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7/19/2012
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Trussville, AL
US
So been contemplating hanging up the boots, been struggling with it for a few reasons. First and foremost I'm starting grad school for my doctorate in Physical Therapy which will consume most of my free time outside work (active duty Air Force). 2nd though I love this crazy addiction of mine called motocross and its created new friendships, life lessons, etc., the cost is starting to really wear on my wallet and anyone that tries to argue otherwise is in denial this sport/hobby is expensive. Trying to set myself up for life outside the Air Force in the next 2 years and it seems like motocross isn't helping the financial plan, and yes I do a lot of it myself from top-ends to tires and all on a 2 stroke. Finally the injuries, I know its part of the sport and I know its also helped me realize my calling in life spending so much time in a PT office, lol, but every year has been some time off the bike/gym/etc. from some injury which gets frustrating but also takes a toll on your body short and long term. So thinking about selling the bike and taking a breather from it our beloved sport to focus on life goals, maybe take up MTB riding or something a bit more wallet friendly. Just so hard as motocross has really become a part of me and my identity, hard to let go even if its for a short time, but life I guess is about making sacrifices and life goals/dreams come with sacrifices and some hardships. Any advice, besides the obvious just keep the bike and spend, ride, etc
Do you lift bro?
I'm 60 and more days than not have pain somewhere in my body every morning. Honestly though I wouldn't use a magic wand to take relieve all my pain if it erased my MX memories.
Maybe some of us are descendants of the Roman Gladiators and this is our fate in life. Could be worse. We could be like normal people who think we're crazy.
BTW if I had a nickel for every time I said I was done I'd have at least fifty cents. Most of us don't quit we just just take a break to freshen up.
Good luck with your decision.
The Shop
Standard quad diss aside man those guys spend $$$$ on their rides. Great group of racers too that don't expect everything for free either in my experience from 2008 to 2010 doing track support in SoCal.
On the BMX decision I think some guy that used to race SX and won a race to two used to race BMX.
20 years later i started riding it again.
Guess what i love it.
Dont need the crazy jumps anymore but other than that i have a blast everytime i am on a bike.
And look, you DO NOT have to just fucking rip the throttle open all the gawddamn time.
You CAN have a ton of fun just trail riding, ya know? The best thing about getting older is
getting a little more wise which means learning how to ride within your limits.
Throttle back, have fun, ride again tomorrow.
I personally don't think the sport is that expensive and injuries can happen anytime anywhere doing anything.....hell my buddy tore his ACL playing kickball (embarrassing)! Some of the hardest crashes I've had over the past few years were on my damn mountain bike!
I'd rather toss it down a track in front of 39 wild eyed riders and have a ambulance nearby than moto on a bicycle down some pointy limbed handlebar width trail 30 miles from civilian.
Pit Row
Try to get stationed at Vandenberg AFB (we had four different MX tracks on base) or Edwards AFB (another nice track on base) if you can! Ride after work every day for free!!!!!!!
"Your never too old to race Motocross, you only get old once you stop!"
Plenty of time and years left to get back into mx, I did Downhill MTB for many years winning Vet titles and even getting to manage National DH team to a clean sweep of 2000 European championships in Vars France with Steve Peat and Tracey Moseley.
And as some others have said, you don't have to try go faster every lap... just riding in the woods with your buds can bring a smile also.
Plus you think you have commitments now, wait till you have kids!
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