Question for the Brits

philG
Posts
11185
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
5/24/2024 1:18pm
philG wrote:
The problem is, of all those places to ride, only 1 of them actually holds races.  We need more racing and less pissing about for 'the...

The problem is, of all those places to ride, only 1 of them actually holds races. 

We need more racing and less pissing about for 'the gram' . 

I havent had any 'hook ups' like that in a long long time, and maybe the reason why there is less 'local' racing is the lack of decent tracks. 

What tracks we do have , are overused by lots of different organisations. 

I contemplated trying to get our local club back to running races, but honestly, my idea of what MX needs to be to survive, and what the modern riders 'demand' is a polar opposite. 

 

plowboy wrote:
Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.. Embrace the change.

Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.Silly. Embrace the change.Blink

The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world thinks ruts are 'lines'. 

Last week there was a rut so deep in turn 2 of the track, that it stopped me dead, and that was just down to ripping and watering. 

Great tracks are ruined because they want tracks that look good in pictures to get people through the gate, but you cant race on for half the day, because they are too wet in the morning, rut up to fuck, and only get good when the bits you couldnt use in the morning, have dried out.  

I dont get any enjoyment out of riding ruts all the way down straights , or picking one that will decide where i go for the next 3 corners. 

I am at the point where my spare bike has hard pack tyres on to save ruining the tyres you had to have on in the morning to even get round. 

Conversely, the twin shock/ oldtimer races that run on grass are full to bursting. 

'' points at clouds and shakes fist'' 

 

And dont start me on chipped bark. 

6
Twigster
Posts
478
Joined
8/29/2018
Location
GB
5/24/2024 2:31pm Edited Date/Time 5/24/2024 2:31pm
philG wrote:
The problem is, of all those places to ride, only 1 of them actually holds races.  We need more racing and less pissing about for 'the...

The problem is, of all those places to ride, only 1 of them actually holds races. 

We need more racing and less pissing about for 'the gram' . 

I havent had any 'hook ups' like that in a long long time, and maybe the reason why there is less 'local' racing is the lack of decent tracks. 

What tracks we do have , are overused by lots of different organisations. 

I contemplated trying to get our local club back to running races, but honestly, my idea of what MX needs to be to survive, and what the modern riders 'demand' is a polar opposite. 

 

plowboy wrote:
Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.. Embrace the change.

Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.Silly. Embrace the change.Blink

philG wrote:
The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world...

The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world thinks ruts are 'lines'. 

Last week there was a rut so deep in turn 2 of the track, that it stopped me dead, and that was just down to ripping and watering. 

Great tracks are ruined because they want tracks that look good in pictures to get people through the gate, but you cant race on for half the day, because they are too wet in the morning, rut up to fuck, and only get good when the bits you couldnt use in the morning, have dried out.  

I dont get any enjoyment out of riding ruts all the way down straights , or picking one that will decide where i go for the next 3 corners. 

I am at the point where my spare bike has hard pack tyres on to save ruining the tyres you had to have on in the morning to even get round. 

Conversely, the twin shock/ oldtimer races that run on grass are full to bursting. 

'' points at clouds and shakes fist'' 

 

And dont start me on chipped bark. 

We've disagreed on a few things, but you aren't wrong on that at all. Every fucking track is a rut-fest shit-show designed to tear your ACL into pieces where whoever is first out in practice may as well be riding in November. The thing is, they aren't even proper ruts, they're novice-level hexagonal things because there's no fast riders hitting them and more often than not you have four ft of track everyone rides on and 15ft that's still fresh ripped at the end of the day that everyone has avoided. 

It's not MX, it's not teaching kids to ride different surfaces, but it's all about FB or the gram. 

5/24/2024 2:54pm
Renner153 wrote:
With the Nora cup, I think the plan is to make a proper series, with proper tracks and eventually go to France and Belgium with it...

With the Nora cup, I think the plan is to make a proper series, with proper tracks and eventually go to France and Belgium with it. They are hoping to start producing good talent again. 

Not sure what they can do different to get a proper series up and running.Not sure what a proper track looks like but sure Scotland has got plenty of them. Mewse who has a 400 mile drive just to get to the Scottish Border has started to contest the Scottish Championships in the last year and loves them. He said after the last round that some of them are good enough to run a GP on  He.has still to race the best ones yet.He can not understand why there are not more British Championships run in Scotland so rather than run off to France and Belgium they might want to look nearer home.Still will not help the amount of top riders entering there are just to many championships on the go. 

