Vital MX Forum QNA: David Bailey

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8/9/2016 11:43pm Edited Date/Time 8/20/2016 4:00pm
Tbteam wrote:
Four Stroke or Two Stroke?
Two! They sound better and are easier to throw around and I miss riders backing it into bowl turns and clutching it out. Go back and watch some 2005 SX races like Atlanta, Daytona, Orlando, Houston or Pontiac and look how much aggression they rode with. And there were lets ruts because they didn't lolligag into the turn and roll it on coming out relying on perfect laptop power. The riders were much more animated and exciting to watch than they are on 4 strokes imo

oldmxracer
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8/9/2016 11:50pm Edited Date/Time 8/9/2016 11:51pm
Cool to see you here David Bailey. Any comments to share from the late Bultaco days?
8/9/2016 11:54pm Edited Date/Time 8/20/2016 4:01pm
yak651 wrote:
Is you son still riding/racing? If so do you support his decision to do so or do you try to steer him towards other activities? Thanks...
Is you son still riding/racing? If so do you support his decision to do so or do you try to steer him towards other activities?

Thanks for your time - Always enjoyed your insight when commentating on the races.
NO! Last time he rode was the surfercross around 2012 and they got 3rd. I have the guitar right behind me.

He didn't like the 4-stroke transition either or the boring tracks and always wanted to shape surfboards like my dad Terry Martin. Now he is! He works at Hobie in Dana Point and Bing in Encinitas and surfs when he has time. I enjoy watching him surf much more than racing into the first turn with 39 other riders. He surfs like I rode imo and I could hang at the beach and watch him all day. And it's simple. Riding and racing was getting complicated and expensive and I think he thought of getting hurt too. I'm glad he did it a while and got a taste of it though.


mxtryon231
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8/10/2016 12:35am Edited Date/Time 8/10/2016 12:36am
DB,

I would imagine with Sean's surfing, you've been able to perfect your dolphin whispering skills.

Anyways, who do you think out of any of the riders out there today resemble your style? If any.

Hope to see you all soon.

JT
(Y'all might notice my profile pic is David's son and I trying to recreate the epic pic of DB posted above)

The Shop

a22
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8/10/2016 8:11am Edited Date/Time 8/10/2016 8:25am
Thanks for the really interesting thread and sharing the insight David on how it was/is to be a top rider/ Champion, for those of us who can only imagine.

Q : When you won the Des Nations... 1985/ 86 -

In 1985, although you seemed to ride well but David Thorpe took the overall....
Just wondering, do you know if you and Thorpe had the same spec Works Honda's as each other for the 1985 and 1986 races?
Also were the bikes you rode in the Des Nations the exact same bikes you raced in America those years?


P.S - You obviously returned the beating to Dave Thorpe in 1986 (with interest added) with an even more convincing win!
Was sort of odd how that year(1986) you were long gone, yet in 1985 they(Thorpe etc) were much more competitive.
8/10/2016 9:57am
RCB33 wrote:
Seeing that you are one of the best 500cc riders to walk the earth, do you believe they were too much power to handle and that...
Seeing that you are one of the best 500cc riders to walk the earth, do you believe they were too much power to handle and that lead to their downfall or do you disagree with that statement? If you agree with that statement,do you think 450's will suffer the same fate due to the abundance of power they have to offer? As always,thanks for taking the time to answer our questions,its much appreciated.
Thank you.

It's a shame the 500's went away. It was the premier class in Europe. That's what Lackey spent over a decade pursuing. What do DeCoster, Mikkola, Carlquist, Malherbe, Thorpe etc. have in common. They were 500cc world champs! In the 70's when there used to be a Trans-AMA series and DeCoster, Wolsink, Ake Johnson, Mikkola (I think) and some others came to join America's best they rode 500's! The ABC USGP at Carlsbad was on 500's. So other than SX taking the focus away and using 250's I can't think of why the great 500's went away. Something seems odd there. Especially when you consider how much more powerfull the 450F's are now. I suppose the new 450F's are easier to ride because the power is smooth, but should people even be going that fast? Doesn't make sense to me. Especially when the 500 was considered by many to be to much. I don't think they were too much to handle. I used to ride mine on my SX track, through the woods and tight stuff just to get better on in. People nowadays just want the latest greatest even if it doesn't make sense. Everybody is doing it so I don't see it going away.
sandman768
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8/10/2016 10:14am


