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Post by beaupre716 on Jul 16, 2009 0:59:30 GMT -5
Remember when I lowered my expectations the first time? Probably not. But it doesn't matter because now they're even lower: mx775.com/blog/(Feel free to throw out any of your "adjusted" goals too.)
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Post by photoman4 on Jul 16, 2009 1:32:58 GMT -5
Robert, it's just that you're getting more mature. With a family these things happen but you still have the passion. Now you're going to learn that old saw about treachery and old age when going against youth. But if you want a challenge, well I have one for you. Go to NorthNevadaRally.com and sign up. Last year they ran both cars and bikes, and boy those two-wheeled guys looked slow to me. I think some of our MX and MRANN guys and gals could dust them. Four stages, racing against the clock on dirt roads - watch out for the negative camber, dropping left in the south stage! Now that would be a challenge for you and something very different. I'll be there covering the race and hope to see you then. Other than that, give both those girls a hug for me and don't give up on your dreams.
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Post by slow on Jul 16, 2009 8:22:44 GMT -5
Be careful. Those mountain bikes can bite you quicker than a motorcycle! ;D
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Post by Josh #377R on Jul 16, 2009 9:38:26 GMT -5
I think riding and racing "for the fun of it" is the best way to approach things. At 38 years old I still find myself wanting to kick the speed up to what it once was and that pursuit always ends in a session of frustration followed by a "just have fun" speech to myself. My physical strength and stamina no longer allow me to "hang it out" but I am happy to get out and ride around the track even though every risk is thought out and calculated, even though this slows me down considerably, it also reduces bone crunching falls. A succesfull weekend is the one where you drive yourself home knowing you can do it again next weekend.
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Post by 950sdad on Jul 16, 2009 9:59:46 GMT -5
Robert, I can definatley relate with your article of lowering expectaions through the course of life in the moto world. I can remember that in my late teens and early 20s that i wanted more than anything to try to make it to pro status, but due to injuries, finances and college schdules i could only make to a mid-pack Int at best. I gave it another good run in my early thirty's and could bearly hang with the +30 Int. running top in the Jr. class. More recently (3 weeks ago) I just got back on to a big bike (After i kept getting smoked by my son when i was on a pit bike.) i find now that I just want to get in shape and see little of the speed if any that i used to have. The ironic thing is that i think that i am enjoying it more than ever now. I know that i didnt meet my goals in the moto world, i feel that very few people do, i beleive that is a huge part of the sport. I see how fast that the current ama pros are, and I still think that James Stewart, Chad Reed, and all the other pro's still have some thing that they want to accomplish. I think they would have too in order to get out of bed and put in the numerous hours of training and riding. So i feel confert in that and find that I have met or exceed my goals in other parts of my life (i.e being a good father, career, and other ventures). With this in mind and me pushing 40, I think that this may be why i am enjoying being on or around the track more? So even though I may be the 225lb guy out in practice on a 5 year old 125 taking the outside lines (to stay out of the way) I have a huge smile on under my helmet. By they way is there a overweight, underpowered 2 smoker class? haha. P.S. Happy Birthday
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Post by Gillen936 on Jul 16, 2009 11:02:07 GMT -5
hey bobby you say your getting into downhill mtn biking, i started working back up at northstar back in march and been doing the downhill stuff as much as i can. it is pretty fun let me know if you want to come up and ride one weekend, i have some lift tickets. ps it brings a whole new meaning to arm put and that frt brake thing is hard to get use to lol
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Post by Bob716SR on Jul 16, 2009 11:20:16 GMT -5
Nice blog Bobby. Oh, he forgot to mention he's racing his CR480 at the new track on the 25th. Oh, its soooo hard to stay away from this great sport. Bob716SR
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Post by Mr Moto on Jul 16, 2009 18:46:36 GMT -5
Its funny how with age brings responsibility and responsibility changes ones out look on how the throttle works…The love of the sport is still there, but the desire to be caught in the mix diminishes and yet it never goes away. In time the desire to be in the mix will come back it seems to come back when you turn 30 and are able to race the vet classes.
What’s funny is how life comes full circle. Once a motohead always a motohead ….
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Post by beaupre716 on Jul 16, 2009 23:32:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies, everyone.
