Official: Ryan Villopoto Announces His Retirement!

Eric238
Profile picture for user Eric238
Posts
40
Joined
1/4/2013
Location
Roswell, GA US
Eric238 7/9/2015 12:40pm
7/9/2015 12:40pm
EJ - That's good stuff! It's amazing to re-read now. So much of RV's career is echoed in that story. Thanks for the post.


nytsmaC
Profile picture for user nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off CA
nytsmaC 7/9/2015 12:51pm
7/9/2015 12:51pm
Moto_Geek wrote:
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity. If...
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity.

If I had to guess, he has rookies knocking down his door to hire him as his dedicated coach. If I had money, that what I would do.

Any other guesses?
tprice07 wrote:
He has given his life to the sport and knows only motocross. I can't imagine we see him for a few years. He is not exactly...
He has given his life to the sport and knows only motocross. I can't imagine we see him for a few years. He is not exactly the guy that wants to be in the spot light.

I think he will move on and start enjoying life. Maybe he coaches Tyler a little but I really don't see him ever touching motocross again.
TYLER RIDE SUSUKI LIKE BRAKE WARTON IN GREAT STEAT OF TEXUS. ALREADY GETING TRANED BY GREAT UNKLE HORSE AT CYCUL RANCH NO NEDE FOR BRYAN VILOPPODO
kawirider819
Profile picture for user kawirider819
Posts
707
Joined
10/18/2006
Location
st petersburg, FL US
kawirider819 7/9/2015 12:54pm
7/9/2015 12:54pm
Moto_Geek wrote:
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity. If...
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity.

If I had to guess, he has rookies knocking down his door to hire him as his dedicated coach. If I had money, that what I would do.

Any other guesses?
tprice07 wrote:
He has given his life to the sport and knows only motocross. I can't imagine we see him for a few years. He is not exactly...
He has given his life to the sport and knows only motocross. I can't imagine we see him for a few years. He is not exactly the guy that wants to be in the spot light.

I think he will move on and start enjoying life. Maybe he coaches Tyler a little but I really don't see him ever touching motocross again.
nytsmaC wrote:
TYLER RIDE SUSUKI LIKE BRAKE WARTON IN GREAT STEAT OF TEXUS. ALREADY GETING TRANED BY GREAT UNKLE HORSE AT CYCUL RANCH NO NEDE FOR BRYAN VILOPPODO
I just laughed so hard I think I pissed.Grinning
MOTOCAM25 7/9/2015 1:01pm
7/9/2015 1:01pm
Well done RV, Well done....

The Shop

See All »
rcm406
Profile picture for user rcm406
Posts
3639
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Atlanta, GA US
rcm406 7/9/2015 1:10pm
7/9/2015 1:10pm
Has anyone checked on Outsider? Tongue but really, there's no denying RV was one of the greats! I really was a big fan from the time I met him at LL 2002 or 2003. I wanted him to beat Alessi in the worst way back then! The last few years, it seems he has just had a piss poor attitude toward the industry in general, which really turned me off with him. Oh well, enjoy retirement RV, you've earned it!
hvaughn88
Profile picture for user hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR US
hvaughn88 7/9/2015 1:12pm
7/9/2015 1:12pm
Moto_Geek wrote:
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity. If...
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity.

If I had to guess, he has rookies knocking down his door to hire him as his dedicated coach. If I had money, that what I would do.

Any other guesses?
tprice07 wrote:
He has given his life to the sport and knows only motocross. I can't imagine we see him for a few years. He is not exactly...
He has given his life to the sport and knows only motocross. I can't imagine we see him for a few years. He is not exactly the guy that wants to be in the spot light.

