Hey boys,
Just going to take a minute to share where I'm at with adapting to today's riding techniques.
I'll be 52 next month, just so we're clear on my "era" of development.
Without turning this into too much information at once, I can't stress range of motion enough. Something I've really worked on is getting flexibility back in problem areas. This has taken a shit ton of hrs in the gym. However, the result has really allowed me to progress as a Vet guy.
We all see/ watch how proper technique looks on a weekly basis. Adding as much as you can into your own riding is what this is about. This outlook will bring a wave of awareness and excitement back into your laps.
Two positions I have really put a focus on. Rotate those hips! This really amounts to more bike control & traction. I grew up in the sand and we all leaned back for traction and to keep the front light. However, horrible habits were formed from it. Figuring out how to rotate my hips changed some serious fundamentals.
The other piece I have been working on is the scrub. Incorporating your version of a scrub is your only concern. The actual body movement to offset your legs on a jump face is the challenge. Again, the Vet muscle memory will fight you every step of the way on this and with more range of motion from your off bike work, these techniques can become worked into your style.
When I see a Vet guy with killer style, I'm like fuck yeah, that guy has done the work!
Ask me about specifics and I'll try to assist. Just trying to help us all not look as old on the track.
Had a fast kid come up to me and asked how long I've been riding. Then he complemented me on my technique. It was nice to hear that what I've been working on was visual and not just a feel.
I work on correcting my loose riding all the time, because like yourself I grew up in the sand on a 2 stroke. Those defaults don't work in the clay on a 450.
Currently working not braking so late. The rear brake gets me into trouble.
When you go ride, practice with purpose. No mater how old you are, there is something to get better at.
I grew up riding in sand also, good for conditioning but not great for proper technique…my last few crashes were due to improper technique on the bike, I”m trying to fix my form but old habits die hard….I know what I need to do but you really need someone to video/ watch yourself to see what you look like…whenever I see a photo of myself riding… I cringe…
What is your stretching routine like?
I agree, seeing your style in action can 100% confirm your thoughts, but we all have that inner voice that speaks to us when we ride. That guy is quick to point out our mistakes. Stay in tune with the moment that you're in, forget about speed, aim for perfection. If you're able to make any changes, you're winning the battle. This is a game of repetition.
Circle back to my opening point... Your body needs to allow new movements, stay after the off bike work.
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I am 69 and still riding 250 2 stk. I have good range of motion and usually pain free in most of my joints. My problem is I know what I want to do in my mind. But when on bike my right hand does not follow thru on the track. I do weight lifting and lots of stretching and cycling. I can't seem to unlock my brain and be a little more daring, usually on simple jumps that used to be nothing years ago. Anyone have any tips or ideas that could help?
First and foremost, it's consistent. I definitely have a routine that covers all body. I'd say there is a clear focus on my hips, because it's easy to overlook. Those foot dabs that have your legs extend back to the rear axel can really aggravate things and It's little moments like that, that cause us to ride tight, which becomes what causes us to go slower.
There are no quick fixes here. Focus on your body and what you would like to see become normal again. Map out a routine and stay committed. Our bodies have an amazing ability heal. There have been several time I thought an injury that just would not heal, would require surgery. Fortunately, through endless effort, my personal rehab has recovered those situations.
Wow, 69, outstanding. Here's a tip you might not want to hear... no more jumping! Just rip the corners and go home with a smile on your face.
You got that right! I love a good berm and a jump with a nice easy take off.
The start technique I've been reduced to is, I start my bike, put it in gear, ease the clutch out, take two or three steps beside the bike and step up on the left foot peg moving. I can then just barely swing my right leg over.
I'm only 35 years old, so no where near your age and can only imagine what it is like to ride at 69 years old. But one thing that helps me when I see a jump that I know I can do but I am afraid of is to cut the track, find the straightest and safest entrance to the jump and hit it from there. And then do that a few times in a row to make sure I have a good feeling for it before trying to link it into a full lap. I find that sometime if I try to hit something new while adoing a full lap, I might be a bit tired once I get to the obstacle, or mess up the corner before a little bit, or miss my shift, etc. And if you do a few run-in and still don't feel it, then just don't do it. Like others have said, you're 69 and still riding which is pretty damn cool in itself!
Just remove fear & don’t think about it. I didn’t ride for 13 yrs , fired up the bike & hit the track & jumped everything 1st lap. Without walking it. I was doing pt at the time for numerous injuries & it was flustrating. I,m at the track to ride & not think about more injuries. Stretching is difficult on the rd. When I get off the rd, I do a lot of stretching at the y. I need epadural injections in back, neck, back of shoulder, that messed up the arm. I do hv a style similar to Huffman, Pastrana. 8 in of lower back has arthritis, etc stuff , bulging disk. It’s a challenge to get my back loose the real muggy weather helps. Let the bike do the work , use perfect technique & let it flow. The only energy I use is for cornering. Get the body warmed up b4 you ride, a little at least.
Our theme song. "Old Folks Boogie" by Little Feat. Final verse says it all.....
So You Know, That You're Over the Hill
When Your Mind Makes a Promise That Your Body Can't Fill
Great song.! Great band!
