Vital MX Forum QNA: Mike Alessi

KennyT
Posts
4395
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Vista, CA, USA
Fantasy
4/12/2016 4:57pm
Dear Mike
Been a fan of yours since you were on Minis.
Back around 1997 or so, we were on a trip down south from Oregon and we passed you and your family on the freeway with your minis in the truck...800 and 801. We had a couple of bikes n the back of our truck and we all cracked up when you and your brother got so excited at the site of our bikes...you both turned and pointed...and us in our truck were screaming about seeing the Alessi bros.

Anyway what I am getting at is that was a looooong time ago. You have been racing for a lot of years and I see no letting up on your enthusiasm for the sport. How do you keep that same passion for all these years when the majority of riders in your position have much shorter careers due to burnout?

And I want to thank you for being one of the friendliest riders in the pits. Over the years I have stopped by to say hi and you always took the time to chat like we were old buddies and to us fans that means a lot. Congrats on a fantastic career and hope to see you out there for a few more years
4/12/2016 5:52pm
Hi Mike, thanks for doing this. See you ride in person at Mattery Basin last year. I was by the quad when you cased it big...
Hi Mike, thanks for doing this.

See you ride in person at Mattery Basin last year. I was by the quad when you cased it big time, I believe your hand even came off the bars. You could hear the thump too lol.

I know you've ridden a GP before but what was your experience like this time? Did you enjoy the track at Matterly? What was the biggest difference with the GPs & the AMA in your eyes? Trackwise, organisation?

Finally did you ever go and watch the EMX125 races? Would you like to see a 125 class come back the Nationals as a support class like the EMX series?

Hope you can answer my questions.

Oh yay I remember that. That hurt lol. Ya my hand did come off. I'm surprised I didn't crash.

I really enjoyed Racing the GPs this past year it was a lot of fun.
I feel like the GPS system is ran on a higher level then the ama nationals. The set up is very professional and I really like how they offer the EMX races. I think it is the perfect system for young kids who wants to race the GPs.
4/12/2016 5:57pm
Old-Man wrote:
Hello Mike, thxs and congratulations on all your achievements on and off the track. Question; I have a Hottub like so many here in Colorado do...
Hello Mike,
thxs and congratulations on all your achievements on and off the track.

Question;
I have a Hottub like so many here in Colorado do and have a great Idea that many friends/Family wish they had but nobody makes it.
If it isn't too big of a problem could you relay a message to one of your "Smart Top" Reps to contact me?
screwjj@Yahoo.com. or better yet, PM me an email that I can contact?
This will revolutionize what has been an issue with many Hot Tub Owners and make you guys Very Happy.
Keep up the good work young Man, see you at Lakewood when and if you go again.

Regards
Bill



I sent your info to Shauna at Smartop. She should get with you soon and help you out.
4/12/2016 6:03pm
kkawboy14 wrote:
Mike,
What has changed in your program, you seem to have finally relaxed a bit in the mains and this weeks results showed that!

Scott
Hey Scott,

Last year I felt like I needed a change. I was in a weird rut that I couldn't seem to get myself out of. I had come up to Club MX a couple years ago and really liked the facility. So I talked with my team and we decided that I should give it a try and see if I liked it. I have been here since October at Club MX and I don't know why I didn't come up here sooner. I feel like that has a lot to do with getting me out of the funk that I was in for the past couple years . Thank you for your support

The Shop

4/12/2016 6:07pm Edited Date/Time 4/12/2016 6:08pm
MR. X wrote:
Do you follow the amateur races at all ? Any upcoming talent that you have spotted and keep an eye on their results?
I follow it a little bit. I was at Daytona amateur day because our team sponsored a few riders. I think that Cameron Mcadoo and Tanner Stack have a lot of talent and I'm excited to watch and see how their careers progress.
4/12/2016 6:10pm Edited Date/Time 4/12/2016 6:11pm
Haha! This is shaping up to be one of the best QNA ever!
Thelen20 wrote:
I agree! Thanks Mike for coming through with some great content! Was really fun to watch you shred my home track, swan mx, back in 2014...
I agree! Thanks Mike for coming through with some great content!