I think he will move on and start enjoying life. Maybe he coaches Tyler a little but I really don't see him ever touching motocross again.
nytsmaC wrote:
TYLER RIDE SUSUKI LIKE BRAKE WARTON IN GREAT STEAT OF TEXUS. ALREADY GETING TRANED BY GREAT UNKLE HORSE AT CYCUL RANCH NO NEDE FOR BRYAN VILOPPODO
that was great!
Grieby54
Profile picture for user Grieby54
Posts
2826
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Castle Rock, CO US
Grieby54 7/9/2015 1:13pm
7/9/2015 1:13pm
Congrats to him on an epic career - he's done much, much more than 99.99% of the others that have tried. It is a shame that the last moment of his professional racing career was him looping out on a straight away, and that is something that people will think about when they think of RV, though I know that will get a lot of RV fans butt hurt.
2QK4U
Profile picture for user 2QK4U
Posts
168
Joined
10/24/2013
Location
CA
2QK4U 7/9/2015 1:26pm
7/9/2015 1:26pm
Thank you Ryan for all you have done for the sport and for the future of the industry. Enjoy your retirement and I wish you all the best for your future.
mx23
Profile picture for user mx23
Posts
33
Joined
6/4/2015
Location
GB
mx23 7/9/2015 1:29pm
7/9/2015 1:29pm
Not really. I've just got the view of an outsider. Not someone the same nationality as him. No doubt he is one of the best ever riders. Just don't think you would see it the same if you were American.
watson
Profile picture for user watson
Posts
712
Joined
7/15/2012
Location
Houston, TX US
watson 7/9/2015 1:41pm
7/9/2015 1:41pm
aFACEdismembered wrote:
He had the respect to fulfill a contract that he could not fulfill in the United States. He manned up, agreed to the terms of his...
He had the respect to fulfill a contract that he could not fulfill in the United States. He manned up, agreed to the terms of his deal and found a resolution that he probably never gave thought to beforehand. That doesn't take balls, it takes integrity.

I respect him for what he did, but like you I wish there would have been more than half a moto on the European continent.
The integrity part goes without saying, but he could have easily waited until his knee injury was healed (which was why the GP series start date worked so well) and done an abbreviated Supercross schedule as well as the entire US Nationals (i.e. stuck with familiar territory and nobody would have batted an eye at him for wanting to be fully healed before racing Supercross and contesting the US Outdoor series). But instead, he chose to do something that nobody has had the balls to do for decades and take on an entirely new series as a top premiere class rider.

jjavaman
Profile picture for user jjavaman
Posts
1600
Joined
3/12/2015
Location
CA
jjavaman 7/9/2015 1:44pm
7/9/2015 1:44pm
mx23 wrote:
Not really. I've just got the view of an outsider. Not someone the same nationality as him. No doubt he is one of the best ever...
Not really. I've just got the view of an outsider. Not someone the same nationality as him. No doubt he is one of the best ever riders. Just don't think you would see it the same if you were American.
No really, you and your douce bag buddy should go for a long walk off a short pier.
RedRum666
Profile picture for user RedRum666
Posts
866
Joined
2/6/2013
Location
AZ US
RedRum666 7/9/2015 1:47pm
7/9/2015 1:47pm
ocscottie wrote:
[img]https://gallery.mailchimp.com/aaa5785a89045d675b265966d/images/d2b7a44e-db5d-4fff-8bb0-410273fcb308.jpg[/img]
Titan1 wrote:
Am I the only one that is surprised he only has 12 450 MX wins? It just seems like he won way more races than that...
Am I the only one that is surprised he only has 12 450 MX wins? It just seems like he won way more races than that outdoors...
It does seem weird however when I thought about it, 450 outdoors he won a but ton of motos, but lost the overall (which is what counts) on many occasions leaving the day tied on points with Dungey or whomever.....but 12 still seems low....

