Supercross Blows

[490Dave]

Our Local racing club runs 14 races per season, in the last three seasons i have only seen the ambulance have to transport twice, twice in like 42 race events. We have about 60-80 riders at each event and a pretty good mix of talent as well. Have there been injuries? sure but no trauma like stuff i keep hearing about.

Sorry, i still dont get you point dug.

 

[Erick82]

It comes to riding with in your limits and trying to gradually push that limit, sure there are going to be accidents that is the same with anything, but they will be greatly reduced by just using your head alittle and wearing the proper equipment. Sure there are always going to be some dumb @ss riding way over there head and gets hurt, but that is as life.

 

[d.u.g.]

Originally posted by Rich Rohrich


You might not care about Ivan's control freak issues but you'd be well advised to care about mine.

I'll make this as clear as I can for you. Stop trolling on DRN to see how much static you can cause. Contribute something of substance or stop posting. If you don't it's easy enough for us to HELP you stop posting when you can't play nice.

 

[d.u.g.]

Rich-We just disagree.Sorry if you can't deal with lively dicussion without lapsing into a control issue psychosis.Threatening someone on a web site,so very macho of you.
I have posted on several forums,receiving some great feedback and giving my best possible.You are wrong on the contributor issue.
Look under "motocross injuries" and hit the go button for objective data.
Take a cleansing breath,Rich.

 

[dirty~d~]

DUG ~ I've been reading back through a lot of your posts since you joined and I have yet to see anything that tells me you are truly looking out for the betterment of this sport. You complain a lot, you seem to love starting arguements and when you do, you don't respect other members OR their opinions. What's your issue with life? Are you so bitter about having fun that you have to come in here and start sh!t because we ARE having fun? Why don't you just take your sorry a-s-s back to those boards where your pessimistic information is welcome because from what I've seen it's not welcome here.

 

[Farmer John]

Truespode,

I would like a copy of your Recipe book.
How do I get it?
Is it published by Troll House?

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Originally posted by d.u.g.
Rich-We just disagree.

It's not about your opinions. You are entitled to think or believe anything you want. I couldn't care less about them if I tried.

What you don't get to do is use DRN as your personal trolling pool to rattle cages.
Knock it off or you are out of here. I'm tired of getting e-mails and PMs from USEFUL members complaining about your stupid crap. I'd rather lose YOU than someone who actually contributes to DRN.

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by Farmer John

Is it published by Troll House?

LOL! No but I think that would make a great title for it when I do get it out :)

Ivan

 

[kbud]

How many people that you know race SX? SX is a sport that requires skill. Part of a skill is not getting hurt. SX racers are very talented and they know their sh@t more than you know yours. PULL THE STICK OUTTA YOUR ASS!!

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

From watching SX on TV over the past few years I've only seen a couple of falls resulting in injuries. Sure the televised SX's are pros and that's what SX is about in my book, the best riders in the world doing what they do.

I realize that the pro's have to get experience somehow and maybe it's the ones that don't wad-up in the learning phaze that go on the be the ones I see on TV. If I were to get on an SX track I too would probably suffer a fate worse than desirable if I tried to ride beyond my capabilities but that aint gonna happen, I know better. I did do the local AX race this year and did quite well in my book, however I did hurt myself on the finish line jump. Flat-landing and tweaking ankles but nothing serious. A couple of years ago at the same series (before I ever tried it) I saw about 20 riders get hauled out of the arena, mostly with broken wrist's. Was it the track designs fault? Might have had something to do with the type of injuries but I can honestly say it wasn't the tracks fault that people got hurt. I mean look at all the people that get shot every year, is it the fault of the gun manufacturor, NOPE! Same thing IMO.

If you think it's too dangerous to ride SX, don't ride it.
Now can I have that recipe you was talking about? ;)

 

[d.u.g.]

Guys,
There is SO much skim reading going on here!
The VERY first post acknowledges the skill required for supercross.
The issue was and is supercross obstacles for amateurs.
Did I not say I like to jump too?Did I not acknowledge the skill required?
The issue was for amateurs.For instance,when we meet new kids at the track the first thing they want to learn is how to jump.We try to steer them right,learn basics first,etc.,and help them.But they're kids,we all were and know how that goes.
I'm not trying to stir anyone up.Read the first post before flipping out.
d.u.g.