Dan:
I like your rally idea, but I didn't even know bikes raced in that. Would I be in any danger of being run over by someone in a 600 hp Subaru? If not, it sounds pretty cool.
Slow:
I hear ya. I've had many a bicycle crash in my day (including one involving Care Flight,) so I pedal pretty carefully these days.
Josh:
I'm all about living to ride another day too. Now the only trick is convincing my ego about that. I'm working on it...
950sdad:
I'd like to get to a point where I can enjoy racing in the way you describe. If I mix can balance my desire to win with a little more perspective toward just enjoying the ride, I think it'll be golden.
Eric:
I'm totally down to ride bikes with you sometime. I rode Northstar a few days ago and I was even thinking about going this Sunday. If you're going to be around, let me know for sure and we'll shred. I'm going to send you my phone # too.
Dad:
Thanks, but something's come up and I don't want to race the 480 that weekend. Sorry you spent all that money on getting it ready.
(Just kidding.)
Layne:
It's like you read my mind. I was thinking that my 30th birthday is probably going to be a pretty good time to start getting back into the mix regularly. Now the trick will be just keeping in shape during the short interval.
As you noted, it's hard to stop being a racer...
Thanks again, all.
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Post by beaupre716 on Jul 17, 2009 0:15:22 GMT -5
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Post by mxjunkie774 on Jul 19, 2009 1:17:56 GMT -5
Robert, I hit somewhat of a crossroads in my life also. My oldest boy started racing in May, and ever since, it almost fills the void I feel to ride when I watch him. I allways feel the urge to ride and race, but when I take him 3-5 times a week to practice and then go racing it helps to calm the testosterone and adrenaline. I can't say it cures it, but it does calm things a little. Just to help things out a little, I'm going to ride practice at the Fern this coming weekend. Hope to see you there.
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Post by beaupre716 on Jul 19, 2009 2:00:47 GMT -5
Robert, I hit somewhat of a crossroads in my life also. My oldest boy started racing in May, and ever since, it almost fills the void I feel to ride when I watch him. I allways feel the urge to ride and race, but when I take him 3-5 times a week to practice and then go racing it helps to calm the testosterone and adrenaline. I can't say it cures it, but it does calm things a little. Just to help things out a little, I'm going to ride practice at the Fern this coming weekend. Hope to see you there. Thanks for the comment. I could see how that would help, though I'm not sure my girls will ever care to do the racing thing. They're still a little young to know, of course. Anyhow, if I don't race the vintage race at G-ville, I'll most likely be at Fernley. I could use a little ride time.
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Post by jacobs437 on Jul 19, 2009 16:11:26 GMT -5
Bobby I feel you 100%. Now that I have a baby and a career it is hard to hang out like I used to. Knowing one stupid crash can really screw things up. Being a good father to my daughter is the most important thing in life and I am willing to sacrafice to be able to provide a descent life for her. Keep the good blogs comming I really enjoy them. Thanx
Oh yeah lowered expectations - like u said try not to lose to much speed due to lack of riding. Stay in shape so that is not my excuse. Bring that old man strengh on race day even if it is only for a lap or 2. Last but not least try to race 1 race a month.
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Post by beaupre716 on Jul 19, 2009 23:55:08 GMT -5
Bobby I feel you 100%. Now that I have a baby and a career it is hard to hang out like I used to. Knowing one stupid crash can really screw things up. Being a good father to my daughter is the most important thing in life and I am willing to sacrafice to be able to provide a descent life for her. Keep the good blogs comming I really enjoy them. Thanx Oh yeah lowered expectations - like u said try not to lose to much speed due to lack of riding. Stay in shape so that is not my excuse. Bring that old man strengh on race day even if it is only for a lap or 2. Last but not least try to race 1 race a month. Thanks, Josh. By the way, I hope Cali is treating you well. What's your favorite spot down there?
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Post by photoman4 on Jul 20, 2009 1:35:53 GMT -5
Robert in the Rally the motorcycles are sent off by themselves and everyone has enough time space to be on the stage by themselves. You're racing the clock but I'll add a throw down to all the MX family out there. How about it kids, let's show those Californians - well the non-MX types - that our riders here in Northern Nevada can handle a dirt road better than they can. If interested, and maybe brave, go to www.northnevadarally.com. Love to see you there Robert on Aug. 8.
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