePorgie. You got a good gig going. Don't screw it up with marriage, and especially with children. Kids change your life forever. Unless you have lots of bucks, just having the kid can stop you from riding, from a financial aspect. Supporting a child costs way more than what it costs to ride. A third person with special stuff that you have to pay for. All the stuff you need for the baby, like a crib, and other baby stuff. Diapers cost a lot. After they're off the boobies, you got baby food, and clothes,and toys, saving for college. Then the time you have to spend babysitting while your wife gets a break, and taking them to friends houses, after school activities, and for birthday parties, and all that. You won't have time to ride. Plus the activities or sports they get into as they grow older and participate in at school with their friends costs money. You will want to do all those things. Marriage will change your life considerably, and with a child, your life will never be the same again. It's all about raising them and it's great. But you make lots of sacrifices. And if your wife doesn't want them on a bike, they won't be on one. Depends on how strong she feels about it. But she can stop it in a second, seen it happen before. You can ride on sunday while she does something else, but when a child is involved , it all changes.
I'm sorry but you are an idiot. If my dad and mom wouldn't have had me and been cool enough to buy me a bike and get me into riding, then I wouldn't be the person I am today. With your philosophy, the moto industry might as well close it's doors now since there will be no new riders and anyone who rides will have to stop once they have a kid. I get that it can be a huge time and financial struggle, but the tone of your post was absolutely idiotic. I guess my dad was pretty dumb since he had me and got me into a sport we can do together for years to come. Luckily my mom is very supportive as well, but I'm sure she had doubts about putting her five year old on a motorcycle just like any mother would. I guess I am pretty lucky my parents screwed up their lives for me huh, who would have though?

Sorry if this is over the top, but that post really got me going.
TerryK
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CA
12/15/2013 8:41pm
mx5471 wrote:
GeorgiePorgie. You got a good gig going. Don't screw it up with marriage, and especially with children. Kids change your life forever. Unless you have lots...
GeorgiePorgie. You got a good gig going. Don't screw it up with marriage, and especially with children. Kids change your life forever. Unless you have lots of bucks, just having the kid can stop you from riding, from a financial aspect. Supporting a child costs way more than what it costs to ride. A third person with special stuff that you have to pay for. All the stuff you need for the baby, like a crib, and other baby stuff. Diapers cost a lot. After they're off the boobies, you got baby food, and clothes,and toys, saving for college. Then the time you have to spend babysitting while your wife gets a break, and taking them to friends houses, after school activities, and for birthday parties, and all that. You won't have time to ride. Plus the activities or sports they get into as they grow older and participate in at school with their friends costs money. You will want to do all those things. Marriage will change your life considerably, and with a child, your life will never be the same again. It's all about raising them and it's great. But you make lots of sacrifices. And if your wife doesn't want them on a bike, they won't be on one. Depends on how strong she feels about it. But she can stop it in a second, seen it happen before. You can ride on sunday while she does something else, but when a child is involved , it all changes.
JM485 wrote:
I'm sorry but you are an idiot. If my dad and mom wouldn't have had me and been cool enough to buy me a bike and...
I'm sorry but you are an idiot. If my dad and mom wouldn't have had me and been cool enough to buy me a bike and get me into riding, then I wouldn't be the person I am today. With your philosophy, the moto industry might as well close it's doors now since there will be no new riders and anyone who rides will have to stop once they have a kid. I get that it can be a huge time and financial struggle, but the tone of your post was absolutely idiotic. I guess my dad was pretty dumb since he had me and got me into a sport we can do together for years to come. Luckily my mom is very supportive as well, but I'm sure she had doubts about putting her five year old on a motorcycle just like any mother would. I guess I am pretty lucky my parents screwed up their lives for me huh, who would have though?