Renner153
Posts
1663
Joined
12/10/2008
Location
Mulberry, FL, USA
5/24/2024 3:05pm
Renner153 wrote:
With the Nora cup, I think the plan is to make a proper series, with proper tracks and eventually go to France and Belgium with it...

With the Nora cup, I think the plan is to make a proper series, with proper tracks and eventually go to France and Belgium with it. They are hoping to start producing good talent again. 

Maicoman07 wrote:
Not sure what they can do different to get a proper series up and running.Not sure what a proper track looks like but sure Scotland has...

Not sure what they can do different to get a proper series up and running.Not sure what a proper track looks like but sure Scotland has got plenty of them. Mewse who has a 400 mile drive just to get to the Scottish Border has started to contest the Scottish Championships in the last year and loves them. He said after the last round that some of them are good enough to run a GP on  He.has still to race the best ones yet.He can not understand why there are not more British Championships run in Scotland so rather than run off to France and Belgium they might want to look nearer home.Still will not help the amount of top riders entering there are just to many championships on the go. 

Well I think the idea behind it was to have a proper purse for the racers. And to draw more talent than just the British riders. Going to France and Belgium hopefully would attract riders from there and have the top talents from their race against the top British talent. If it worked like that, I don’t see it being a bad thing. The problem just seems to be mostly young British riders are too comfortable racing in the Uk and not trying to make it in the world championships

1

The Shop

plowboy
Posts
14713
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS, USA
5/24/2024 3:33pm
philG wrote:
The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world...

The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world thinks ruts are 'lines'. 

Last week there was a rut so deep in turn 2 of the track, that it stopped me dead, and that was just down to ripping and watering. 

Great tracks are ruined because they want tracks that look good in pictures to get people through the gate, but you cant race on for half the day, because they are too wet in the morning, rut up to fuck, and only get good when the bits you couldnt use in the morning, have dried out.  

I dont get any enjoyment out of riding ruts all the way down straights , or picking one that will decide where i go for the next 3 corners. 

I am at the point where my spare bike has hard pack tyres on to save ruining the tyres you had to have on in the morning to even get round. 

Conversely, the twin shock/ oldtimer races that run on grass are full to bursting. 

'' points at clouds and shakes fist'' 

 

And dont start me on chipped bark. 

Back...way back....I mean when the light from the sun first reached earth...a lot of the British tracks I raced...only held 1 or 2 races a year.  They were sheep or cattle "commons".  There was zero track prep unless you count driving in some stakes and ribbon.  It started as grass and by the end of the meet...it was the most glorious thing you've ever seen (except for all the flint rocks/stones).  My point is...the soil wasn't over worked.... rarely exposed....except for race days.  

If I tell you I was racing a '75 MX400...the White Shark...you better not laugh.Angry

2
1
joelsmx
Posts
134
Joined
10/9/2023
Location
Castleford, GB
Fantasy
5/24/2024 4:58pm
philG wrote:
I can ride 7 tracks within an hour of home, probably, a few more than that , but have 3 within 20 mins that open often...

I can ride 7 tracks within an hour of home, probably, a few more than that , but have 3 within 20 mins that open often enough for me to ride 5 days a week if i  want to . 

The Pro's have access to private tracks, i used to have access to one that most of the top guys used in the week, Tommy Searle's place is just up the road about 40 mins, but you have to be in the clique to get on there. 

Like the US, guys share tracks, but the 'bustin out laps at the compound' thing isnt how it works here. 

We have 2 guys now who are prospects, Bobby Bruce , and Billy Askew. 

Back in the day , i have raced against Factory guys on a monday, who rode a GP the day before.   Full grid of 40, 15 GP regulars, loads of good Pro's and the likes of me who were 'fast (ish) ' locals with an Expert license.  I went faster than i ever have for 34-32 or summat. 

Now there is a 40 rider gate at Canada Heights. with 15 spaces on it, with Jeffrey Herlings on it, this weekend, and the slowest guy there might bag points with enough DNF's.  That we cant put a full gate out when the best rider of this generation shows up is fucking shameful. 

