Does watching each SX/MX season make anyone else feel old?

The latest reraceables talking about the 20th anniversary of Budds 2003 when I remember watching Ferry win that moto in my parents camper gave me that feeling.

What gets me is how fast the season goes by, feels like just last week everyone was getting hyped for A1 and now all 3 titles are done and we’re onto outdoors discussion. Time flies! 

Seeing as how I was around trying to make DT Yamaha's into capable moto/desert sleds, sitting in the LA Coliseum rooting for our buddy Marty Tripes as he was winning the very first SX race...

Yeah, I've seen some shit.

I didn't realize you were that old.

It makes me feel old trying to explain to a young person what drum brakes are, racing before "safety seats", how easy 2 strokes were to work on, and what bad asses Roger d, Hannah, glover, barnett, and RC are, and how you had to have your technique worked out to go fast on a 125.

1st SX I went to was Pittsburgh PA in 1978 and it poured for amateur day.

Do I feel old? Sure. But, the truth of it is…Moto keeps us young. That’s why we have friends that say,”You still do that?!”

Going to the races over the years has been a privilege (1st race was a Sears Point National where there were Maicos & CanAms & some of the Hondas had 23” front wheels). 

Watching the sport evolve over the years has been a blast. Seeing some of the riders go on to be managers, corporate execs, Dakar racers…etc. …has all been part of a good life. 

So, yes! I feel old. But, Moto is one of the good aspects of growing old…for me. 

Rip to Cabo 2 weeks ago…as we rode around the Cape towards Land’s End. Yes, some of those decals are questionable…but, that’s the kind of shit we pull on each-other for over 15 years of Rips. I’m wearing Jason’s Detroit heat-winning Jersey on the last day of the ride…in honor of Jeff “OX” Kargola…who Jason reminds me of. Same smile. Same “stay in it” attitude. Same kind of dude that’s just happy to see you and hang out. Same kind do “Get Some!” The very same stoke. 

As I get older, rides like this are even more important to me. More…fun. More…just good livin’. More great times with my friends that…also…are still doing it.

Getting old can be fun. Come ride with us.

Manny

I found out...Older ya get the faster it fuckin goes...

Or explaining 1 up and 4 down. Kick starter on the left side. Young people look at you as if you are alien 🤷‍♀️. We are old.

How about a Honda open-class bike that started on the left and was just 3 up…? 

I don’t have to watch SX to feel old!

Yeah I often think that. 

AC comes to mind, been watching that guy since he was a kid and now he's deep into career. 

Im exact same age as RC, but been watching since 92. ha
Nuts MC and Fro in their 50s even. haha

Time doesn't wait for anyone eh! 

Shoot, I feel old with or without the SX/MX season! 
 

I mostly feel old when I see how things have changed in the sport…and not everything at all for the good.
 

I was at Stewart’s first 125SX race at A1 that year. I’m pretty sure he made 100 passes that night 🤣 

I remember my first SX race. Indy ‘97 when Fro got the tough block banner in his rear wheel and still won. I was also there for Pastranas first SX race too. So many cool moto memories to sit down and think about. Now at 31 it’s crazy how time flys by. It feels like just 10 years ago!

When I see how much faster the guys are today than back when I started in 1974...yes I feel ancient.

I know exactly what Mookie means.  Pop and it's gone 

I was there too eric513. His wheel would stop in the air. Kept waiting for a dnf.
 

I have had the same feeling using sx/mx as well. I believe my 1st in person sx was pontiac double headers when Stephenson won his regional title. Mx, lechien and wardy were in their prime🫤 shouldve bought apple stock then😅

I'd like to see James and Malcolm in the booth for a bit.  Brothers and all...might be a hoot.

I feel old watching because these races like tonight I can’t stay up until 1am eastern time to watch. I will get up and watch with the sunrise. Starting to hit me as I turn the big 50 next year. Even harder for me as that’s how old my dad was when he died.

You've got a few years on me.  

My first bike was a 77 YZ80.     I too spent many a night at the L.A. Coliseum. 

I was thinking the same thing. I’ve watched the current crop of top guys rise, and now they are in the twilight years of their career. Since I’ve been away in the service, I’m now noticing family age with each visit too and it’s depressing! 

Brother, we get what we get.  Don't waste it.  Just fucking do it.

I'm retired military so I get what you're saying.  Now is your time to pick up the mantle.  Be there for them like they were for you.  The greatest joy a parent can receive from a child is their attention and closeness.

My kids were just born when MC started his run, an they were both little when I was taking them to Binghamton and Unadilla to watch the RC takeover. Now my 12 year old grandson is a big KR94 fan.

Insane how fast it goes.

But we are all still very close. My 29-year-old son was just here today to start breaking in the new piston we replaced on his 250R. Moto and our mutual career has kept us best friends, and I wouldn't change a thing.

That, my friend, makes you a winner.  Cherish every minute.

Cheers too you. 🍺🍺🍺. 

Let me belly up....  DT175 with homemade air forks, pizza pan sprocket, and Hooker pipe.  I reckon wooden saw horses were more comfortable and handled better.

What makes me old is seeing riders I remember on 60s, like RC, getting into their later years. I started following moto seriously around 1978/1979, and it's hard to believe how many generations I have seen come and go.