Sorry if this is over the top, but that post really got me going.
Its all about balance boys. Split your time efficiently between kids, wife and riding and you'll all be happy. I've been married for 28 years, raised four kids who are all grown and on their own and I never stopped riding.
moore433
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525
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Location
Denton, TX, USA
12/16/2013 6:11am
remember that shirt that the hot chick says ''its me or the bike'', ?and the rider says im gna miss u! we'll I was givin that...
remember that shirt that the hot chick says ''its me or the bike'', ?and the rider says im gna miss u! we'll I was givin that ultimadum from my wife before we where married, she now understands my passion for this sport, n have to boys who are on their way, I bleed this stuff!!!!!
Rocket, I hear you! I raced very heavily and in 1989 I was seeing this hot girl but she got mad 1 day and said " you need to choose, racing or me"? I said , " ok, racing, I've got alot more tied up in my racing than I do you" , she didn't like it but she didn't leave for months after....
moore433
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Denton, TX, USA
12/16/2013 6:18am
Do it of that is your desire. Don't let others tell you how to live you life. I am almost 70 and I have some riding...
Do it of that is your desire. Don't let others tell you how to live you life. I am almost 70 and I have some riding buddies that are in their late 70's. The riding is a big source of our exercise and we feel like that is what keeps us going. I have raised a riding family. My wife, son (47 years old) and now my 2 grand sons 19 & 20 years old. It has been a great family fun provider.
Hey, this looks like my dad! We raced at Village creek mx 1 time, dad and I both in the over 40 class. I won and I think he got last, but he was considerably older than us youngsters in the class. We had them surrounded, 1st & last. My 2 boys raced that night as well, so we had my dad, me, and my two sons racing the same night. Can't get much more family oriented than that!!!!!!
Moto Soul Mag
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Annapolis, MD, USA
12/16/2013 6:40am
Most non-riders I know simply think it's a form of mental illness.
davistld01
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Springfield, MO, USA
12/16/2013 6:47am Edited Date/Time 12/16/2013 7:04am
Heck, at my age riding isn't the crazy part...crashing is the crazy part.

I honestly relate to Team Green. I had dreams of going pro in my early years...but still race occasionally and ride more for fun, just because it flat ass still is fun. End of story.
gharmon
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Valley, AL, USA
12/16/2013 7:14am Edited Date/Time 12/16/2013 7:21am
Do it of that is your desire. Don't let others tell you how to live you life. I am almost 70 and I have some riding...
Do it of that is your desire. Don't let others tell you how to live you life. I am almost 70 and I have some riding buddies that are in their late 70's. The riding is a big source of our exercise and we feel like that is what keeps us going. I have raised a riding family. My wife, son (47 years old) and now my 2 grand sons 19 & 20 years old. It has been a great family fun provider.
moore433 wrote:
Hey, this looks like my dad! We raced at Village creek mx 1 time, dad and I both in the over 40 class. I won and...
Hey, this looks like my dad! We raced at Village creek mx 1 time, dad and I both in the over 40 class. I won and I think he got last, but he was considerably older than us youngsters in the class. We had them surrounded, 1st & last. My 2 boys raced that night as well, so we had my dad, me, and my two sons racing the same night. Can't get much more family oriented than that!!!!!!
My dad would ride my bike a little but never really went riding with me or took me anywhere to ride. (I'm 42 we just rode our bikes to where we wanted to go riding back in the day). The one thing I thank my dad for is he didn't mind if I rode and even bought me my first dirt bike, (actually I think it was a street bike that we took all the street shit off of) it was a very early 70's something Kawasaki 90. As strict as my mom was she never said no to my riding.

Now I have two grown sons (24 and 22) and a 5 year old grandson and we all ride together. There isn't much that makes me more proud than when we are all going riding together!!!! I will do it for as long as I can physically manage it.

Edit: I now have a 5 week old granddaughter and if she wants to ride you can bet she will have a bike by age 5!!
Bry745
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Greenville, WI, USA
12/16/2013 7:31am
TeamGreen wrote:
I'm Fifty and I ride for peace-of-mind and clarity. Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding. I'll let you in on...
I'm Fifty and I ride for peace-of-mind and clarity. Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I'm a COMPLETE Moto-Dork. So are...Don Emler, Danny LaPorte, Jimmy "69" Moe, Davey Coombs, "Newmann", Mean Bobby M, Mitch Payton...just to name a few. We do this, or have done it, 'cause it's just f'n cool and we love it. Some of those guys might say other-wise; but, they're full of shit of they do; because, I've seen. I understand it. I know it.