 

[d.u.g.]

P.S.-
I thought of some of you guys yesterday.We're lucky here,there's a great pracice track,and the owner took great pains to have really safe landings for his jumps.For instance,he'll have a triple,but the landings are progressively more and more mellow as you move from the first jump to the next one and next one.It's got some really long tabletops too,with great faces going up,then super long,gradual landings.There are no steep faces to slam into if short,you get just as much air,and we had a ball.
It's called Beachwood Trails,is in central Ohio,costs 15 bucks.(330)264-7747.
Sound familiar,K-Bud? Maybe we can meet there and share some grape pie !d.u.g.

 

[kbud]

I wouldnt mind that at all, dug. Whats the nearest town?

 

[d.u.g.]

It's off US30,just inside the Wayne County line.Right now they're open Wednesday and Saturdays,I think Saturdays are noon till dark,Wednesday 3 till dark.This last Friday was the last Friday he'll be open for awhile.
It's really very nice,1.7 miles around,they disc and water it regularly,even have a snack standand porta pots.The dirt is as intermediate as it gets,and the elevation changes are really a blast.It's a dirt bike only track,though quads may run on some nearby trails.Give them a call.I'll bet you love it.
If you know a few days or a week before you go,let me know and we'll bench race ! d.u.g.
PS-heres how I got the stupid nickname.Of course my real names Doug.I.m 6-5,250 lbs. Some of the young guys started calling me "The Notorious d.u.g." a play on words of the Notorious B.I.G.,the rapper.Hey,I'm not that big around!

 

[zcookie49]

What a LAME FLAME.
How can you single out SX out of all dirtbike disciplines. ALL Sports for the most part can be dangerous, (look at Lawn Darts , even though I dont consider that a sport), anyhow. Anytime you sit on a motor with 2 wheels, there is inherent risk. MX, Dunes, enduros, FMX, dragracing,sport racing, whatever, there will be injuries.
And you know what, get used to it man.. If you havent realized yet, whether you like it or not, we are now engulfed in the X-Games generation...Everyone has to go BIG to surpass last year, kids on skateboards and BMX bikes falling down left and right, back flips, whatever. Injuries are prevelant in physical activities, and that is unfortunate.
I am a 15 months recovered from my helicpoter ride from a MX TRACK where I busted myselft up very very badly. But you know what, I am back riding and I know that I have severe consequences to face if I broke both my legs again with rods in them. But that is MY RISK, and everyone needs to know their limits and their abilities, granted, accidents happen where you cant control in anything.
Man, I could go for a nice, Homemade crusted PIE!

 

[d.u.g.]

By the way,it's CADAVER.
You may be a slave to pop culture and the latest fads.but not everyone is.
Do whatever you want man,it's your life.I hope you had good health insurance,and didn't miss too much work.
I'm not judging anyone,I know riding and racing are dangerous and have been doing so since you were on breast milk.I know all about the dangers in all riding.I was just saying supercross obstacles for amateur tracks hurts the sport.
Your priority on being part of the "extreme" set is your choice.If your injury was due to wrecking on a supercross obstacle,your accident affects everyone who pays insurance for motorcycles,track operator coverage,etc.If you work it hurts your employer.If you don't work your accident affects everyone,period.
I simply think tracks could be a lot safer.and offer big fun for jumping without the risk of hitting steep faces and causing major injuries. Doug

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by d.u.g.
I hope you had good health insurance,

I will say this. Anyone who rides/races without health insurance is taking a big chance and is bordering on the line of idiocy (and I have a good friend who raced without insurance but he was lucky and he knows how I feel about it).

and didn't miss too much work.

I make sure I have good insurance, short term disability and long term disability. I highly recommend that to all participants of the sport... no matter if you ride woods or only fireroads.

I was just saying supercross obstacles for amateur tracks hurts the sport.

I really think that the design of many tracks are stupid. There are a lot out there that are too extreme and targeted more for the A/Expert/Pro crowd.

However, it is up to the rider to judge whether they really can ride that track.