If i was 28 and not 58, i would be wanting to be on it, back then i wouldnt have ever got the chance. 

I watched ( and commentated on) our current crop of GP riders coming through from 85's, and its sad that we dont have that level any more. 

 

I agree with you on this, but to only say Askew and Bruce are prospects is very harsh on riders like Vail, Brookes, Heyman and even to some extent Rizzi. Sure, British motocross may not be at its peak right now but all of the above riders are very capable and have very high ceilings, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Heyman does at Canada Heights on Sunday

Renner153
Posts
1663
Joined
12/10/2008
Location
Mulberry, FL, USA
5/24/2024 7:20pm
philG wrote:
I can ride 7 tracks within an hour of home, probably, a few more than that , but have 3 within 20 mins that open often...

I can ride 7 tracks within an hour of home, probably, a few more than that , but have 3 within 20 mins that open often enough for me to ride 5 days a week if i  want to . 

The Pro's have access to private tracks, i used to have access to one that most of the top guys used in the week, Tommy Searle's place is just up the road about 40 mins, but you have to be in the clique to get on there. 

Like the US, guys share tracks, but the 'bustin out laps at the compound' thing isnt how it works here. 

We have 2 guys now who are prospects, Bobby Bruce , and Billy Askew. 

Back in the day , i have raced against Factory guys on a monday, who rode a GP the day before.   Full grid of 40, 15 GP regulars, loads of good Pro's and the likes of me who were 'fast (ish) ' locals with an Expert license.  I went faster than i ever have for 34-32 or summat. 

Now there is a 40 rider gate at Canada Heights. with 15 spaces on it, with Jeffrey Herlings on it, this weekend, and the slowest guy there might bag points with enough DNF's.  That we cant put a full gate out when the best rider of this generation shows up is fucking shameful. 

If i was 28 and not 58, i would be wanting to be on it, back then i wouldnt have ever got the chance. 

I watched ( and commentated on) our current crop of GP riders coming through from 85's, and its sad that we dont have that level any more. 

 

joelsmx wrote:
I agree with you on this, but to only say Askew and Bruce are prospects is very harsh on riders like Vail, Brookes, Heyman and even...

I agree with you on this, but to only say Askew and Bruce are prospects is very harsh on riders like Vail, Brookes, Heyman and even to some extent Rizzi. Sure, British motocross may not be at its peak right now but all of the above riders are very capable and have very high ceilings, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Heyman does at Canada Heights on Sunday

Don’t think you’ll see Heyman this weekend. Should see him at hangtown national next weekend though!

Richy
Posts
3093
Joined
7/18/2020
Location
UK, GB
5/24/2024 11:27pm Edited Date/Time 5/24/2024 11:27pm
philG wrote:
The problem is, of all those places to ride, only 1 of them actually holds races.  We need more racing and less pissing about for 'the...

The problem is, of all those places to ride, only 1 of them actually holds races. 

We need more racing and less pissing about for 'the gram' . 

I havent had any 'hook ups' like that in a long long time, and maybe the reason why there is less 'local' racing is the lack of decent tracks. 

What tracks we do have , are overused by lots of different organisations. 

I contemplated trying to get our local club back to running races, but honestly, my idea of what MX needs to be to survive, and what the modern riders 'demand' is a polar opposite. 

 

plowboy wrote:
Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.. Embrace the change.

Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.Silly. Embrace the change.Blink

philG wrote:
The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world...

The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world thinks ruts are 'lines'. 

Last week there was a rut so deep in turn 2 of the track, that it stopped me dead, and that was just down to ripping and watering. 

Great tracks are ruined because they want tracks that look good in pictures to get people through the gate, but you cant race on for half the day, because they are too wet in the morning, rut up to fuck, and only get good when the bits you couldnt use in the morning, have dried out.  

I dont get any enjoyment out of riding ruts all the way down straights , or picking one that will decide where i go for the next 3 corners. 

I am at the point where my spare bike has hard pack tyres on to save ruining the tyres you had to have on in the morning to even get round. 

Conversely, the twin shock/ oldtimer races that run on grass are full to bursting. 

'' points at clouds and shakes fist'' 

 

And dont start me on chipped bark. 

That is the most accurate assessment I've seen to be honest 👍

I feel like I've lost my mind because the norm is a track which is slop first thing in the morning and then a peg deep slot car track by the end of the second session of bikes seeing the track, and I'm just not into that.

