Poor Andy Bowyer

jchek779
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jchek779 9/18/2014 7:31am
9/18/2014 7:31am
DoctorJD wrote:
I got back into riding back in 04' after fifteen years off the bike. I was 41 years old at the time. One of the hardest...
I got back into riding back in 04' after fifteen years off the bike. I was 41 years old at the time. One of the hardest things for me to overcome wasn't lack conditioning or strength, it was my ego. There were things (on the track) that I wanted to do, and for some reason, felt like I needed to do. I mean really, I wasn't even racing, I was just riding. I scared the crap out of myself on several occasions, to the point where my trips to the track were a sweaty-palmed, anxiety fest. It just wasn't fun like it used to be, so I quit again. I finally had to have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with myself.

I had to embrace the idea that I could still have fun in this sport without trying to be the fastest guy on the track. There are so many things that make this sport great. Like Bowyer said in his article (great read, btw), I love getting suited up to ride, always have. There's something really empowering about putting that gear on. I love bench racing with my friends, and the comradery. Hell, these days, we'll ride for twenty minutes and talk about it for an hour. I love getting out of my gear at the end of the day. If I can do that on my own, it's a victory in-and-of itself. There's nothing like that soreness you feel when you get home and step out of the truck. There's nothing better than grabbing a beer, cranking up the radio, and tinkering with the bike after work. I guess above all, I cherish the time I get to spend with my 16-year-old son. We've been riding together since he was 6, and its the one of those things where we have common ground. If you have teenagers, you know those things are hard to find sometimes. It sucks that he's faster than me now, but oh well. I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

We were at the track a few weeks ago, and I was commenting on this one jump (a big step-up double). I said something to the effect of, "I like that track, but I can't do that big step-up". One of my friends stopped me and said, "No, you can do it...you just choose not to". He was right, I could do it, but at 51 years old with two kids in high school, a job and a mortgage, I didn't need to. And I'm really okay with that. I have more fun these days riding trails and "old man" tracks. Railing a corner gives me so much more joy than huck'n a big jump. I'm not saying I'm immune to injury, and that I'll never get hurt on the bike. But I can tell you this: It won't be because I was riding something over my head.
Great story and thanks for sharing. This has turned out to be a great thread, spurred by Andy's dismount and incredible article.

I too have reached the stage where I ride for fun. If I can load myself and my bike up after a day of riding, then I've had a successful day. I'm not 22 anymore and I'm finally turning the corner mentally in which I don't have to prove to myself that I can jump something. I'm lucky to have a few high quality photos that prove I can....or could.

I try to race a few times each year. It's nothing like what I used to do riding 3 days per week then racing Saturday night and Sunday. I can attest that the one thing that has stayed consistent is the experience - the butterflies on the line, the rush of the gate drop, pushing yourself for 6 or 7 laps, getting back to your truck and telling yourself that you're going to get in shape, sitting on your tailgate for way too long telling yourself that you're never racing again, then loading up after your last moto and thinking about how you can't wait to come back. It took me 16 years of racing to figure it out, but the race day experience is bigger than any plastic trophy I've won.
Eric238
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Eric238 9/18/2014 7:46am
9/18/2014 7:46am
dboivin wrote:
read the article that goes with it. great write up by andy IMO....seals the deal with the video. We've all been there. http://racerxonline.com/2014/09/17/rev-up-motocross
read the article that goes with it. great write up by andy IMO....seals the deal with the video. We've all been there.

http://racerxonline.com/2014/09/17/rev-up-motocross
aaryn #234 wrote:
That was a good read.
Vecchia Scuola wrote:
Big quote!
Nice read
Agreed. Awesome read. Bowyer can say it like no one else.