I prefer the less extreme tracks. The one I ride at is doing a really good job of providing challenging and safe obstacles. The doubles are rounded and there are more table tops than many other tracks. Still the obstacles can be intimidating and dangerous but the design I think is more appropriate for the amateur level rider.

I've ridden on tracks that were above my skill level. I just decide not to go back. It is MY responsibility to make that decision. It is the track builders decision to design a track towards the customers they want to attract.

In short... I think the attitude that it is the track owners responsiblity to make this sport safer is hurting our sport! If we don't like it, we don't go there. Eventually the track owner will head to the financials of the situation depending on how his turnout is.

If your injury was due to wrecking on a supercross obstacle,your accident affects everyone who pays insurance for motorcycles,track operator coverage,etc.

No more than if you wrecked hitting a tree in an OHV park trail system and no more than a claim on your homeowners policy affects those that pay house insurance or a claim on your auto policy affects those that pay car insurance.

If you work it hurts your employer.

Yes. But that is why they have sick time, vacation, disability insurance, etc. More people miss work with sick days to go to the beach than they do b/c of dirtbike accidents.

There are a lot more reasons for loss of productivity than dirtbike accidents.

Your starting to generalize too much.

If you don't work your accident affects everyone,period.

I think you mean to say if you don't have insurance? There are a lot of kids in this sport still on their parents policies who ride who don't work. But, I'm probably just being picky with the symantics :)

I simply think tracks could be a lot safer.and offer big fun for jumping without the risk of hitting steep faces and causing major injuries. Doug

I agree 100%

However, I think the main point is that it is up to the RIDER or the PARENT OF THE RIDER to judge the risk. Holding a track owner liable for designing something to target a particular group is misguided. The responsibility has to be placed on the correct person.

This sport is a business and I personally have seen many tracks (and racing series) who target the true amateurs by building their tracks specifically for that skill level. That is the market they are targeting. They have been blamed for having too easy of tracks but they keep getting lots of happy returning customers.

There are others that target a different market. They too have happy returning customers.

We as the consumer must pay attention and be responsible enough to know which market we fall into.

Ivan

 

[Green Horn]

However, I think the main point is that it is up to the RIDER or the PARENT OF THE RIDER to judge the risk. Holding a track owner liable for designing something to target a particular group is misguided.

I totally agree. I don't care what kind of tracks are built. I know what my level of expertise is and what I DON'T have any business attempting. And when my son gets older the biggest thing I hope to teach him about dirtbikes is to ride within his own limits.

Heck I would think it's MORE dangerous for me to play around on a little rinky dink MX track then it is...for someone like Guy Cooper to air it out at Cooperland. Along the lines of what Ivan said, I don't think the danger lies in how the tracks are built. The real danger is a rider who isn't capable of establishing his/her limits.

 

[truespode]

On a related note DUG... I almost posted a flame on Sunday evening about grassy fields. I swear they are the root of the majority of bike injuries :) I wasn't sure how you would take it but after seeing your latest attempts at contributing to DRN I feek you probably would understand the humor.

I've been racing and riding MX for a few years now and have not gotten hurt badly until I did an untimely wheelie in an open field this past Sunday and went over and down when I hit a rock. I hurt my ankle and foot (no noticeable breaks fortunately) and broke the shifter of the bike. I'm off the bike for a few weeks as I hobble around trying to get my wife to stop hitting me :)

Should I blame the rock? The landowner for having a field? The bike owner for letting me ride a 2-stroke? (he knows I normally ride a 4-stroke and that I'm not too bright)

I think I should just blame myself for being stupid and not watching out where I was going. Accidents happen, even under the safest of circumstances. I'll pay my insurance co-pay and reimburse the owner for any damages (fortunately he's a good friend) and thank everyone who took care of me when I got hurt!

Ivan

 

[Smit-Dog]

Quick note on disability insurance....

Read the fine print for coverages, exclusions, and waiting periods. Long-term disability usually kicks in after 3 months, and the premium is generally relatively inexpensive (and a must-have IMO).

Short-term disability insurance usually kicks in after 30 days, and is generally very expensive compared to long-term.

In my case I was out of work for 3 weeks due to a broken collarbone. Before short-term coverage would have kicked in, I would have had to burn through all my vacation and sick time. In the end, short term would have really only covered a 60-day gap of no pay before long-term kicks in.