got this poster from Unadilla around 83-84? Team Honda & it's riders were larger than life back then....
8/10/2016 10:22am Edited Date/Time 8/20/2016 4:03pm
DA498 wrote:
David, whats your take on todays training programs (trainers) vs how you train? Did you have access to trainers or use them? Thanks
I think there is way to much focus on training and not enough riders with desire to learn how to ride better and figure things out for themselves. In most cases when I hear riders thanking their trainers, I kind of chuckle because I think the trainers should be thanking the rider if anything. It's not that tough. I'm not knocking the idea of having some advice to train, but once you've had a bit of advice, why do you need somebody? Hannah didn't. DeCoster didn't. Marty Smith didn't. I didn't. You just have to want to be good on the bike and always improve your skill and then go run a couple motos, or go for a spin on a roadbike mainly for conditioning and to clear your head and think. I did the old Rolf Tiblin exercises and ran. I hated running though. HATED it, but I thought of it as homework. If you haven't done your homework you aren't going to ace the test. When I started running with O'Mara it was more fun. We had a total gym and I bought a Lifecycle and had a jet-ski and a trampoline for fun. I didn't need a program. I got the basics from Jeff spencer who was actually much more skilled at injuries and then I just did what I felt like I needed to do so I could line up expecting to lead races and contend for titles, not just hope. If a rider has to have his trainer there all the time it just advertises weakness in my eyes. It's a skill based sport and if you lack that you're not going to last at the front. Nowadays with tracks easier and faster I think it requires more strength than it used to so I would do more Rolf Tiblin with harder faster runs and less long bike rides. I used to run around the track. 2 laps of that and you're thrashed! The programs I see now look overthought. Tip toeing through ladder on the floor and hot yoga and all that nonsense is just goofy. Sit-ups, push-ups, squats, toe raises, running and riding MX, (especially riding) is still the method.
bbhMoto
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8/10/2016 10:59am
Hi David, just letting you know what a positive influence you have been for motocrossers over the years. Here are a few pics of you at Broome Tioga winning on the 500. I believe that's Wardy your beating.

I would agree that the production rule hasn't really changed things much, but I sure do miss the exotic bikes.





magoo1982
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8/10/2016 11:29am
Was always a Gary and David Bailey fan from your dads old Bultaco days . I also miss the trans ama days and really miss 500 days racing really lacking without it.. Everyone knows u are great rider and person, This blog brought to mind back in early 80s when you switched from Buls to Kaws , I saw u and Gary save a obnoxious drunk-High spectators life after he had been mouthing off about your switch from buls to kaws...The idiot had been runnin his mouth had some kind of seizure ,and u guys were first people to realize what was happening and provide 1st aid probably saving his life, always wondered if that idiot found out you saved him..Hope all is well..
machine
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8/10/2016 2:54pm
Hi David, do you think we have lost our edge to the GP riders because we aren't as tough anymore or have easier tracks or are they just better overall right now?., what's your take on it.

Thanks
slipdog
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8/10/2016 3:33pm
Big Lenny wanted to stop by and say "HEY"




j368
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8/10/2016 7:52pm Edited Date/Time 8/11/2016 5:55am
Thanks for coming on here David! You've had a great career racing, and broadcasting. You and Art were a great team. You 2 set the bar very high!

Anyway, your road to the Ironman, and competition with I believe he was a Seal was very inspirational. You had said he just wouldn't quit ever! Congratulations on eventually beating him after trying so hard for so long! I believe that was a great accomplishment for you. If you wouldn't mind, could you share a little about that experience for you? And what you felt when you crossed the finish line in Kona, and you heard the announcer say "You're an Ironman"? Thanks for all the great memories! Best to you and your family!
jnickell
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8/10/2016 9:20pm
Hi David. Huge fan since the early 80's. I have always looked up to you and I'm still disappointed that you didn't take home the 1985 500cc Championship. On another note, I loved watching your silky smoothness and always admired your professional demeanor. I'm a few years younger than you and thought of you as older and wiser but in hindsight, I recognize that you were a very young man when you were conducting yourself with such maturity. Who influenced your "on camera" persona or is that simply who you are. When I say "on camera", I am referring to your days as a rider, not a professional broadcaster.

Thanks for your time...

One more thing, your RacerX cover of you at the 1986 Des nations is the only poster I have on the wall in my home office. I was so happy when you got that cover. Not many "Pre-90's" riders have made the cover of RacerX, I'm sure you're proud of that one too. I know I am. Keep on keepin on.