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gharmon 9/18/2014 9:40am
9/18/2014 9:40am
Francis377 wrote:
Damn. He didnt even come close. If You can still crash like that at 37 you're living right
Well I'm 43 and my last wreck (8-10-14) left me with a broken arm, 2 broke ribs and a laceration of my spleen. So maybe crashing at 37 is okay but it sure sucked ass at 43. lol. But I am so ready to get back to riding. The good thing is now I get to help my 5 year old grandson more with his racing. Loving life now!!
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machine 9/18/2014 9:51am
9/18/2014 9:51am
This sport is like a cult in certain ways. I have felt the same feelings as Bowyer and some of the others posting their experiences. When you leave the sport for periods of time, it sucks you back in. The comrodery at the track with riding buddies and dudes parked beside you is all part of it aside from the riding ecperience. You feel left out in a way when your not there anymore. It leaves you feeling like an ex cult member after you leave it. And before anyone takes that the wrong way, I don't mean that in a David Karesh sort of way, just an small niche, exclusive club sort of way.

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machine
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machine 9/18/2014 9:52am
9/18/2014 9:52am
Francis377 wrote:
Damn. He didnt even come close. If You can still crash like that at 37 you're living right
gharmon wrote:
Well I'm 43 and my last wreck (8-10-14) left me with a broken arm, 2 broke ribs and a laceration of my spleen. So maybe crashing...
Well I'm 43 and my last wreck (8-10-14) left me with a broken arm, 2 broke ribs and a laceration of my spleen. So maybe crashing at 37 is okay but it sure sucked ass at 43. lol. But I am so ready to get back to riding. The good thing is now I get to help my 5 year old grandson more with his racing. Loving life now!!
I'm going on 48...it only gets worse..lol
stackman17
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stackman17 9/18/2014 10:15am
9/18/2014 10:15am
I have a love hate relationship with motocross. I am 45 now and have a 10 yo son that races. I will get a bike and ride a few times and soon as I feel comfortable on the bike, I go for it. That is when I get hurt again. This relationship has caused problems with my career and resulted in demotions etc. I get hurt, swear it off and sell the bike. As soon as the physical therapy is done, I'm looking for another bike and the cycle continues. I am currently off the bike after a dislocated shoulder and broken arm. I sold the bike when I got hurt. I start physical therapy again tomorrow and I am already looking for another bike. In the past six years I have broken both wrists, neck, tib-fib shattered ankle, torn both shoulders, multiple broken ribs and hands.

Anyway, anybody got a good deal on a used newer model RMZ 450, ha ha.
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FLmxer 9/18/2014 10:28am
9/18/2014 10:28am Edited Date/Time 9/18/2014 10:30am
Cool stories. I am off the bike for a few years and about to get a new bike any day. I am a guy that does jump everything but there were a lot of days that I just putted around and played around and never went fast at all. I remember when I took all the pressure off myself and my ego was replaced with the reality that no one cares about your riding but you. It was a lot easier to ride fast and slow after fully realizing that. Made it so much more fun. My last two injuries were not my fault and with out the bad luck I feel I was riding the best but also safest ever at 40. The 15 will be a whole new animal after riding an 05 for so long. Can't wait for that alone.
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mxb2 9/18/2014 10:39am
9/18/2014 10:39am
stackman17 wrote:
I have a love hate relationship with motocross. I am 45 now and have a 10 yo son that races. I will get a bike and...
I have a love hate relationship with motocross. I am 45 now and have a 10 yo son that races. I will get a bike and ride a few times and soon as I feel comfortable on the bike, I go for it. That is when I get hurt again. This relationship has caused problems with my career and resulted in demotions etc. I get hurt, swear it off and sell the bike. As soon as the physical therapy is done, I'm looking for another bike and the cycle continues. I am currently off the bike after a dislocated shoulder and broken arm. I sold the bike when I got hurt. I start physical therapy again tomorrow and I am already looking for another bike. In the past six years I have broken both wrists, neck, tib-fib shattered ankle, torn both shoulders, multiple broken ribs and hands.