Was really fun to watch you shred my home track, swan mx, back in 2014 when you came and dominated the Texas Pro Challenge. Hope you find your way down here again someday!

I am also very impressed with your sx season thus far! Giving some tough guys the business in the heat races! Good luck in Canada and beyond!!!
I really enjoyed racing the Texas Pro Challenge at Swan. I really enjoyed the track I thought it was a lot of fun. Thank you for your support
4/12/2016 6:20pm Edited Date/Time 4/12/2016 6:28pm
moto62z wrote:
Hi Mike, Longtime fan! Wondering if you have thought much about being involved with the sport when you retire. I think you have a lot to...
Hi Mike,
Longtime fan! Wondering if you have thought much about being involved with the sport when you retire. I think you have a lot to offer! Sorry if this has been asked already. Good luck in future races.
I am not sure if I will get involved in the sport when I am done. I know a lot of pros do. I think when the time comes I will have a better answer for that question. For all we know I may just fall off the map like Larry Ward and become a mountain man.
4/12/2016 6:23pm
moto62z wrote:
Hi Mike, Longtime fan! Wondering if you have thought much about being involved with the sport when you retire. I think you have a lot to...
Hi Mike,
Longtime fan! Wondering if you have thought much about being involved with the sport when you retire. I think you have a lot to offer! Sorry if this has been asked already. Good luck in future races.
Great question. What are your plans for retirement from active racing, Mike? Do you feel you have it in you to do a riding school? As...
Great question. What are your plans for retirement from active racing, Mike? Do you feel you have it in you to do a riding school? As you know, there's a huge void for that type of thing here in N. Florida. I know I'd sign up.
A fellow North Floridian! How's it going? Im not sure what Ill do. Ive held a few clinics in Florida before and it was fun. its something to think about for sure.
4/12/2016 6:27pm
MaxPower wrote:
Mike. How many dogs do you have and do you bring them to the races? You are away more than yoyre home i dont see how...
Mike. How many dogs do you have and do you bring them to the races? You are away more than yoyre home i dont see how you couldn't bring them
Danielle and I have 5 dogs. She's an animal freak haha. We use to take the small dogs with us to the races when I brought my RV but now they stay home and get watched along with her millions of chickens she has…
4/12/2016 6:29pm Edited Date/Time 4/12/2016 7:46pm
Rdubs19 wrote:
Come on man, buy a lawn mower for your Mom.
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/12/131517/s1200_FB_IMG_1459204468292.jpg[/img]


MOM! Get off Vital and get to cutting the grass with the right-handed scissors! You are wasting time.
4/12/2016 6:33pm
colintrax wrote:
I think you should buy your mom the mower, life is easier when you make the women in your life happy. Really the only reason not...
I think you should buy your mom the mower, life is easier when you make the women in your life happy. Really the only reason not to buy mom the mower is if your wife says not to... in which case you're screwed.

I remembered you raced for KTM when they were coming up with new stuff. So I wanted to know what your thoughts are on the 350 and how much input did you have into its development? Also, what's your thoughts on the linkage versus linkageless shock? Which do you prefer?

Thanks again!
haha I will cave eventually. Wife wants one also but I'm the one saying no.

The 350 is a good bike. I had a lot of fun on it just felt like I brought a knife to a gun fight in the nationals. lol I 'm not sure how much I helped with the development of the bike.
4/12/2016 6:35pm
yak651 wrote:
No question, just good look with the rest of your career, and get a couple more holeshot awards so you can buy your mom that lawnmower...
No question, just good look with the rest of your career, and get a couple more holeshot awards so you can buy your mom that lawnmower....

