What Racing and Riding Teaches us!?!?!

Pit_Monkey · Jan 31, 2002

Here is the situation. Starting from the beginning: When I was four my neighbor at the time had a motocross bike and him and his friend would always go riding and then go to his house and wash them and I would stand there and watch them saying to my self that is what I want I want a dirt bike. Ever since then my main goal has been to save enough money to buy a bike. I never was able to save enough until my stepfather loaned me $700 to buy my first bike.
I worked all summer at his family’s restaurant to pay for it. It felt great to finally have a bike and be riding, and it felt so natural. I was 14 when I got my first bike and after having it for 2 months I decided I wanted to race and when I spoke to my parents about it I got a three mile list of why I shouldn’t race. So I gave up on that for a while.
Now I am sixteen and want to race more than ever!! I out grew my old gear and need new gear, this is where the problem comes in, I asked my parents if they would split the cost of the gear, $550, three ways, me, my mom, and my dad. The response I got wasn’t very surprising at first but then I was proved wrong in my initial thought. Their response was, we cant afford to help you, we told you motocross (they meant riding but to them its all the same) was expensive and you insisted on doing it and therefore you should be able to afford to pay for all your expenses otherwise you shouldn’t be doing it.
Then I said well that’s not really fair, you pay 1000 dollars a year for my sister to go to karate practice twice a week, and you wont even help me out. Its not like I'm asking for you to just give me $1000 dollars because you gave her that much I’m just asking for some support, both morally and financially. Then they responded with, Well karate is a sport and has a lot of important values, and riding/motocross isn’t a sport as far as I’m concerned and it has no values so therefore I find it to not have any benefit, and will not support it.
Now, I have a whole list of things that motocross and riding give as values, but they could care less to hear them. What I’m looking for is responses with things that motocross has taught you and what benefits it has some that are like those of karate. Another important point is that this is what I love to do, this is my passion and I am willing to do anything for it. Even if that includes doing it by myself, but I at least want my parents to know what values and benefits riding and motocross teach.

Thank you for your support and responses.
:silly:

DirtFamily · Jan 31, 2002

well.....I have a black belt a karate and even got to compete in the Nationals....and now I ride a dirt bike...altho I don't compete or race....yet.

My .02:

1. It doesn't matter WHAT sport you compete in, if you compete it takes dedication, tenacity, courage, patience, and lots and lots of hard work.
2. Being a part of ANY competion will teach you sportsmanship. You will understand what it is to whole-heartedly and sincerely congratulate the person/people who beat you. And then go out and practice some more...
3. Being a participant in ANY sport will provide you with an invaluable experience in being part of a team. Your fellow competitors (whether or not you are actually a "team") will help you, pat you on the back, encourage you, suffer with you, hug you, cry with you, yell at you, etc.....there is no better feeling than being a part of a team.

Katie

KawieKX125 · Jan 31, 2002

Well, this is an interesting situation indeed!

Racing issue-well, racing is extremely expensive and way more dangerous than regular riding. So, first I would work on the bike and gear. Yes it gives you values, but just practicing does too. Be happy with what you have and when you can absolutely and totally pay for racing, then race. Maybe you could have your parents go to a race to check it out?

Gear issue-Look on ebay. I got a set of brand new AXO gear, top of the line, for about 100 dollars. You can get everything including helmet and boots for about 350 if you are really smart about your choices.

Your sisters karatie-Well, that is an organized sport so I understand. If you had a motocross instructer, I am sure your parents would be willing to pay for lessons.

Just work on them, be rational, do not flip out at all. Maybe you should type a formal proposal with pro's, and even con's. That would show a great deal of responsibilty on your part and I know when I wanted a go-kart when I was 9, the list of reasons I typed with pro's and con's (albiet it was not great) was the factor that showed my parents that I was responsible and mature enough to have it.

Report back and I am sorry that I could not be more of a help
:)

BunduBasher · Jan 31, 2002

Some things you have to do on your own :( My parents were dead set against me having to do with anything dirtbike related, so at 14 I bought my own bike, gear etc. 20 years later, nothing has changed, my folks have never bought me any bike related item.

Be grateful for what you have, work hard for what you want, be grateful for anything you get, be it gas, parts, or even encouragement. The more you do for yourself, the more your parents will respect you, and the more confidence and self respect you will gain yourself.