Great career..hate to see him leave as he is awesome to watch...but respect his decision 100%...retired at 26.... not many can do that.....
Radical
Profile picture for user Radical
Posts
2822
Joined
10/20/2012
Location
San Diego, CA US
Radical 7/9/2015 2:02pm
7/9/2015 2:02pm
Enjoy your retirement Ryan!
God Bless you!
ChrisB10
Profile picture for user ChrisB10
Posts
2082
Joined
5/24/2014
Location
Plattsburgh, NY US
ChrisB10 7/9/2015 2:49pm
7/9/2015 2:49pm
I have him ranked 2nd all time.
ChrisB10
Profile picture for user ChrisB10
Posts
2082
Joined
5/24/2014
Location
Plattsburgh, NY US
ChrisB10 7/9/2015 2:50pm
7/9/2015 2:50pm
Thankful I got to see him once live. Unadilla 2013. Smoked Stew and Dungey each moto. Led every lap.
Overdrive
Profile picture for user Overdrive
Posts
1611
Joined
7/13/2008
Location
Fort Myers, FL US
Overdrive 7/9/2015 3:00pm
7/9/2015 3:00pm
Thank you RV and congrats on your retirement! Enjoy it because its well deserved!
h&m_cycle
Profile picture for user h&m_cycle
Posts
4411
Joined
2/23/2014
Location
Steubenville, OH US
h&m_cycle 7/9/2015 3:03pm
7/9/2015 3:03pm
Yea!.... Great career, loves to hunt they say, maybe he can bag a Zebra or 2...
TeamGreen
Profile picture for user TeamGreen
Posts
36514
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
TeamGreen 7/9/2015 4:39pm
7/9/2015 4:39pm
"Goodbye cruel world,
I'm leaving you today.
Goodbye,
Goodbye,
Goodbye.

Goodbye, all you people,
There's nothing you can say
To make me change my mind.
Goodbye."

Pit Row

See All »
Outsider
Profile picture for user Outsider
Posts
10628
Joined
1/29/2009
Location
Huntington Beach, CA US
Outsider 7/9/2015 4:44pm
7/9/2015 4:44pm
mehow2g
Profile picture for user mehow2g
Posts
251
Joined
2/3/2014
Location
AU
mehow2g 7/9/2015 4:52pm
7/9/2015 4:52pm
Moto_Geek wrote:
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity. If...
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity.

If I had to guess, he has rookies knocking down his door to hire him as his dedicated coach. If I had money, that what I would do.

Any other guesses?
You won't see him close to the industry again, maybe a few things if needs a bit more money.
OldYZRider1
Profile picture for user OldYZRider1
Posts
848
Joined
7/10/2009
Location
Bushnell, IL US
OldYZRider1 7/9/2015 5:03pm
7/9/2015 5:03pm Edited Date/Time 7/9/2015 5:42pm
I have a really great image of him stuck in my head absolutely pounding the outside line of a 180 turn during practice at High Point his rookie season. I was there at the fence, it was a very nice day with beautiful soil in that turn and he'd come through and just rail the outside carrying so much speed. I remember wondering how the berm held up; I thought he was gonna blow it out. It was one of those magical moments in time that I just knew I was watching someone who was going to leave his mark in the sport. Thanks for the memory Ryan!
Sully
Profile picture for user Sully
Posts
9147
Joined
8/24/2006
Location
JP
Sully 7/9/2015 5:11pm
7/9/2015 5:11pm
The kid is an amazing talent for sure.

A little video retrospect to wrap up an incredible career:

Super Mini


250f


450SX
jj welks
Profile picture for user jj welks
Posts
712
Joined
5/14/2015
Location
NH US
jj welks 7/9/2015 5:27pm
7/9/2015 5:27pm Edited Date/Time 7/9/2015 5:29pm
Sad but happy at the same time... Sucks it had to end like this... I hope he stays somewhat involved but can't blame him if he never looks at a dirtbike again. Used to hate watching him just dominate in every sx making it a snoozer lol but yea he was just like a flash and now gone for good.
KennyT
Profile picture for user KennyT
Posts
4369
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Vista, CA US
Fantasy
197th
KennyT 7/9/2015 6:23pm
7/9/2015 6:23pm
In glad he's done. He didn't seem happy the last few years when he should have been having the time of his life. I think he would still be racing if Aldon didn't get ahold of him. That guy has a way of making riders hate their profession