Anyway, anybody got a good deal on a used newer model RMZ 450, ha ha.
Whats your budget? rmz 450? 250 i know of a few super low hr rmz s some stock some loaded, all mint located in ohio , pa, md , w va area. My 13 rmz 450 is getting some suspension work now but anythings for sale. lol Contact me if your interestedd Wgoske@yahoo.com thanks billy
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WhipMeister 9/18/2014 10:45am
9/18/2014 10:45am
It's not the crash. It's the stop.
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motomike137 9/18/2014 10:52am
9/18/2014 10:52am
This story just happened to coincide with me deciding to get back out there after basically a whole year off. This sport gets so far under your skin it is impossible to shake. I rode once earlier this year but my heart wasn't in it and I had a buddy break his hip at the one race I did attend. I told everyone that would listen I was done racing, it just isn't in my gut anymore. Fast forward a few months of drinking beer, living the good life, eating too much ang getting fat and I realize I am bored as hell and the only thing I can think of is to start getting back in shape and get back out on the track before our season ends here in Michigan. I've been through this cycle a good half dozen times over the years and I always end up back on the bike. There is no substitute for MX Smile
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Camp332 9/18/2014 10:58am
9/18/2014 10:58am
Only we understand each other. The rest of the world just thinks we are nuts.

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croom mx 9/18/2014 11:20am
9/18/2014 11:20am
That's what you call CASING it.
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gharmon 9/18/2014 1:49pm
9/18/2014 1:49pm
Camp332 wrote:
Only we understand each other. The rest of the world just thinks we are nuts.

You said that shit right.
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HenryA 9/18/2014 2:33pm
9/18/2014 2:33pm
Camp332 wrote:
Only we understand each other. The rest of the world just thinks we are nuts.

Amen brother
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EastCoastMx 9/18/2014 2:49pm
9/18/2014 2:49pm Edited Date/Time 9/18/2014 2:49pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
I really enjoyed reading your post. I'm in a somewhat similar boat, but a little bit younger. I'm trying to start riding again after a 10-12...
I really enjoyed reading your post. I'm in a somewhat similar boat, but a little bit younger. I'm trying to start riding again after a 10-12 year hiatus. When I quit racing, I also quit riding cold turkey. Sold the bikes, everything. Now that my son is old enough for a PW50, I figured I would get a bike too and we could kind of "learn" together again. It's funny you mention the "old man" tracks because I'm the same way. I'm still relatively young (26) but it's crazy that now that I have a wife, two kids, mortgage and my own business, my outlook on riding is completely different and the "old man" tracks seem really appealing to me. And maybe you can call me soft, but it scares the hell out of me to think about putting my son out on some of these mx tracks. The woods riding is looking more inviting all the time, haha. But you are absolutely right about doing things together with your son. Nothing beats it. Hell, even just shooting hoops in the driveway is more fun now that I can do it with my son. Thanks again for posting your story.
Great story, in addition you're a full time shit talker on Vital MX nice...........
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hvaughn88 9/18/2014 2:54pm
9/18/2014 2:54pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
I really enjoyed reading your post. I'm in a somewhat similar boat, but a little bit younger. I'm trying to start riding again after a 10-12...
I really enjoyed reading your post. I'm in a somewhat similar boat, but a little bit younger. I'm trying to start riding again after a 10-12 year hiatus. When I quit racing, I also quit riding cold turkey. Sold the bikes, everything. Now that my son is old enough for a PW50, I figured I would get a bike too and we could kind of "learn" together again. It's funny you mention the "old man" tracks because I'm the same way. I'm still relatively young (26) but it's crazy that now that I have a wife, two kids, mortgage and my own business, my outlook on riding is completely different and the "old man" tracks seem really appealing to me. And maybe you can call me soft, but it scares the hell out of me to think about putting my son out on some of these mx tracks. The woods riding is looking more inviting all the time, haha. But you are absolutely right about doing things together with your son. Nothing beats it. Hell, even just shooting hoops in the driveway is more fun now that I can do it with my son. Thanks again for posting your story.
EastCoastMx wrote:
Great story, in addition you're a full time shit talker on Vital MX nice...........
Excuse me? I think you would be hard pressed to find me "shit talking" on here. If you mean the responses to your poor attempts to attack anyone that disagreed with your idea, perhaps
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EastCoastMx 9/18/2014 3:08pm
9/18/2014 3:08pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
Excuse me? I think you would be hard pressed to find me "shit talking" on here. If you mean the responses to your poor attempts to...
Excuse me? I think you would be hard pressed to find me "shit talking" on here. If you mean the responses to your poor attempts to attack anyone that disagreed with your idea, perhaps
OK...... whatever you say LOL ..............
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BobbyM 9/18/2014 3:42pm
9/18/2014 3:42pm
machine wrote:
Damn dude...hope your okay.