I'm 65. I have a stretch routine, 4 or 5 days a week, incorporating some yoga moves, tai chi moves, and some from varies PT sessions. I do focus a lot on hip flex and lower back stretching / strengthening. My motivation is that if I'm not consistent I start to tighten up and hurt within just a few days. My goal is to ride a dirt bike on my 80th birthday!!!
I've slowed down my pace and focus on the challenge of perfect form (not that I've ever done it). I equate it to Kenpo Karate when I was younger to Tai Chi now.
You're dialed! Great to hear.
The Vet Technique I mastered and, can share with you, is to look around, see if anybody is nearby, in the pits, then carefully open truck door and pretend like you’re looking for something- then begin peeing.
Love this post- I'm turning 50 this year and amazed at how fast that class is here. I stepped away for a few years and it seems like a lot of the guys have just been building and getting better- Really like the mobility and hip flexor advice- Makes a lot of sense.
Thanks again
Cook
Know when to say when and pack it up for the day.
Hear it all the time from guys that got hurt and age is irrelevant. If only they had...
I'd like to know if the OP battles with this, being he was a pro.
I'm a no body construction guy who just had a kid. Im having this battle on the way to the track in the morning.
Pit Row
I’ll be 69 in march. I quit riding mid 80’s due to back issues/surgery. I started back riding about 6 years ago. When I started back, I knew what to do just couldn’t do it like I could when I raced lol. I’ve gotten a little better but still roll big jumps. I struggle with some right hand corners too. I’ve studied a few books and it’s like I know that just can’t make myself do it. I’m not very limber, I need to work on range of motion. Soon to be 69 or not, I’ve lost 40 pounds. Will continue to improve my physical condition and improve my ability to ride. I may be getting older but I ain’t dead yet.
I’ll be 40 in February so I’m not a super senior vet but I’m one of the older guys in A class when I line up.
I like to try and emulate McGraths style as much as possible. That dude set the standard for me coming up. Just poetry in motion.
Then Stewart came along and totally changed the game!
Dirtbikes are RAD!
With 68 coming up in February, I am able to to ride once a week pretty regurlarly.. Still doing construction keeeps me pretty strong but I need to focus more on flexibilty We have an old waterpolo ball that I roll out the back on. If I do it regularly, I can keep the back, shoiulders, hips. and neck feeling good. I know the old guy A class isn't anything to write home about but it still feels good to have a little speed and makes it worth the effort. With that said, working on technique is always fun.
Thanks, I think so. It can take a long trial and error period to figure out what works for you, but it's worth that time and effort so you can stay active.
Another piece of advice I'll add. If you're going to add more structure/ volume to your workouts, be sure to taper the high energy efforts before your next ride day.
I've put myself in a position of being sore/stiff going into my ride day (I ride 1 day a week) and the whole thing becomes counterproductive because you're not recovered.
Listen to your body, we're not 25 anymore. Recovery just takes a little longer.
At 57 this is the biggest change in my body. Recovery takes 2-3 times as long.
Probably the most useful thing I have to keep in mind is the importance of breaking riding down into fundamentals, and practicing basic bike handling drills. When I participated in a mtb skills camp a decade or so ago, I was a bit underwhelmed at the focus on basic body positioning, cornering, and vision. I just want to jump things! Over the winter, when the trails were too muddy to ride, I focused on parking lot drills, particularly cornering & body weight / placement. The following spring when I started riding again, I was astonished at how many more trail doubles and optional features I was clearing simply because of the additional corner exit speed I was carrying by having better form.
Since then, I've learned that when my riding gets sloppy, its better to back off and focus on fundamentals : Where am I looking? What is my body position like? Rather than convincing yourself to hold it wide open and hope for the best, it's far more productive to back off on your riding pace, focus on strengthening your fundamentals, then build the pace back up as you start to string things together. "It's more challenging to ride slowly and in control, than to ride fast & take chances" is one of the paradoxical mantras that has stuck in my head since that mtb camp.
I can attest. Flexibility and spine stability are big deals in our sport. I'm battling hip issues and it translates into a bad hip position on the bike. I've learned that hip flexor pain can cause low back pain as well. I've been going to PT for my hip and its definitely helped. I can always tell by my arm pump that I'm not riding with my legs like I need to. I'll be 59 in January. I cannot imagine not being surrounded by dirt bikes 😆
I have no doubt that you are one of the fastest 68 year old moto guys in the country/ world.
Keep on going Bob, you’re an inspiration to all of us.
Use 4-5 different kinds of epson salt save the water . Then ice bath the next morning, this helps. Local track is hard pack with square holes, a lot of bones hurt after. Only exercise I do 4 riding is get legs stronger stuff, speed sit-ups & stretching. Riding gets the rest in shape. Only do 4-5 lap sprints. Body position is always perfect then.
The chaotic stream of consciousness in pros responses is truly an art form that cannot be matched.
Hv you tried an injection in the hip joint ? I had aprox 300 injections the last 4 yrs . Mainly back, neck , rear shoulder . Some on the front shoulder, knees trying to figure out my knee pain . It’s from the it band more painful than a broken femur hip to knee. The whole knee all the bones in it hurt bad. At times I can’t put any weight on my leg. Epidural injections help . The work to get the body rt is alot. Riding the bike is the easy part.
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