Thanks again, Jim
smezmx
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8/11/2016 1:16am
80's was by far the best era in mx/sx for me.txs for the memory's sir.hope everybody enjoy's your pics i posted.




















































Bigfoot
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8/11/2016 6:13am
Here's a shot I took in 1983. What can you share about this moment and that day?


smezmx
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8/11/2016 7:17am
Bigfoot wrote:
Here's a shot I took in 1983. What can you share about this moment and that day? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146671/s1200_baileyjohnsonsback1983.jpg[/img]
Here's a shot I took in 1983. What can you share about this moment and that day?


Sorry,can i ask who the #8 rider is?
Crush
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8/11/2016 7:19am
Tbteam wrote:
Four Stroke or Two Stroke?
Two! They sound better and are easier to throw around and I miss riders backing it into bowl turns and clutching it out. Go back and...
Two! They sound better and are easier to throw around and I miss riders backing it into bowl turns and clutching it out. Go back and watch some 2005 SX races like Atlanta, Daytona, Orlando, Houston or Pontiac and look how much aggression they rode with. And there were lets ruts because they didn't lolligag into the turn and roll it on coming out relying on perfect laptop power. The riders were much more animated and exciting to watch than they are on 4 strokes imo

!!!

This is the most correct thing i've read today!
8/11/2016 7:38am Edited Date/Time 8/20/2016 4:05pm
a22 wrote:
Thanks for the really interesting thread and sharing the insight David on how it was/is to be a top rider/ Champion, for those of us who...
Thanks for the really interesting thread and sharing the insight David on how it was/is to be a top rider/ Champion, for those of us who can only imagine.

Q : When you won the Des Nations... 1985/ 86 -

In 1985, although you seemed to ride well but David Thorpe took the overall....
Just wondering, do you know if you and Thorpe had the same spec Works Honda's as each other for the 1985 and 1986 races?
Also were the bikes you rode in the Des Nations the exact same bikes you raced in America those years?


P.S - You obviously returned the beating to Dave Thorpe in 1986 (with interest added) with an even more convincing win!
Was sort of odd how that year(1986) you were long gone, yet in 1985 they(Thorpe etc) were much more competitive.
It's fun to share with you all. Sorry I hven't had more time the last couple days. I'll get to these tonight and tomorrow

In 1985, Broc was chosen to go and the way he was riding that year and the way the fast Gaildorf track was, I think he would've handled those guys, but his wrist wasn't right so he offered the spot to me. I was happy to go, but I was a little bit unprepared. Bottom line. That was the year the format changed and 63 riders were on the gate for 3 motos on all size bikes. I got the holeshot in the first moto (biggest one of my career I would say) and figured I could hang near the front, but two things happened and I let it bother me. First, Thorpe got me right away, I got him back briefly and he got me again and did in a way that I couldn't respond to. Second, while I was thinking I couldn't beat Thorpe, Ward reeled us in on his 250 and I immediately felt like I didn't have the speed. My confidence was rocked and I didn't recover. As I watched Thorpe slowly inch way in his GOLD pants, it started to drizzle making it a high speed sketchy deal, not one of my strengths and I was too careful. I think I finished 2nd in the that moto and knew Wardy won his class and I wasn't that bummed, but I could tell DeCoster wasn't amused with my careful ride and I sunk deeper into the idea I wasn't prepared and I wasn't comfortable in those conditions. I also never liked my '85 works 500 as much as my '84 bike and it seemed Thorpe was really fast on his.

In '86 we rode our exact same bikes we had in the US. Johnny rode Micky Dymond's 125 which was a really strong bike. I think Wardy turned down the spot and Micky had never been on a US team. Johnny was on the 1981 and '82 teams and agin in '84 and was the next best rider that year to me and Rick and as it turned out, the right choice. I had just won the 500 title so it made sense to keep me there and Rick dominated indoors and out on his 250 so we were all set. The Europeans were still on works bikes. It seemed like they might have a slight advantage, but our attitudes were good, we were riding great and we wanted to be there, espoecially once we saw the track! I didn't want to experience '85 again, RJ was strong and O'Mara was offered a pretty low salary to stay at Honda, but had already signed with Suzuki for a gozillion dollars and nobody knew! He didn't want to leave Honda and was there in Italy to show Honda they shouldn't have lowballed him. He told me the night before the race and he and I rode with a purpose! Everything went right that day and the track suited me and I had a much better attitude and higher expectations. It was a really easy race and a lot of fun. I had a total blast on that track.
Jimmy_Sloan
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8/11/2016 7:51am
Bigfoot wrote:
Here's a shot I took in 1983. What can you share about this moment and that day? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146671/s1200_baileyjohnsonsback1983.jpg[/img]
Here's a shot I took in 1983. What can you share about this moment and that day?


