Posts
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Joined
9/22/2008
Location
Arlen, TX, USA
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 5:12am
We all realize motocross is one of the gnarliest sports on the planet. And we all know how physically demanding this sport is, and how challenging it can be at times on two wheels, but here is an aspect I believe gets overlooked: I think professional motocross is just as demanding mentally, as it is physically.
In other sports like basketball, football, baseball etc. the worst teams in the leagues still have great odds of feeling great some weekends. This is accomplished by playing other lower ranked teams in the league - and winning! Even if a terrible football team beats another terrible football team, at least somebody at the end of the day is going to be a winner with a muddy smile on their face. And as we are all aware, professional motocross is not like that.
Imagine if all the football teams could somehow play one another simultaneously (this is obviously impossible so bare with me and suspend reality). Basically, if this were possible, the teams that make it down to the quarter finals of the NFL Super Bowl Chimpionship would be constantly dominating. The lower ranked teams chances of winning would be damn near impossible! These teams would not only get a beat down on the field, but they would also get beat down mentally; just like most guys who qualify for the mains through the LCQ - which is, as I have discussed before, an amazing feat.
This is another advantage other sports have over motocross, but on the other side of the coin, just another reason why I am convinced motocross is by far one of the toughest, and most challenging sports on the planet.
So many professional racers go their entire amateur career, and sometimes lites class career, completely dominating. This entire experience builds tons of confidence. They end up racing up front on 50cc's, winning up front on 65cc's, and expecting to be up front by the time they are on 80cc bikes. Of course mental attitude is not the sole reason these kids dominate; but when they are not winning, due to a bad start, or first turn wreck, they usually end up out front by the time the checkers are waved, because they already know based on past experience that they belong up front. The downside to all this - and this is just my opinion from following the sport for sixteen years - is that all this confidence gained throughout the amateur ranks, and lites class, usually ends up breaking down like a track during the 450 Canadian round main event once these guys reach the premier class (freaks not included).
The average professional motocross rider obviously can't fool themselves. If someone who has always finished outside the top ten expects to beat Stewart, Reed, RV, Dungey, etc. they are either: 1) fooling themselves, or 2) tripping on LSD in the pits. However, I think some of the greatest racers of all time, who may or may not have initially been the fastest in the premiere class, are the ones who not only think, but KNOW, and truly believe deep down inside they have the ability to progress to a level of riding that ends up on the top of the podium. To support this claim, psychological statistically valid studies show: A big difference between people who accomplish things, and those who don't - are the beliefs about the goal held in one person's mind. Simply put, truly believing whether or not you can do something, can be the difference between achieving and not achieving your goals.
It seems today that Reed and Stewart have mentally beaten down the competition (with Stewart holding the primary mental beat down stick, even over Reed's head). It's not these riders fault they are beaten down. Everyone would feel mentally beaten down after racing against those two, but it's the guys with the mental strength inside that refuse to take that beating - who truly believe in themselves - that will rise to the top. After watching the 2010 Supercross preview show, I think Dungey and RV have the right mental attitude, and strength to elevate their game and someday become champions on he 450 bike.
These thoughts brought to you by reading the thread regarding Davi Milsaps, and the article in the new RACER-X regarding the Supercross Academy (which I believe to be a great thing).
Many of these racers where in the same predicament as me, but they kept on pushing and training through injuries and setbacks. I can't imagine how grueling it must be for many of these up and coming racers, knowing they are missing out on a lot of different things that a normal kid gets to experience. When all of it can come crashing down on them with one mistake on the track, and to be left without a job, money, and a normal functioning body. These cats are very strong willed and physically fit compared to the normal athlete. I have tremendous respect for everyone out there doing SX and nationals, especially the privateers. It breaks my heart to hear people bagging on riders, especially people who have no idea what it really takes to get to where they are at.
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Someone who gets it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bemM2HBGk88&feature=related
He says it himself in this video
On the Stewart/Reed thing...
While I agree that Stewart probably (rightly) believes that he will beat Reed most times, I think Reed has shown a special sort of mental strength over the years. It seems to me that he is one guy that truly believes he can always win, no matter who he is up against.
Sure he has ability, but many people also talk about the talent that the likes of Windham and Millsaps have as well. Yet their records of actual achievements have fallen far short of Reed's. You know with Reed that he is never, ever going to stop trying. A good example was his effort to ride the main event at Detroit in 2008 that basically saved his championship.
When you throw in the number of times he finished 2nd/3rd behind RC and/or JS, which had to be demoralising, he always comes back.
I think that is why the buildup this year is stronger than ever.
Very few if any riders will get labled a slacker unless they earn the title.
I have respect for the riders and think I understand the work it takes, I think it's absurd that people demand to hold them all up on a high pedastool if they are not clocking in for work.
I'm not saying anyone who isn't a top guy doesn't do the work, but saying they all do the necessary work is something else too.
How do you know who is, and who isn't doing the work?
By reading the bullshit on the internet?
Lot's of things going on behind the scenes that you or I don't have a clue about.
The bottom line is if you don't enjoy what you are doing, you'll never be successful no matter how talented you are.
Pit Row
Great point, Chad Reed is a warrior on two wheels, no doubt! Racing the guys he's had to in his career, I think would have broken many racers spirits, but he never breaks - just bends.
I kind of gave the edge to James based on post race interviews. I think the expression on their faces say so much more than words during the interviews. 2009 was great to watch, you could see the momentum flip flop around during the series. Now I realize people can twist this around, and call Reed a crybaby or whatever, but if he was the wuss those critics said he is, he would have submitted several years ago. One thing is for sure, Chad Reed never submits.
Great post...
Someone needs to put a "like" button on some of these replies. I remember reading Ricky Carmichael once said in an interview that any professional athlete is his hero, because he knows how hard they have to work.
I totally agree, Carmichael's determination is why he's one of my biggest hero's, and not his win record. Because without his determination, I doubt he would have racked up all those titles and wins.
I'm slightly confused if the statements of riding, racing, etc are directed at me? I'd be glad to answer that if they are.
How many of you know what it's like to go to mulptable races every year and line up next to the best in the world and be expected to win at the ripe old age of 10 or 12?
I don't think they are directed at you but there are a lot of moving pieces to the puzzle that some of the haters here don't understand. I personally had no problems with your post.
So many professional racers go their entire amateur career, and sometimes lites class career, completely dominating. This entire experience builds tons of confidence. They end up racing up front on 50cc's, winning up front on 65cc's, and expecting to be up front by the time they are on 80cc bikes. Of course mental attitude is not the sole reason these kids dominate; but when they are not winning, due to a bad start, or first turn wreck, they usually end up out front by the time the checkers are waved, because they already know based on past experience that they belong up front. The downside to all this - and this is just my opinion from following the sport for sixteen years - is that all this confidence gained throughout the amateur ranks, and lites class, usually ends up breaking down like a track during the 450 Canadian round main event once these guys reach the premier class (freaks not included).
I have tremendous respect for everyone out there doing SX and nationals, especially the privateers. It breaks my heart to hear people bagging on riders, especially people who have no idea what it really takes to get to where they are at.
You know with Reed that he is never, ever going to stop trying.
Lot's of things going on behind the scenes that you or I don't have a clue about.
How many of you know what it's like to go to mulptable races every year and line up next to the best in the world and be expected to win at the ripe old age of 10 or 12?
Sure some of them are going to have issues, but they are just a normal teenagers/ young adults underneath that jersey covered in sponsor logos. People have issues sometimes whether it be substance/ behavioral/ maturity/ motivation problems its going to happen
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