Nice FTI build bike btw...Cal did you good!

Ouch... What the hell is Bowyer doing? He's too old to ride..

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Piston Slap 9/18/2014 4:26pm
9/18/2014 4:26pm
Crush wrote:
That one from Terrafirma 4, first time I saw it I couldn't even comprehend what had happened. Like as if it was even a thought, let...
That one from Terrafirma 4, first time I saw it I couldn't even comprehend what had happened.

Like as if it was even a thought, let alone an option, and yet, a few more metres and he would have been fine. Like maybe if it was a CR250 or a more modded bike instead of whatever he was riding in Chile... Fuckin crazy
Crusha,

I remeber when that video first came out. Rented it at the local movie rental place. Replayed that crash a million times.


I thought then, (and still think now) looking at that gap. . . WTF was he thinking???!!!

You're right, a few meters and he's on the top. . . but that was horribly nasty.

Seems like a few of my MSM2 crashes. hahahaha

PS
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Piston Slap 9/18/2014 4:35pm
9/18/2014 4:35pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
Excuse me? I think you would be hard pressed to find me "shit talking" on here. If you mean the responses to your poor attempts to...
Excuse me? I think you would be hard pressed to find me "shit talking" on here. If you mean the responses to your poor attempts to attack anyone that disagreed with your idea, perhaps
hvaughn88,

You are one of the few rational, logical, non-mental posters on here!!!

He's fishing. . .

PS
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Grizz 9/18/2014 5:52pm
9/18/2014 5:52pm Edited Date/Time 9/18/2014 5:53pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
Excuse me? I think you would be hard pressed to find me "shit talking" on here. If you mean the responses to your poor attempts to...
Excuse me? I think you would be hard pressed to find me "shit talking" on here. If you mean the responses to your poor attempts to attack anyone that disagreed with your idea, perhaps
Piston Slap wrote:
hvaughn88,

You are one of the few rational, logical, non-mental posters on here!!!

He's fishing. . .

PS
Agreed.

Edit: about hvaughn
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TsmithMX 9/20/2014 9:48am
9/20/2014 9:48am
DoctorJD wrote:
I got back into riding back in 04' after fifteen years off the bike. I was 41 years old at the time. One of the hardest...
I got back into riding back in 04' after fifteen years off the bike. I was 41 years old at the time. One of the hardest things for me to overcome wasn't lack conditioning or strength, it was my ego. There were things (on the track) that I wanted to do, and for some reason, felt like I needed to do. I mean really, I wasn't even racing, I was just riding. I scared the crap out of myself on several occasions, to the point where my trips to the track were a sweaty-palmed, anxiety fest. It just wasn't fun like it used to be, so I quit again. I finally had to have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with myself.

I had to embrace the idea that I could still have fun in this sport without trying to be the fastest guy on the track. There are so many things that make this sport great. Like Bowyer said in his article (great read, btw), I love getting suited up to ride, always have. There's something really empowering about putting that gear on. I love bench racing with my friends, and the comradery. Hell, these days, we'll ride for twenty minutes and talk about it for an hour. I love getting out of my gear at the end of the day. If I can do that on my own, it's a victory in-and-of itself. There's nothing like that soreness you feel when you get home and step out of the truck. There's nothing better than grabbing a beer, cranking up the radio, and tinkering with the bike after work. I guess above all, I cherish the time I get to spend with my 16-year-old son. We've been riding together since he was 6, and its the one of those things where we have common ground. If you have teenagers, you know those things are hard to find sometimes. It sucks that he's faster than me now, but oh well. I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

We were at the track a few weeks ago, and I was commenting on this one jump (a big step-up double). I said something to the effect of, "I like that track, but I can't do that big step-up". One of my friends stopped me and said, "No, you can do it...you just choose not to". He was right, I could do it, but at 51 years old with two kids in high school, a job and a mortgage, I didn't need to. And I'm really okay with that. I have more fun these days riding trails and "old man" tracks. Railing a corner gives me so much more joy than huck'n a big jump. I'm not saying I'm immune to injury, and that I'll never get hurt on the bike. But I can tell you this: It won't be because I was riding something over my head.
Thanks for sharing. I can relate for sure

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