Dirt bikes do cost a lot, MX is a seriously expensive sport, and extremely dangerous. Maybe you need to share your sport with your Dad, is he interested in riding ?!

BSWIFT · Jan 31, 2002

Dirtbikes require the rider to be reponsible. Weather it is racing or trail riding, your decisions have to made in split seconds. Make the wrong decision and you can get hurt. Taking responsibility for your decisions is just part of it. If you give up some other acivity to save your money for MX then you are taking responibility for your decision.
I was in your boat 25 years ago. I didn't race until I was 37. It is expesive and hazardous. Any problems are MY fault, end of sentence. My advice is to work very hard in school, train your body and your mind. Set a gaol and stick to it. Your folks will see you being dedicated to your goal and will likely find someway to support you. I would not bring up the Karate thing again, it is water under the bridge, so just let that go. You may have to put racing off for a few years(hopefullly not as many as I did) but remember, you will ultimately pay the price for your decisions. That is what MX/dirtbikes teaches you.

KDX220rm · Jan 31, 2002

I agree with the others, racing is very expensive and dangerous. Figure on spending about $1500 towards racing and practice fees, bike maint., tires, gas, transportation expenses per year.

Something else you haven't thought about, because you are under 18 years old, you must have your parents with you to race and to sign the release form and insurance waviers before you can practice or race. So if your parents are against you racing, you SOL, because they have to sign the papers.

I know this may not be what you wanted to hear, but it sounds like you are going to have to wait a couple more years to start racing on your own.

dell30rb · Jan 31, 2002

I have the exact same problem. I havent ridden in five weeks. It looks like my mom will take me to the track for an hour or so, but thats if i'm lucky. She has hauled me around other places for the past few weeks (Last week she made me goto williamsburg, while my friends went to their first motocross track (it was gonna be my first visit to a real track, but instead she made me goto williamsburg.) My parents have hardly given me any financial support. I got a chest protector for christmas, and they bought me my first bike (3 bikes ago). I just blew 3 grand of my hard earned money on a new Cr80 and i have ridden it 4 times in about 3 months. She said she will take me to the track saturday. But complained that I am ruining her weekend. EXCUSE ME! Who's weekend has been ruiened for the past few weeks? Mine... I wish i would at least be able to go to the track every other week. Some peoples parents take em to the track almost everyday, even during the week. Both of my parents make time to take my little brother to soccer practice 2 times a week, and making me go with them for an entire weekend in a city far far away where we spend the night in a hotel and i never get to ride. Why cant they take me to the track! I can't wait until i get my drivers licence, but thats 1 1/2 years away! My dad is even worse than my mom. He dosent ride(niether does my mom), he has no idea what its like. He's taken me dirtbiking 2 times since i've been riding-3 years! (No joke, only twice). Both my parents are mad at me because i dont do any sports. To them i say, I have a sport! I would like the opportunity to do it!

I just dont get it....
I'm not worried about financial support, I can take care of that, I'd just l;ike some time to ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dell30rb · Jan 31, 2002

Pit_Monkey · Jan 31, 2002

that stuff is all taken into account and taken care of but thank you for brining it to my attention. btw the other thing i realized about my parents is how two faced they are. when i brought up racing it was it costs alot and you have no way of getting there,"i cant bring you" then when im like fine ill drive my self and what no and then find out that i have to be 18 or have a parent i was like ok well now what and then i told them that and theya re like well i planned on coming to watch anyway. im like well then why the hell did you tell me youy cant bring me. if they arent against it then they should support me not financially but like help me, especially if they do it for one child. i mean to me its my dream and goal and i will do anything i have to do, "you cant make an omlet without breaking a few eggs." i am willing to make sacrafices to fulfill my dream and goal of racing and making it in the mx and sx world. now if i have to support my self then thats fine but they wont be getting a thank you when i list my sponsors on the podium!:p

childish maybe but im in a bad mood right now so please forgive me.:think

My parents have hardly given me any financial support. I got a chest protector for christmas, and they bought me my first bike (3 bikes ago). I just blew 3 grand of my hard earned money on a new Cr80 and i have ridden it 4 times in about 3 months. She said she will take me to the track saturday. But complained that I am ruining her weekend. EXCUSE ME! Who's weekend has been ruiened for the past few weeks? Mine... I wish i would at least be able to go to the track every other week. Some peoples parents take em to the track almost everyday, even during the week. Both of my parents make time to take my little brother to soccer practice 2 times a week, and making me go with them for an entire weekend in a city far far away where we spend the night in a hotel and i never get to ride. Why cant they take me to the track!