Instead of paying into a short-term premium, I built up a rainy-day/emergency nest-egg in case something really bad happens.

Just my 2¢...

 

[MrLuckey]

What does your short term cost per month Smit? Damn, at the low rates I pay it'd take tens of years to build up a 1 month nest egg with only my short term disability savings.

 

[truespode]

The company I am at now short term is for 3 months at 60% and then LTD is 60%. The STD kicks in after 2 weeks.

The company I was at before had 3 months STD at 100% and LTD at 60% and kicked in after 2 weeks as well.

I've been fortunate.

Ivan

 

[CR Swade]

Hold on a booger-pickin' minute there Ivan. Dougie is on to something here...I mean LOOK at all of the unnescessary risks we are putting ourselves in. INTERNAL COMBUSTION engines with friggin volatile gasoline frothing around our nether regions. Who knows how many potential birth defects are caused by our boys inhaling fumes. That design is just dumb.

Or how about friendly VW width, groomed trails with no real obstacles that let you roll along with utter abandon. That COULD cause a euphoric state, lessening awareness and causing some sort of accident. Those trails are just dumb.

Or howsabout that nasty ol' exhaust routing spent gases towards us . Geez our legs might hot, not to mention the noise-don't get me started on the detrimental effects of that rubbish. That design is just dumb.

And what about the helmets?! I mean, they make us all stinky and give those of us with hair a really funky do. I'm talking straight out of Dumb and Dumber. That design is just dumb for our hair.

Lighten up dug-e-fresh, we like MX, trails, trials, SX, enduro, HS, drag racing, motard and all kinds of dangerous stuff. I actually favor big ol' sweeping GP style courses as I can't stand being scared or getting hurt-it hurts! But I love watching SX and the guys are now leapers more than ever. Don't like it don't watch it, but don't come preaching to the choir about the evils of SX. You knew it wouldn't fly here.

With that said, how many top-level pros have echoed your sentiments? Most complain when the track is tamed down. Man, just tell us about something that you like in the General forum, some bike advice in the different forums or go out on a limb and dare to peruse the Off-Topic forum. From one butthead to another, have fun with this place.

 

[holeshot]

While on the subject of leave from work, I've just recently been off for than 6 1/2 weeks. After my sick time ran out, I got paid by the EDD and also by some type of short term insurance. In the end, I probably made a little more than if I'd been working. :eek:

The hospital bill came to about $65,000 (for 12 days, not even an operation), but is being paid by health insurance (except for $240). Oh yeah, the incident was not Dirt Bike (or jump) related, but after that incident, no way would I be without insurance, regardless if I rode a dirt bike or not. Those that live in countries with nationalized health care, take note of how lucky you are. For some people to be without health insurance because they can't afford it, (especially true if you're into your 50's, which I'm not - yet), just ain't fair. Uh -oh, I think I've started another fire. :scream:

As soon as I can get back on my bike (very soon, I hope), there will be considerable thought given before I attempt any jumps. :confused:

 

[d.u.g.]

Guys!!!
I agree with folks riding within their limits!
The riders who can ride a modern supercross track have unbelievable skill,and I admire and respect their skills.
ALL this stuff I'm cocerned with is the extreme crap for us AMATEUR riders.
I think the tracks should be safer,lots safer,with very rounded doubles,whoops that are in reason,etc.I think kids see this stuff the pros do,and often times,just like I would have,immediately try to mimic the pros by building jumps,etc.How many newbies write in,and they're real worried about getting to jump.
I know the dangers,still ride,and will as long as I can walk.Yeah,my favorite is big sweeping GP tracks,and yup.you can sure get hurt on them too.
All I wish for is SAFER,and that means no practically wall like stuff to slam into should something go wrong.
God bless the pros,they're good enough to want more radical stuff.I'm just not one of 'em,and neither are my buds.
I've sure busted my ass enough times,on doubles,tabletops,and grass fields.
Ivan-I broke a wrist in a freakin horse pasture doing a wheelie,the ground was really soft,like 6 inches of loam.Duh.Please let me see the grass field article,I can relate.
Just safer,guys,not perfect,hell if it was completely safe it would be a drag.
Now I'm going to move on to other forums to spread the love! Doug