People think some absolute state of ruts and holes makes a track good. There's a reason most of us don't sign up for MXGP meetings... Thornbury MX still seems to have their shit together fortunately, but even that is borderline sometimes due to this current trend.

2
5/24/2024 11:42pm

The best track I rode last year was with uk evo mx. When we got there on Friday night most of it was still covered in grass, if I was going to do a full season that's the one id do. Although I've moved to tarmac now because I want something new after nearly 20 years of motocross. 

3
Richy
Posts
3093
Joined
7/18/2020
Location
UK, GB
5/24/2024 11:47pm

Good call mate, the UK Evo lot seem to have it together.

Went to Marshfield, North Nibley and Ford last year, all great tracks (always have been) and prepped brilliantly.

Enjoy the tarmac, looks like a good scene over here. Couple of people I do work for moved on to superbikes/supersport and reckon it's mint.

5/25/2024 12:34am
Richy wrote:
Good call mate, the UK Evo lot seem to have it together. Went to Marshfield, North Nibley and Ford last year, all great tracks (always have...

Good call mate, the UK Evo lot seem to have it together.

Went to Marshfield, North Nibley and Ford last year, all great tracks (always have been) and prepped brilliantly.

Enjoy the tarmac, looks like a good scene over here. Couple of people I do work for moved on to superbikes/supersport and reckon it's mint.

Yeah I think it was ford, really enjoyable. Im debating getting an evo and doing the odd round. 

I was surprised at how healthy the club scene is in road racing considering how much it costs. It's the 4th round next weekend at Donnington and all classes are full. 

1
Teejay
Posts
644
Joined
7/3/2018
Location
Midlands, GB
5/25/2024 12:35am
philG wrote:
I can ride 7 tracks within an hour of home, probably, a few more than that , but have 3 within 20 mins that open often...

I can ride 7 tracks within an hour of home, probably, a few more than that , but have 3 within 20 mins that open often enough for me to ride 5 days a week if i  want to . 

The Pro's have access to private tracks, i used to have access to one that most of the top guys used in the week, Tommy Searle's place is just up the road about 40 mins, but you have to be in the clique to get on there. 

Like the US, guys share tracks, but the 'bustin out laps at the compound' thing isnt how it works here. 

We have 2 guys now who are prospects, Bobby Bruce , and Billy Askew. 

Back in the day , i have raced against Factory guys on a monday, who rode a GP the day before.   Full grid of 40, 15 GP regulars, loads of good Pro's and the likes of me who were 'fast (ish) ' locals with an Expert license.  I went faster than i ever have for 34-32 or summat. 

Now there is a 40 rider gate at Canada Heights. with 15 spaces on it, with Jeffrey Herlings on it, this weekend, and the slowest guy there might bag points with enough DNF's.  That we cant put a full gate out when the best rider of this generation shows up is fucking shameful. 

If i was 28 and not 58, i would be wanting to be on it, back then i wouldnt have ever got the chance. 

I watched ( and commentated on) our current crop of GP riders coming through from 85's, and its sad that we dont have that level any more. 

 

joelsmx wrote:
I agree with you on this, but to only say Askew and Bruce are prospects is very harsh on riders like Vail, Brookes, Heyman and even...

I agree with you on this, but to only say Askew and Bruce are prospects is very harsh on riders like Vail, Brookes, Heyman and even to some extent Rizzi. Sure, British motocross may not be at its peak right now but all of the above riders are very capable and have very high ceilings, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Heyman does at Canada Heights on Sunday

Renner153 wrote:

Don’t think you’ll see Heyman this weekend. Should see him at hangtown national next weekend though!

Is this real? 

Renner153
Posts
1663
Joined
12/10/2008
Location
Mulberry, FL, USA
5/25/2024 4:37am Edited Date/Time 5/25/2024 4:38am
joelsmx wrote:
I agree with you on this, but to only say Askew and Bruce are prospects is very harsh on riders like Vail, Brookes, Heyman and even...

I agree with you on this, but to only say Askew and Bruce are prospects is very harsh on riders like Vail, Brookes, Heyman and even to some extent Rizzi. Sure, British motocross may not be at its peak right now but all of the above riders are very capable and have very high ceilings, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Heyman does at Canada Heights on Sunday

Renner153 wrote:

Don’t think you’ll see Heyman this weekend. Should see him at hangtown national next weekend though!

