World's Toughest Sport = Motocross!

Vet57
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8/15/2015 3:35am
Group23 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/14/101474/s1200_gary_semics_puyallup_trans_ama_77.jpg[/img]


Bad ass pic!
Bultaco
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Planet, VT, USA
8/15/2015 4:45am
I have wasted most of my life in pursuit of what I thought was fun. Motocross, Enduro, Scrambles, Climbing, Mountaineering, Cycling, Running, Swimming, Triathlon, etc. The closest activity I've found to motocross that combines demands of strength, cardio, mental toughness, danger, commitment, risk, and concentration is Mountaineering. With the added level of commitment that when one is hosed high up on a remote mountain, they can not just pull into the pits.

But then Mountaineering may not be a "sport".
croom mx
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miami, FL, USA
8/15/2015 5:27am
No one mentioned the old school 45 minute pro motos?
GarySemics
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Lisbon, OH, USA
8/15/2015 5:32am
edgo897 wrote:
I ran a marathon in 1997. Did it in just over three hours. The last six miles were pure hell.
thephoenix wrote:
Yes. Until you have ran a marathon, don't knock it. Going 6 miles suffering, is definitely akin to pushing hard on an mx track the last...
Yes. Until you have ran a marathon, don't knock it. Going 6 miles suffering, is definitely akin to pushing hard on an mx track the last ten minutes of a long moto. 26.2 miles is no simple running feat for the average person.

From a purely physical standpoint, there are a few things pretty close to or the same as motocross in effort. Add in the other skills of controlling a 230lb bike in motocross conditions takes it to another level.

And don't ask about people who compete in Ironman - going 45 mins hard on an mx bike, pales somewhat to going 140.6 miles under your own power, in 3 different disciplines, on the same day, one after the other.

Respect to ALL endurance sports. Each has a unique aspect of toughness.
Yes,,,pure endurance sports like, triathlons, marathons, cycling, est are physically just as difficult, if not more. But when you factor in the dangers, which elevate adrenaline, and the near max HR for the entire race, motocross definitely competes for the toughest sport.

Back in the 70s when we ran 40 +2 with full leather pants and cotton jerseys in the southern states during the summer, it was tough. It was common to have at least one rider exit the track by ambulance with heat stroke.



The Shop

croom mx
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miami, FL, USA
8/15/2015 5:41am
I was at St Pete National I think it was 1978 and Gary Semics was sitting on the back off the Kawasaki Truck after the 2nd 45 minute moto and he was looked beat up.
Tradmark
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Lamesa, TX, USA
8/15/2015 5:49am
Whats the definition of "tough". A marathon can be hard, just depends how hard ya go depends on how hard it is And the best are born for it. When was the last time you saw a runner or a triathalete in a cast from their sport. Sports like boxing/mma have a high cardio need and someone is trying to hurt you and is hurting you. I think one thing that makes motocross the toughest is that u have to be tiny. That makes it darn near impossible to be good at for some of us but seriously taking a 300lber and trying to run marathon quickly makes it the toughest sport. So we can make anything tough depending on our body type etc? What makes motocross the toughest is what it takes to be at the top for a whole season in addition to the danger and cardio needed.
bturner26x
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Acworth, GA, USA
8/15/2015 6:15am
olds cool wrote:
The +2 laps on a MTB at Glen Helen would be almost another 30 min wouldn't it? Silly
Good point Laughing Laughing Laughing
MotoMalyDad
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Santa Maria, CA, USA
8/15/2015 6:43am
Bultaco wrote:
I have wasted most of my life in pursuit of what I thought was fun. Motocross, Enduro, Scrambles, Climbing, Mountaineering, Cycling, Running, Swimming, Triathlon, etc. The...
I have wasted most of my life in pursuit of what I thought was fun. Motocross, Enduro, Scrambles, Climbing, Mountaineering, Cycling, Running, Swimming, Triathlon, etc. The closest activity I've found to motocross that combines demands of strength, cardio, mental toughness, danger, commitment, risk, and concentration is Mountaineering. With the added level of commitment that when one is hosed high up on a remote mountain, they can not just pull into the pits.

But then Mountaineering may not be a "sport".
Don't forget the lack of Oxygen . Every step at high altitude takes a lot of effort. Agree no pulling into the pits if you are having a bad day.
JLong
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Haslet, TX, USA
8/15/2015 6:51am Edited Date/Time 8/15/2015 6:51am
No other sport adds the risk of a 220lb. motorcycle mauling you at 50 mph if your mental acuity fades from fatigue.

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