Ok one question, did BobbyM make you nervous with his over the top fan support and stalking??
Tongue
haha BobbyM! He is a great guy! Cracks me up. I love when my fans are over the top.
4/12/2016 6:38pm
Ted722 wrote:
Mike, Glad you're still out there doing what you do. When you turned Pro, is there anyone you've lined up against where you say to yourself...
Mike,
Glad you're still out there doing what you do. When you turned Pro, is there anyone you've lined up against where you say to yourself, "I can't believe I'm lining up against him".

Can you hear the announcer in SX before the gate drops? Smile

Good luck in Canada.

Ted
I think a race that stands out where I was like wow would have been Red Bud in 2007. Carmichael's last race. I podiumed with him and Stewart.

In Supercross I can hear Lurch. He knows how to pump up a crowd.
4/12/2016 6:40pm
RonSkj wrote:
Mike, Just a little advice. If you get your mom the mower, you'll want to get the wife a little something also. Maybe a new vacuum...
Mike, Just a little advice. If you get your mom the mower, you'll want to get the wife a little something also. Maybe a new vacuum Wink
haha the wife always wants more chickens. That seems to make her happy.
4/12/2016 6:45pm
Wildeye511 wrote:
Mike, Congrats to you on all your accomplishments. My question is, is there anything that you would like to change about SX? Are you happy with...
Mike,

Congrats to you on all your accomplishments. My question is, is there anything that you would like to change about SX? Are you happy with the current format/track layouts or do you think a change is needed? Thanks for coming on here, really appreciate it.

I've raced a few different series and I feel something that would be different is if it wasn't always a 20 lap main. Maybe have some with 20 lap mains, maybe some with 3 mains (like MEC) or even 2 mains. Sometimes the 20 laps every weekend can get stagnant.
4/12/2016 6:51pm
KennyT wrote:
Dear Mike Been a fan of yours since you were on Minis. Back around 1997 or so, we were on a trip down south from Oregon...
Dear Mike
Been a fan of yours since you were on Minis.
Back around 1997 or so, we were on a trip down south from Oregon and we passed you and your family on the freeway with your minis in the truck...800 and 801. We had a couple of bikes n the back of our truck and we all cracked up when you and your brother got so excited at the site of our bikes...you both turned and pointed...and us in our truck were screaming about seeing the Alessi bros.

Anyway what I am getting at is that was a looooong time ago. You have been racing for a lot of years and I see no letting up on your enthusiasm for the sport. How do you keep that same passion for all these years when the majority of riders in your position have much shorter careers due to burnout?

And I want to thank you for being one of the friendliest riders in the pits. Over the years I have stopped by to say hi and you always took the time to chat like we were old buddies and to us fans that means a lot. Congrats on a fantastic career and hope to see you out there for a few more years
haha thats pretty funny. The good ol' mini days.

I feel a lot of racers go through feeling burnout in their careers. About 2 years ago I was that guy. Got in a weird funk and couldn't shake it. Thought about calling it a career. I feel what helped me was I don't want to have any "what ifs" when I am done. I felt like I would have if I would have quit. Changed things up in my program and it seemed to help. We put our bodies through a lot to stay fit and healthy. A lot of sacrifice goes into it.

I appreciate you the fans and I want to show my gratitude the best way I can and I feel the best way is to stay humble and be kind.
4/12/2016 7:25pm
Rdubs19 wrote:
Come on man, buy a lawn mower for your Mom.
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/12/131517/s1200_FB_IMG_1459204468292.jpg[/img]


MOM! Get off Vital and get to cutting the grass with the right-handed scissors! You are wasting time.


4/12/2016 7:33pm
NorcalVet wrote:
Thanks for taking the time to hang out and reply to everyone. Let's talk two strokes and your RM 250 Do you still enjoy them as...
Thanks for taking the time to hang out and reply to everyone.

Let's talk two strokes and your RM 250

Do you still enjoy them as much as us old guys and do they get you pumped up for race time because they bring out more aggressive riding and the searching for other lines?