Teejay wrote:

Is this real? 

Yes. He had a big crash last week and won’t line up this weekend. Him, Tristan Purdon and Charlie Putnam are set to leave out for hangtown and thunder valley on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

Teejay
Posts
644
Joined
7/3/2018
Location
Midlands, GB
5/25/2024 4:45am
Renner153 wrote:

Don’t think you’ll see Heyman this weekend. Should see him at hangtown national next weekend though!

Teejay wrote:

Is this real? 

Renner153 wrote:
Yes. He had a big crash last week and won’t line up this weekend. Him, Tristan Purdon and Charlie Putnam are set to leave out for...

Yes. He had a big crash last week and won’t line up this weekend. Him, Tristan Purdon and Charlie Putnam are set to leave out for hangtown and thunder valley on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

Bummer about the crash but cool to see them going over to hangtown, I’m from the same area as Charlie and regularly get blown past by him on a practice day like I’m stood still 😄

1
Renner153
Posts
1663
Joined
12/10/2008
Location
Mulberry, FL, USA
5/25/2024 5:07am
Teejay wrote:
Bummer about the crash but cool to see them going over to hangtown, I’m from the same area as Charlie and regularly get blown past by...

Bummer about the crash but cool to see them going over to hangtown, I’m from the same area as Charlie and regularly get blown past by him on a practice day like I’m stood still 😄

Charlie was here in Florida with me over winter time training. He’s a very good and technical rider. I wish he would focus more on riding and being faster on the bike to see where it would take him. Hopefully this year he can find his potential. 

2
Teejay
Posts
644
Joined
7/3/2018
Location
Midlands, GB
5/25/2024 6:23am
Teejay wrote:
Bummer about the crash but cool to see them going over to hangtown, I’m from the same area as Charlie and regularly get blown past by...

Bummer about the crash but cool to see them going over to hangtown, I’m from the same area as Charlie and regularly get blown past by him on a practice day like I’m stood still 😄

Renner153 wrote:
Charlie was here in Florida with me over winter time training. He’s a very good and technical rider. I wish he would focus more on riding...

Charlie was here in Florida with me over winter time training. He’s a very good and technical rider. I wish he would focus more on riding and being faster on the bike to see where it would take him. Hopefully this year he can find his potential. 

Sounds good, who will he be riding for over there? 

Twigster
Posts
478
Joined
8/29/2018
Location
GB
5/25/2024 1:59pm
plowboy wrote:
Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.. Embrace the change.

Lol...the problem is YOU, ya cantankerous bastard.Silly. Embrace the change.Blink

philG wrote:
The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world...

The problem lies in track prep, i want to ride on a track where i can go where i want, and the rest of the world thinks ruts are 'lines'. 

Last week there was a rut so deep in turn 2 of the track, that it stopped me dead, and that was just down to ripping and watering. 

Great tracks are ruined because they want tracks that look good in pictures to get people through the gate, but you cant race on for half the day, because they are too wet in the morning, rut up to fuck, and only get good when the bits you couldnt use in the morning, have dried out.  

I dont get any enjoyment out of riding ruts all the way down straights , or picking one that will decide where i go for the next 3 corners. 

I am at the point where my spare bike has hard pack tyres on to save ruining the tyres you had to have on in the morning to even get round. 

Conversely, the twin shock/ oldtimer races that run on grass are full to bursting. 

'' points at clouds and shakes fist'' 

 

And dont start me on chipped bark. 

Richy wrote:
That is the most accurate assessment I've seen to be honest 👍 I feel like I've lost my mind because the norm is a track which...

That is the most accurate assessment I've seen to be honest 👍

I feel like I've lost my mind because the norm is a track which is slop first thing in the morning and then a peg deep slot car track by the end of the second session of bikes seeing the track, and I'm just not into that.

People think some absolute state of ruts and holes makes a track good. There's a reason most of us don't sign up for MXGP meetings... Thornbury MX still seems to have their shit together fortunately, but even that is borderline sometimes due to this current trend.