smezmx wrote:
Sorry,can i ask who the #8 rider is?
Rick Johnson.
8/11/2016 7:54am
smezmx wrote:
80's was by far the best era in mx/sx for me.txs for the memory's sir.hope everybody enjoy's your pics i posted. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146624/s1200_image.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146625/s1200_image.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146626/s1200_image.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146627/s1200_image.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146628/s1200_image.jpg[/img]...
80's was by far the best era in mx/sx for me.txs for the memory's sir.hope everybody enjoy's your pics i posted.




















































Love the pictures! Yes the 1980's were a pretty good time. I enjoyed the 70's as a kid looking up to the pros and it motivated me enough to drop everything and go for it. No plan B. Make it as a racer or... would you like frieds with that? I enjoyed the 90's as a fan and doing TV, but with McGrath's domination combined with all the comforts the riders were enjoying by then and bigger contracts, it seemed to usher in a time of racing lifestyle and partying and less training and racing hard. The days of Ward, Glover, Barnett, O'Mara, Johnson, Hannah and myself fighting it out and racing with injuries, bent handlebars etc seemed to fade away. The hunger seemed to be gone. However, I did enjoy some Bradshaw, Stanton, Bayle races and later on the emergence of Showtime and biggers crowds. Personally though, I am happy with the era I was in with works bikes and 7 or 8 other guys that could step up and win. It made me take it serious and work really hard.
8/11/2016 8:10am
jnickell wrote:
Hi David. Huge fan since the early 80's. I have always looked up to you and I'm still disappointed that you didn't take home the 1985...
Hi David. Huge fan since the early 80's. I have always looked up to you and I'm still disappointed that you didn't take home the 1985 500cc Championship. On another note, I loved watching your silky smoothness and always admired your professional demeanor. I'm a few years younger than you and thought of you as older and wiser but in hindsight, I recognize that you were a very young man when you were conducting yourself with such maturity. Who influenced your "on camera" persona or is that simply who you are. When I say "on camera", I am referring to your days as a rider, not a professional broadcaster.

Thanks for your time...

One more thing, your RacerX cover of you at the 1986 Des nations is the only poster I have on the wall in my home office. I was so happy when you got that cover. Not many "Pre-90's" riders have made the cover of RacerX, I'm sure you're proud of that one too. I know I am. Keep on keepin on.

Thanks again, Jim
Thanks. I'm actully still dissapointed I didn't win that 500 title also.. Broc was strong though and I was a fan of him and he flat out beat me. To bad we both messed up our wrists that year or we might have had some great races and taken that title down to the final race.

As far as my on camera persona, it started real early helping out with Gary's MX Schools. I couldn't clown around and sometimes he would have me talk in front of everyone. A few times we would do some local TV spot and I was in my early teens in a studio during the sports segment so I had to have it together. Plus I was such a fan of the pros in those days I payed attention to what qualities certain riders had and that impanct and had it in mind that when I had those opportunities I would be prepared and try to just be myself and sincere with people. That said, I still feel goofy on camera and am a bit self concious, but it could be worse

Yeah that was nice of the RacerX gang to do that. Such a colorful shot and a good time in my life. I'm excited to get to go back to that place with my wife and teammates and their families next month!
UpTiTe
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8/11/2016 8:27am
David, thanks for doing this and you're a great icon to the sport.

Now, have you or anyone you know been in an elevator taped to a chair in your undies?
8/11/2016 8:28am Edited Date/Time 8/20/2016 4:10pm
PTshox wrote:
Ahh... I was at that race where the picture was taken of you with RJ and the dogger. Hollister 1986. I believe someone got run over...
Ahh... I was at that race where the picture was taken of you with RJ and the dogger. Hollister 1986. I believe someone got run over in the fist turn.

Didn't you show up in Aptos, Ca from time to time to test pipe's with Paul Turner? I heard stories about you being out at a local riding spot above Sea Scape. It's not full of houses!