Tell us about your RM?
What year/ what have you had done to it other then the suspension ?

Porting, ffw... Any secrets
For us fellow rm 250 owners

And thanks for staying w/ those that have stood behind you. That shows loyalty and commitment to me.

Yea how'd you like the rm
DemoDick
Posts
486
Joined
3/23/2014
Location
Cumming, GA, USA
4/12/2016 7:46pm
haha the wife always wants more chickens. That seems to make her happy.
Don't the chickens take care of making more chickens?

That said I feel your next holeshot check must got to buying your mom that zero turn. I mean come on man this is the woman that brought you in to the world.Cheerful

I also wanted to give a shout out to your dad. 2 years ago at the ATL SX my 5 yer old and I were looking at the #800 machine in the pits and your dad took the time to talk to him and answer some of his questions on how to be the next holeshot master. People can say what they want about your dad but he is one hell of a human being in my book!

My son also wants to know how bad the Red Bud crash hurt. I told him you probably only felt the first hit.

You are still my daughters number one rider and always high on the list in our household!
4/12/2016 9:08pm
Hi Mike,
thanks for a great career, very entertaining, your determination and love of mx shines through, as with all your real fans I think we deserve the chance to purchase a " Believe the hype" tee shirt,
Like most I would pay good money for it.
A great price of memenorabillia.

Thanks again. Your #1 Fan.
Sully
Posts
9409
Joined
8/24/2006
Location
JP
4/13/2016 12:00am Edited Date/Time 4/13/2016 12:24am
haha thats pretty funny. The good ol' mini days. I feel a lot of racers go through feeling burnout in their careers. About 2 years ago...
haha thats pretty funny. The good ol' mini days.

I feel a lot of racers go through feeling burnout in their careers. About 2 years ago I was that guy. Got in a weird funk and couldn't shake it. Thought about calling it a career. I feel what helped me was I don't want to have any "what ifs" when I am done. I felt like I would have if I would have quit. Changed things up in my program and it seemed to help. We put our bodies through a lot to stay fit and healthy. A lot of sacrifice goes into it.

I appreciate you the fans and I want to show my gratitude the best way I can and I feel the best way is to stay humble and be kind.
Hey Mike, I don't think you're doing enough to perpetuate the "home schooled motocrosser" stereotype that a lot of the guys on this site seem to have. Can you work on misspelling some words, and maybe throw in a random "I seen..." every now and then?

In all seriousness, thanks for doing this, it really is appreciated. And I can say you've scored at least one new fan (me) for the effort.

Oh, and buy your mother a lawnmower.
Spydee
Posts
1995
Joined
12/18/2013
Location
Wales, GB
4/13/2016 12:16am
Mike, if motocross wasn't your forte which other sport would you have envisaged yourself succeeding in?
Would you rather have robotic arms or legs?
Oh and what did you think of Apex MX track when you rode it over in Worcester (England) last year? Did they give you the track to yourself or did they make you pay the £500 hire fee? Haha!
You've always been a cool dude in my books regardless of what people say. Just remember you have fans across the pond too man.
Take care and all the best.
4/13/2016 1:02am
Hi Mike

Firstly we all know that being a professional rider is tough beyond what we can ever imagine and to be in the sport as long as you have means you are doing something right :-). All professional athletes who are in the limelight are criticised on a daily basis and i guess that's just something you guys have to deal with, my question is how do you deal with this and does it motivate you to prove people wrong? or do you set your own goals and not worry about what others say, as let's be honest it is easy to sit there and criticise but they are not the ones doing it everyday.

When things like this exist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg_Lz6MVYxc does it bother you at all ?

Thanks for taking the time to read this
Dave #125
Posts
251
Joined
5/31/2014
Location
Andrews Farm, SA, AU
4/13/2016 1:07am
I would love to go back to Australia. I had so much fun there and it's a beautiful country. If I get the opportunity I would...
I would love to go back to Australia. I had so much fun there and it's a beautiful country. If I get the opportunity I would go back.