You're running same stuff as me. I normally run Severn Valley but it's been endlessly prepped like that for so long I'm looking elsewhere this year now my ACL rehab is nearly finished. Rode a meeting at Cleeton last year, it was just one endless long rut...

Renner153
Posts
1663
Joined
12/10/2008
Location
Mulberry, FL, USA
5/25/2024 3:08pm
Teejay wrote:
Bummer about the crash but cool to see them going over to hangtown, I’m from the same area as Charlie and regularly get blown past by...

Bummer about the crash but cool to see them going over to hangtown, I’m from the same area as Charlie and regularly get blown past by him on a practice day like I’m stood still 😄

Renner153 wrote:
Charlie was here in Florida with me over winter time training. He’s a very good and technical rider. I wish he would focus more on riding...

Charlie was here in Florida with me over winter time training. He’s a very good and technical rider. I wish he would focus more on riding and being faster on the bike to see where it would take him. Hopefully this year he can find his potential. 

Teejay wrote:

Sounds good, who will he be riding for over there? 

It’s his British team. Sc sporthomes husky. 

1
7/6/2024 4:23pm

Be good to see Herlings at my local track. 

He was heading to Scotland next month for the 5th round of the British until we found out during the week that it was now heading to Hawkstone instead.If the story i heard today is true there is more to come out about this very soon.

7/11/2024 12:13pm

Thats this weekends British Championship at Foxhills now cancelled due to lack of entries

7/12/2024 12:07am

I've been a huge motocross fan for as long as I can remember, and I raced for around 15 years in the UK. I still watch all the AMA and FIM races. I quit riding because:

 

1. COST. A new bike is just unaffordable. A second hand four stroke is still very expensive, and you have no idea how hard it's been ridden or how well it's been maintained. Petrol costs a bomb. Spare parts cost a bomb. Running a van costs a bomb. Owning a house where you can SECURELY store your bike costs a bomb. Entry fees are going up as well.

 

2. You get fuck all for your money. After forking out all that cash for your hobby, what do you get? Loads of tracks are closing down, track prep is shite, there are a lot more dick heads at the races now, etc. And after spending all that money and travelling all that way you end up riding for.... what? And hour?

 

3. COST. Seriously though, motocross is just too expensive now.

 

4. Injuries. I have a job and a life that would be seriously impacted if I got injured. I could ride around at 80%, but again, that's a lot of money to spend on rolling around a track for an hour.

 

5. Time. Bike maintenance, cleaning, travel, etc... it's a lot of time to devote to one hobby. If the crowd at the races were still cool, if the tracks weren't few and far between, if the track prep wasn't abysmal,  etc, maybe I could devote more time to just one hobby. But motocross was always more than just riding the bike, and without the other stuff I can't justify spending so much time on it.

 

6. Other hobbies. It's not the same, but mountain biking is pretty great! I get a kick out of going fast and hitting jumps, but if I fall, it's low speed compared to motocross. Of course there's still risk, but way less than motocross. Speaking of which, watchout for Jeremy Martin at Leadville this year.

 

7. Cost.

1
7/12/2024 1:22am
I've been a huge motocross fan for as long as I can remember, and I raced for around 15 years in the UK. I still watch...

I've been a huge motocross fan for as long as I can remember, and I raced for around 15 years in the UK. I still watch all the AMA and FIM races. I quit riding because:

 

1. COST. A new bike is just unaffordable. A second hand four stroke is still very expensive, and you have no idea how hard it's been ridden or how well it's been maintained. Petrol costs a bomb. Spare parts cost a bomb. Running a van costs a bomb. Owning a house where you can SECURELY store your bike costs a bomb. Entry fees are going up as well.

 

2. You get fuck all for your money. After forking out all that cash for your hobby, what do you get? Loads of tracks are closing down, track prep is shite, there are a lot more dick heads at the races now, etc. And after spending all that money and travelling all that way you end up riding for.... what? And hour?

 

3. COST. Seriously though, motocross is just too expensive now.

 

4. Injuries. I have a job and a life that would be seriously impacted if I got injured. I could ride around at 80%, but again, that's a lot of money to spend on rolling around a track for an hour.

 

5. Time. Bike maintenance, cleaning, travel, etc... it's a lot of time to devote to one hobby. If the crowd at the races were still cool, if the tracks weren't few and far between, if the track prep wasn't abysmal,  etc, maybe I could devote more time to just one hobby. But motocross was always more than just riding the bike, and without the other stuff I can't justify spending so much time on it.