I enjoyed the battles you have with various people... Hope all is well with you.
Yep, Hollister. The track was nice that day. I hit a haybale off a jump at the end of practice and crashed, so before the first moto Cliff had to scarmble to get the bike straight, new bars etc. and when it was time to go to the line it wouldn't start. Kicked it and kicked it.. nuthin. So I went to the line without my bike. I remember Rick asking, where's your bike? Were were close in the title. I had 7 points and was stressing. Then (I think Roger) came riding my bike to the line. He started it with a boot on. I blew that start and you're right, I think it was Tom Carson who tangled in to the first corner and broke his leg. It took me a few laps to get going and I couldn't put a dent in Rick's lead. He cut it to 4 points. I was stressing more. I came back and won the second moto and felt great. That was a big win! Huge

Yes, I was up there with Paul Turner in '82 and he was building some really interesting stuff. Brilliant man and a good rider! I rode out there at Seascape with guy named Tim Tremane (sp?). He showed me which way the track went. I think I was up that way another time riding with Steve Martin. I had a good time riding with those guys and although it was shortlived, I had a good time with Paul. He raced Sears Point in '78 or '79 and Mike McAndrews was his mechanic I think. Those guys went on to do some great things including Rock Shox and suspension for MTB's and Mike still works for Specialized while Paul owns some land on Maui.

I'm doing good thanks and reminded in in here of how fortunate I was to work with great people at a great time in MX.
8/11/2016 8:34am
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/08/146357/s1200_1470704825486_593443144.jpg[/img] Hi David; kept this for damn near 40 years! You were still a privateer at Unadilla and gave this to my wife she was so...

Hi David; kept this for damn near 40 years! You were still a privateer at Unadilla and gave this to my wife she was so excited and after that day her favorite. I knew that one day you would smoke them all ; what style ; wishing you well kind regards C J
Ha! That's a good one. '81 Daytona and a Gatorade sponsorship. Cool you still have it. Hi Cathy.

Thanks C J
8/11/2016 9:24am
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/08/146357/s1200_1470704825486_593443144.jpg[/img] Hi David; kept this for damn near 40 years! You were still a privateer at Unadilla and gave this to my wife she was so...

Hi David; kept this for damn near 40 years! You were still a privateer at Unadilla and gave this to my wife she was so excited and after that day her favorite. I knew that one day you would smoke them all ; what style ; wishing you well kind regards C J
Ha! That's a good one. '81 Daytona and a Gatorade sponsorship. Cool you still have it. Hi Cathy.

Thanks C J
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DAVID.BAILEY/?fref=ts

David this is the link of the FB group dedicated to i hope you want sign up!
8/11/2016 11:00am
Hey David,
Thanks for doing this. I have to ask about Budds Creek 2003 when you saw James do his scrub for the first time. I remember in the broadcast you had said you completely lost your train of thought when you saw him do it. What went through your head when you saw that? Did you have a "why didn't I think of that?" moment or did it just seem too crazy when you saw it for the first time? I have loved watching the older coverage from when James was just starting out because your comments about him and his riding techniques were always priceless and you did an excellent job of explaining everything.

Thanks
FlaNard
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8/11/2016 3:15pm
No question. Just a thank you. Thank you for the amazing memories from racing, thank you for being a part of my favorite commentary crew, thank you for being an inspiring badass off the bike, and thank you for being such a classy guy the times I've ran into you at the races over the years. Thanks David.





8/11/2016 4:34pm
Bigfoot wrote:
Here's a shot I took in 1983. What can you share about this moment and that day? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/08/11/146671/s1200_baileyjohnsonsback1983.jpg[/img]
Here's a shot I took in 1983. What can you share about this moment and that day?


That was the '83 Saddleback national and in the left after the Magoo double. My right ankle was jacked and in one of the corners leading up to this collision Rick Johnson #8 was gaining and gunna get me, but I didn't want him to touch me in that right hander so I closed the door on him. I knew when I did it he wouldn't be happy and would get me back so there's what it looks like :-) I think I flipped him off, but I kind of knew I had it coming. Scott Burnworth is there ahead of us #16 and Hannah is already showered and headed home with the trophy and check! This was the last time Rick and I deliberately took each other out. He approached me behind the starting line at the next round and we agreed to race clean and try to close the gap on Hannah who was untouchable.

That's the same spot Hannah took Howerton out in '81 during their slugfest.

Great shot!

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