My newspaper story, on motocross.

Motocross, it’s the sport of adrenaline. Dirt bikes of all sizes line up in the pits at many different tracks every single weekend. Whether it’s to race, or just to practice, it happens all the time. So, you think motocross is easy? Think again. It’s no easy task training day in and day out to compete in this sport. Scientists have examined it and came to the conclusion. Motocross is the #2 most physically challenging sport (#1 being men’s professional soccer). The professionals of both motocross and supercross (indoor motocross) train daily and have controlled diets. I can say from experience, this sport is NOT easy. Hands tired and legs cramping, after only 2-5 hard ridden laps around the track. Think about racing 15-30 minute long heats around a lap per minute and a half. “Is it worth it?” You say. If you love it, then it is, and I sure do. There is way more to it than what you think though. It’s almost like a science. How do you know how fast and what angle to take the jumps? You learn from experience. You’ll never learn until you do it. Certain people need certain speeds to clear certain jumps. No one can tell you “exactly” how fast or even what gear you should be in to clear it. Turning in motocross is also like an art. Elbows up, push into the turn, lay it over, and ride it out. Even straights in motocross have a technique. Standing up takes stress off your hands from gripping the bike, but you must grip the bike with your legs for this to work. There are more than 1,000 different techniques. Many can be learned on your own, with very little practice. Others may take many months of practice to master, depending on your skill level. There are motocross schools, where they teach you everything you need to know. You still must learn it yourself through acting out what you are told. If you would like race dates and more track info, check out my blog on the web. http://bcslionsroarjames.blogspot.com/