 

6. Other hobbies. It's not the same, but mountain biking is pretty great! I get a kick out of going fast and hitting jumps, but if I fall, it's low speed compared to motocross. Of course there's still risk, but way less than motocross. Speaking of which, watchout for Jeremy Martin at Leadville this year.

 

7. Cost.

Jeremy Martin is at Leadville? Think I saw a video on him racing an XC somewhere; it might have been Iceman. Very cool.

Both races are on my wish-list but coming from sea-level Suffolk would make Leadville a tough ask :-)

Elliot
Posts
2486
Joined
5/8/2021
Location
GB
7/12/2024 5:53am
I've been a huge motocross fan for as long as I can remember, and I raced for around 15 years in the UK. I still watch...

I've been a huge motocross fan for as long as I can remember, and I raced for around 15 years in the UK. I still watch all the AMA and FIM races. I quit riding because:

 

1. COST. A new bike is just unaffordable. A second hand four stroke is still very expensive, and you have no idea how hard it's been ridden or how well it's been maintained. Petrol costs a bomb. Spare parts cost a bomb. Running a van costs a bomb. Owning a house where you can SECURELY store your bike costs a bomb. Entry fees are going up as well.

 

2. You get fuck all for your money. After forking out all that cash for your hobby, what do you get? Loads of tracks are closing down, track prep is shite, there are a lot more dick heads at the races now, etc. And after spending all that money and travelling all that way you end up riding for.... what? And hour?

 

3. COST. Seriously though, motocross is just too expensive now.

 

4. Injuries. I have a job and a life that would be seriously impacted if I got injured. I could ride around at 80%, but again, that's a lot of money to spend on rolling around a track for an hour.

 

5. Time. Bike maintenance, cleaning, travel, etc... it's a lot of time to devote to one hobby. If the crowd at the races were still cool, if the tracks weren't few and far between, if the track prep wasn't abysmal,  etc, maybe I could devote more time to just one hobby. But motocross was always more than just riding the bike, and without the other stuff I can't justify spending so much time on it.

 

6. Other hobbies. It's not the same, but mountain biking is pretty great! I get a kick out of going fast and hitting jumps, but if I fall, it's low speed compared to motocross. Of course there's still risk, but way less than motocross. Speaking of which, watchout for Jeremy Martin at Leadville this year.

 

7. Cost.

I quit MX years ago and went to enduro/hare & hounds. Less bullshit and more bang for your buck and much nicer people. Plus you can ride a 2 stroke which is much easier & cheaper to maintain.

5
7/12/2024 10:00am
I've been a huge motocross fan for as long as I can remember, and I raced for around 15 years in the UK. I still watch...

I've been a huge motocross fan for as long as I can remember, and I raced for around 15 years in the UK. I still watch all the AMA and FIM races. I quit riding because:

 

1. COST. A new bike is just unaffordable. A second hand four stroke is still very expensive, and you have no idea how hard it's been ridden or how well it's been maintained. Petrol costs a bomb. Spare parts cost a bomb. Running a van costs a bomb. Owning a house where you can SECURELY store your bike costs a bomb. Entry fees are going up as well.

 

2. You get fuck all for your money. After forking out all that cash for your hobby, what do you get? Loads of tracks are closing down, track prep is shite, there are a lot more dick heads at the races now, etc. And after spending all that money and travelling all that way you end up riding for.... what? And hour?

 

3. COST. Seriously though, motocross is just too expensive now.

 

4. Injuries. I have a job and a life that would be seriously impacted if I got injured. I could ride around at 80%, but again, that's a lot of money to spend on rolling around a track for an hour.

 

5. Time. Bike maintenance, cleaning, travel, etc... it's a lot of time to devote to one hobby. If the crowd at the races were still cool, if the tracks weren't few and far between, if the track prep wasn't abysmal,  etc, maybe I could devote more time to just one hobby. But motocross was always more than just riding the bike, and without the other stuff I can't justify spending so much time on it.

 

6. Other hobbies. It's not the same, but mountain biking is pretty great! I get a kick out of going fast and hitting jumps, but if I fall, it's low speed compared to motocross. Of course there's still risk, but way less than motocross. Speaking of which, watchout for Jeremy Martin at Leadville this year.