In racing you never know. I think I have a few good years left in me so we will just have to see.
Awesome! Cheers for the replySmile
4/13/2016 3:53am
haha thats pretty funny. The good ol' mini days. I feel a lot of racers go through feeling burnout in their careers. About 2 years ago...
haha thats pretty funny. The good ol' mini days.

I feel a lot of racers go through feeling burnout in their careers. About 2 years ago I was that guy. Got in a weird funk and couldn't shake it. Thought about calling it a career. I feel what helped me was I don't want to have any "what ifs" when I am done. I felt like I would have if I would have quit. Changed things up in my program and it seemed to help. We put our bodies through a lot to stay fit and healthy. A lot of sacrifice goes into it.

I appreciate you the fans and I want to show my gratitude the best way I can and I feel the best way is to stay humble and be kind.
Sully wrote:
Hey Mike, I don't think you're doing enough to perpetuate the "home schooled motocrosser" stereotype that a lot of the guys on this site seem to...
Hey Mike, I don't think you're doing enough to perpetuate the "home schooled motocrosser" stereotype that a lot of the guys on this site seem to have. Can you work on misspelling some words, and maybe throw in a random "I seen..." every now and then?

In all seriousness, thanks for doing this, it really is appreciated. And I can say you've scored at least one new fan (me) for the effort.

Oh, and buy your mother a lawnmower.


4/13/2016 4:15am Edited Date/Time 4/13/2016 4:16am
Hey Mike

Would you say that the Gopher dunes in Tillisinburg Ontario Canada is the gnarliest sand track you have ever ridden!?
KMC440
Posts
7764
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
4/13/2016 5:11am Edited Date/Time 4/13/2016 5:12am
Why would anbody want a mower that doesn't turn .... ? Blink Whistling Dizzy

Good luck KS but I'd stick with the scissors. Woohoo
4/13/2016 5:20am
KMC440 wrote:
Why would anbody want a mower that doesn't turn .... ? Blink Whistling Dizzy

Good luck KS but I'd stick with the scissors. Woohoo


4/13/2016 8:15am
NorcalVet wrote:
Thanks for taking the time to hang out and reply to everyone. Let's talk two strokes and your RM 250 Do you still enjoy them as...
Thanks for taking the time to hang out and reply to everyone.

Let's talk two strokes and your RM 250

Do you still enjoy them as much as us old guys and do they get you pumped up for race time because they bring out more aggressive riding and the searching for other lines?

Tell us about your RM?
What year/ what have you had done to it other then the suspension ?

Porting, ffw... Any secrets
For us fellow rm 250 owners

And thanks for staying w/ those that have stood behind you. That shows loyalty and commitment to me.

Kx125rider wrote:
Yea how'd you like the rm
i really enjoy the 2-stroke. Its a lot of fun to ride.
4/13/2016 8:17am
haha the wife always wants more chickens. That seems to make her happy.
DemoDick wrote:
Don't the chickens take care of making more chickens? That said I feel your next holeshot check must got to buying your mom that zero turn...
Don't the chickens take care of making more chickens?

That said I feel your next holeshot check must got to buying your mom that zero turn. I mean come on man this is the woman that brought you in to the world.Cheerful

I also wanted to give a shout out to your dad. 2 years ago at the ATL SX my 5 yer old and I were looking at the #800 machine in the pits and your dad took the time to talk to him and answer some of his questions on how to be the next holeshot master. People can say what they want about your dad but he is one hell of a human being in my book!

My son also wants to know how bad the Red Bud crash hurt. I told him you probably only felt the first hit.

You are still my daughters number one rider and always high on the list in our household!
I honestly do not remember anything from Red Bud. the entire day. So you can let your son know I didn't feel it. lol

Tell your daughter I said hi.

Post a reply to: Vital MX Forum QNA: Mike Alessi

The Latest