One of the best all time that is for sure. Was a pleasure to watch that guy ride
disbanded
Profile picture for user disbanded
Posts
6858
Joined
8/26/2007
Location
Evergreen, CO US
disbanded 7/9/2015 6:47pm
7/9/2015 6:47pm
Peace out, Poto!
Mike P.
Profile picture for user Mike P.
Posts
756
Joined
11/3/2014
Location
Chantilly, VA US
Mike P. 7/9/2015 6:53pm
7/9/2015 6:53pm
I have only ever rode thee 4 strokes ever…all my bikes are 2 strokes save my Harley (by choice). But over the past few years I have heard more than one pro (Villopoto included) mention the power of the 450 and I think it's a combination of the power of these bikes coupled with tracks that are not really made for this kind of power that ends the careers of riders at this level. Maybe Steve Witlock & KTM were going in the right direction with the 350...
Mike P.
Profile picture for user Mike P.
Posts
756
Joined
11/3/2014
Location
Chantilly, VA US
Mike P. 7/9/2015 6:56pm
7/9/2015 6:56pm
And yes, that is a CR480 in my profile photo (it's actually on its last bore so its 514cc). It was a fun bike while I had it, but even with all the best parts for safety and all coupled with riding it up a gear, that bike was no fun as I could never gun and run on it like i can on a 250...
machine
Profile picture for user machine
Posts
6404
Joined
1/5/2011
Location
Collettsville, NC US
machine 7/9/2015 7:28pm
7/9/2015 7:28pm
RV, It's been enjoying watching you make Stewart fans implode all these years...Grinning ...now go enjoy the rest of your life! Smile
bents 7/9/2015 8:55pm
7/9/2015 8:55pm
KennyT wrote:
In glad he's done. He didn't seem happy the last few years when he should have been having the time of his life. I think he...
In glad he's done. He didn't seem happy the last few years when he should have been having the time of his life. I think he would still be racing if Aldon didn't get ahold of him. That guy has a way of making riders hate their profession

One of the best all time that is for sure. Was a pleasure to watch that guy ride
Oh fuck please. RV has always had a love/hate relationship with mx but he wanted to be the best so he went ahead and hired Aldon and went on to dominate like RC. He was a true bad ass and had nothing left to prove so he dropped the mic and moved on. Good on you RV, congrats. You are a legend and one of the best ever.
Lefty
Profile picture for user Lefty
Posts
28
Joined
1/29/2012
Location
Chattanooga, TN US
Lefty 7/9/2015 11:07pm
7/9/2015 11:07pm
Lefty wrote:
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished...
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished so much by the age of 27 is astounding. If he applies the same work ethic to his future endeavors, I have no doubt he'll continue to be successful.

Though it bothers me none, I did happen to notice a thank you to the fans was missing. Such an omission from a champion and legend of his caliber is certainly a rarity these days. It makes me wonder if it was by accident or by design. Fwiw, I'm a fan and feel he has zero obligation to thank me.

Oh well, I'm fortunate to have been around to see him do what he did. Hard work.
IWreckALot wrote:
Re-Read his post. But most of all, I’m writing this retirement note to my fans. I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of fans, not...
Re-Read his post.

But most of all, I’m writing this retirement note to my fans. I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of fans, not only in the U.S., but throughout the world. It is amazing to know that you have cared so much and been so supportive along the way.
Thanks for pointing that out. I appreciate that you kept it short and respectful.

I incorrectly assumed that RV's quote in the OP's linked press release was the full farewell; however, having since read Gibby's "Farewell from RV2" post, I now realize the press release contained only a portion. The mistake is all mine and, accordingly, so too is the accompanying tinge of embarrassment.

After reading the full farewell, I still feel that, for the most part, he's retiring on his own terms. Sure, injuries are a factor, but it's quite reasonable to think he could heal up to an acceptable level and still be one of the championship contenders in 2016 supercross, outdoor nationals, or MXGP. He has, however, decided that's something he no longer desires. I say good for him. He has nothing to prove.

Yes, he did, indeed, thank the fans and he did so quite graciously. That was a very well written and well articulated letter. I sincerely thought no less of him when I erroneously assumed he hadn't thanked the fans, but, admittedly, I gained even more respect for him after reading the whole letter.

Post a reply to: Official: Ryan Villopoto Announces His Retirement!