 

7. Cost.

Jeremy Martin is at Leadville? Think I saw a video on him racing an XC somewhere; it might have been Iceman. Very cool. Both races are...

Jeremy Martin is at Leadville? Think I saw a video on him racing an XC somewhere; it might have been Iceman. Very cool.

Both races are on my wish-list but coming from sea-level Suffolk would make Leadville a tough ask :-)

Leadville, CO? Do you know if Martin will be doing the 100 mile trail running race or the MTB one? Both brutal.

Cheers,

Simon 

7/18/2024 3:16pm

Be good to see Herlings at my local track. 

Maicoman07 wrote:
He was heading to Scotland next month for the 5th round of the British until we found out during the week that it was now heading...

He was heading to Scotland next month for the 5th round of the British until we found out during the week that it was now heading to Hawkstone instead.If the story i heard today is true there is more to come out about this very soon.

The story was true.The ACU have had a massive fallout with RHL Activities. The ACU will be running the British Championships in 2025

Twigster
Posts
478
Joined
8/29/2018
Location
GB
7/19/2024 2:55am

Be good to see Herlings at my local track. 

Maicoman07 wrote:
He was heading to Scotland next month for the 5th round of the British until we found out during the week that it was now heading...

He was heading to Scotland next month for the 5th round of the British until we found out during the week that it was now heading to Hawkstone instead.If the story i heard today is true there is more to come out about this very soon.

Maicoman07 wrote:

The story was true.The ACU have had a massive fallout with RHL Activities. The ACU will be running the British Championships in 2025

Which probably means RHL will run their own thing, which will split the talent pool even further...

Snapper
Posts
1117
Joined
8/28/2009
Location
GB
7/19/2024 6:19am
Maicoman07 wrote:
He was heading to Scotland next month for the 5th round of the British until we found out during the week that it was now heading...

He was heading to Scotland next month for the 5th round of the British until we found out during the week that it was now heading to Hawkstone instead.If the story i heard today is true there is more to come out about this very soon.

Maicoman07 wrote:

The story was true.The ACU have had a massive fallout with RHL Activities. The ACU will be running the British Championships in 2025

Twigster wrote:

Which probably means RHL will run their own thing, which will split the talent pool even further...

I can't see that happening...

1
7/19/2024 7:29am
Snapper wrote:

I can't see that happening...

Hopefully you are right about that.When he came out with the statement that the last round was cancelled due to a lack of entries i knew that it was not the real reason as i believed every word that the rider that told me was saying . Was not wanting to put it out on here just in case the ACU backtracked and gave him his job back making me look silly.

Snapper
Posts
1117
Joined
8/28/2009
Location
GB
7/19/2024 7:34am
Snapper wrote:

I can't see that happening...

Maicoman07 wrote:
Hopefully you are right about that.When he came out with the statement that the last round was cancelled due to a lack of entries i knew...

Hopefully you are right about that.When he came out with the statement that the last round was cancelled due to a lack of entries i knew that it was not the real reason as i believed every word that the rider that told me was saying . Was not wanting to put it out on here just in case the ACU backtracked and gave him his job back making me look silly.

It wouldn't surprise me if it was down to lack of entries. Foxhill is a brutal race track.

However one thing that i've been wondering is, why don't they use Herlings' start money to pay prize money down to 30th or something to boost rider numbers? But then I guess they wouldn't make the money back from spectators if Jeff isn't there. Tricky one.

englishman
Posts
2823
Joined
3/7/2008
Location
England, GB
7/19/2024 7:51am Edited Date/Time 7/19/2024 7:52am

It’s ridiculous. The UK is less than half the size of California and they have about 4 or 5 different “national series” . I constantly hear the guys over there at the upper organizational level trying to figure out how to fix the sport. 
Doesn’t make a great deal of sense because all those guys are guys I raced with back in the day when it was booming so they know exactly how to fix it.

Yes it’s a different era etc but if they just went back to ONE national championship, just ACU & AMCA as governing bodies and keep schoolboys separated from adults with the big schoolboy meetings at years end - ACU finals, All British, Champion of champions etc it would be 10,000.00 times better than the huge clusterfuck it is now.  

5

Post a reply to: Question for the Brits

The Latest