Let ya in on another lil' secret: We are SO fortunate to get to do this.

When someone, that obviously "doesn't get it", chimes in with an "Anti-Moto" comment? I actually feel sorry for them. They're never gonna "get it". That's jus' sad...
"Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding."

I couldn't have said it better myself. I had this discussion with a riding buddy of mine a few years ago that echoed that exactly. No matter what else is going on in your life good or bad, when you're on your MX bike, you are taken away to a world with no other outside distractions or thoughts - spouse, job, bills, kids, you don't think about any of that when you're on the throttle slamming a berm, jumping a double or gassing it through some sand whoops. It's 100% concentration and being in the moment, 'cause if you're not, you're on your head. There are very few other things that can replace that or give you that same feeling and exhilaration quite like riding your dirt bike. Like many have said, it's almost impossible for those who haven't experienced it to understand, and just as difficult for us to explain it to them. Sometimes it's frustrating, but in the end, it really doesn't matter.

Like many others, I've had injuries, demands on my time from family and work, financial concerns, etc. that sometimes limit my opportunities to ride, but all that does is make the days I do get to ride that much sweeter. As Manny said, we are fortunate to do this, and I think you appreciate it even more as you get older.

When the day comes that we do stop riding, I hope that it's on our own terms, and not because of what somebody else thinks or does.
jchek779
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533
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Kannapolis, NC, USA
12/16/2013 9:45am
Another approach I take to this shit (especially at work) is to respond by saying "Well...soccer is wayyyyy too hard" in a demeaning and condescending tone - It's my way of saying that soccer is ghey and you're a pussy without getting jammed up with workplace harassment.

I've also politely said "Thank you"
flyinb501
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Lakewood Ranch, FL, USA
12/16/2013 11:09am
mx5471 wrote:
GeorgiePorgie. You got a good gig going. Don't screw it up with marriage, and especially with children. Kids change your life forever. Unless you have lots...
GeorgiePorgie. You got a good gig going. Don't screw it up with marriage, and especially with children. Kids change your life forever. Unless you have lots of bucks, just having the kid can stop you from riding, from a financial aspect. Supporting a child costs way more than what it costs to ride. A third person with special stuff that you have to pay for. All the stuff you need for the baby, like a crib, and other baby stuff. Diapers cost a lot. After they're off the boobies, you got baby food, and clothes,and toys, saving for college. Then the time you have to spend babysitting while your wife gets a break, and taking them to friends houses, after school activities, and for birthday parties, and all that. You won't have time to ride. Plus the activities or sports they get into as they grow older and participate in at school with their friends costs money. You will want to do all those things. Marriage will change your life considerably, and with a child, your life will never be the same again. It's all about raising them and it's great. But you make lots of sacrifices. And if your wife doesn't want them on a bike, they won't be on one. Depends on how strong she feels about it. But she can stop it in a second, seen it happen before. You can ride on sunday while she does something else, but when a child is involved , it all changes.
JM485 wrote:
I'm sorry but you are an idiot. If my dad and mom wouldn't have had me and been cool enough to buy me a bike and...
I'm sorry but you are an idiot. If my dad and mom wouldn't have had me and been cool enough to buy me a bike and get me into riding, then I wouldn't be the person I am today. With your philosophy, the moto industry might as well close it's doors now since there will be no new riders and anyone who rides will have to stop once they have a kid. I get that it can be a huge time and financial struggle, but the tone of your post was absolutely idiotic. I guess my dad was pretty dumb since he had me and got me into a sport we can do together for years to come. Luckily my mom is very supportive as well, but I'm sure she had doubts about putting her five year old on a motorcycle just like any mother would. I guess I am pretty lucky my parents screwed up their lives for me huh, who would have though?

Sorry if this is over the top, but that post really got me going.
+1
JonnyDH84
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GB
12/16/2013 11:57am
I don't currently ride mx but I'm going to have a go next year I ride downhill mountain bikes and I get people saying I'm nuts and stupid for doing a dangerous sport all the time . Two years ago I crashed big on a table top flat out and broke my arm got concussion etc I was off work for three months so when I came back everyone expected me to give up some where even saying the company should tell me I cant do it anymore . I found that the ones making the most noise where the ones who had done nothing with there lives and very rarely drifted from the comfort of there living room. I told myself I never wanted to be like them so I couldn't care less what they think now.
TRON
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336
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12/13/2013
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BFE, FM, USA
12/16/2013 12:39pm
Of course.

They call it crazy. I call it passion. It's all I think about 24/7.
Camp332
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8695
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Location
Zoo Jersey, USA
12/16/2013 12:48pm
Yes, people(who don't ride) have their opinion about my riding. They are as follows: 1- "That's what you do Camp! never stop" or 2- "You're crazy/stupid, you have a family now."

I don't really talk about my passion for moto with anyone that doesn't understand it.

The motofam doesn't think I'm crazy, and that's all that matters Bro!
Moto_Geek
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Golden, CO, USA
12/16/2013 12:48pm Edited Date/Time 12/16/2013 12:49pm
I just have them look up the "Motocross takes as much athletic endurance and ability as a soccer player but 10 times more fun then soccer"!

I honestly have more people breaking bones and getting hurt just riding a bicycle or falling down on ice. It's usually dumb stuff like that. So what's more fun, breaking you leg down some stairs or on your dirt bike. Can look at it this way as well.
Huckster
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2585
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Woodstock, NY, USA
12/16/2013 12:49pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I'm Fifty and I ride for peace-of-mind and clarity. Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding. I'll let you in on...
I'm Fifty and I ride for peace-of-mind and clarity. Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I'm a COMPLETE Moto-Dork. So are...Don Emler, Danny LaPorte, Jimmy "69" Moe, Davey Coombs, "Newmann", Mean Bobby M, Mitch Payton...just to name a few. We do this, or have done it, 'cause it's just f'n cool and we love it. Some of those guys might say other-wise; but, they're full of shit of they do; because, I've seen. I understand it. I know it.

Let ya in on another lil' secret: We are SO fortunate to get to do this.

When someone, that obviously "doesn't get it", chimes in with an "Anti-Moto" comment? I actually feel sorry for them. They're never gonna "get it". That's jus' sad...
Bry745 wrote:
[b]"Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding."[/b] I couldn't have said it better myself. I had this discussion with a riding...
"Everything in the World is "Right Here, Right NOW!" when I'm riding."

I couldn't have said it better myself. I had this discussion with a riding buddy of mine a few years ago that echoed that exactly. No matter what else is going on in your life good or bad, when you're on your MX bike, you are taken away to a world with no other outside distractions or thoughts - spouse, job, bills, kids, you don't think about any of that when you're on the throttle slamming a berm, jumping a double or gassing it through some sand whoops. It's 100% concentration and being in the moment, 'cause if you're not, you're on your head. There are very few other things that can replace that or give you that same feeling and exhilaration quite like riding your dirt bike. Like many have said, it's almost impossible for those who haven't experienced it to understand, and just as difficult for us to explain it to them. Sometimes it's frustrating, but in the end, it really doesn't matter.

Like many others, I've had injuries, demands on my time from family and work, financial concerns, etc. that sometimes limit my opportunities to ride, but all that does is make the days I do get to ride that much sweeter. As Manny said, we are fortunate to do this, and I think you appreciate it even more as you get older.

When the day comes that we do stop riding, I hope that it's on our own terms, and not because of what somebody else thinks or does.
AMEN......exactly why I ride.....It is my escape from life and the real world and actually serves to clear my mind like nothing else I have found.
Cajun Kamikaze
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281
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6/28/2013
Location
Denham Springs, LA, USA
12/16/2013 12:50pm
We're BLACK SHEEP. Fugg them and what they think.

I think most ball sport fans are Crazy and Stupid. They spend all their time and money on a sport they can't even participate in. Hell, Most have never even stepped foot on the field.... That's what's crazy.

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