EXACTLY!!!! that is what im talking about. i dont get much financial support either. they pay for gas for me and i hear about it for a month, its pretty messed. but hey thats life, but i hear ya on the whole track thing. my advise stick with it. i did and now i have the opportunity that i wanted when i was 4!!!!!!!! imagine how good id be right now had i had the opportunites that i wanted when i was 4. i know i would be something great.id be out there challenging Bubba tot he fullest extent then beating him at the finish. but they i got a late start thats the way the dice are tossed and you live with it. the time is now and this season is my debut. i plan on making it all that it can be and more. BTW a little fact mike brown started racing at 14 and look where he is!!!!;)

dell30rb · Jan 31, 2002

Yeah...I plan on trying to race later on this year...If i can get some seat time!
Mabye my parents would be more interested...
Any of you parents care to comment on this?

I always thought you were supposed to supposed to support your children to do whatever they want to do? Well what happened to that! Motocross is a good clean sport, it may be a little more risky than soccer- but my parents arent really that worried about me gettin hurt. My brother has gotten injured more playing soccer.

LWilson250 · Jan 31, 2002

I’m very fortunate my parents have helped me a lot. They have paid for my last 2 bikes, all my riding gear and are helping me get to the races. I am going to get a job to pay for all my expenses from this point on. I think it’s best to explain to your parents that this is your passion and you are serious about it. See if you can bum rides to the track with your friends. Be responsible and show them that this is important. And if all else fails, just sit outside and run your bike while you dream of the track.

Lee W.

dell30rb · Jan 31, 2002

Yeah i've bummed a few......I've tried telling them that the only thing i want to di is ride my bike....dosent work. and if i run my cr in the driveway...my dad will yell at me (its pretty loud). I've got no problem paying for it but i just want to ride it !!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the comments....

dell30rb · Jan 31, 2002

my dad was pretty much a bookworm when he was little (what my grandma said) and my mom rode horses (i've tried relating dbing to that and it was no use). They dont know what its like to want to do something like this real bad.

LWilson250 · Jan 31, 2002

I'm really sorry for you guys, I wish I could help more but all I can really do is wish you good luck. If you guys ever come to Houston lemme know.

Lee W.

yzguy15 · Jan 31, 2002

Man, guys, that sucks. My dad has been riding since before I was born so I pretty much had a bike as soon as I could. Well, actually I did have one as soon as I could, at about 4 years old. PW50 with training wheels. Anyways, needless to say, my parents have helped me out quite a bit. I paid for half of my last 2 bikes, and some of my gear. Some of it was birthday and Christmas presents too. Now that I'm 16 and have a job, I've been paying for a lot more stuff. I'll be buying myself some gear and boots this summer, and a new(er) bike in the next year. But, I'm 16, so it's different to me.

My only advice is to be persistent, but not to the point that you're annoying.

Patman · Jan 31, 2002

Since I've been on both sides of all these fences here's my $0.02 (collect enough and you'll have some spending money :D )

Dad hooked me and my brother up with our (shared) first bike and helmet. Any additional gear was up to us to generate the money and purchase. My brother lost interest soon because he is like a few that I see in this thread and expected support because he wanted it, when it didn't happen that way it was off to easier pickins. The sad part is that this trend continues with him to this day and he is 35. I on the other hand got a paper route and busted my tail doing chores at home to affort the things I "needed". If I couldn't get a ride to where I was riding I PUSHED my bike there if I wanted to go bad enough! Now I have a son. He is a 2nd degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and I have gladly paid every penny for classes, equipment, testing and tournaments. He has learned many things from his trainning and he enjoys it. We now live 35 miles from where he takes his classes so there is a big commitment of mom & dad time and resources to get him there. In exchange he does his homework in either truck and is very focused when he's there. He also started playing soccer this past year and is excelling to where he now has regular rec league and advanced select leage practices and the games start in a couple weeks again. He really enjoys playing and he knows that his school work comes first and if he misbehaves at school or home he doesn't play. Well it just so happens he is also afflicted with the dirtbike gene like I am. Currently I buy the bikes and every piece of gear I can put on him for protection. This will change. When he is able to work (besides the chores he gets an allowance for each week) then he will be expected to pay for a reasonable part of whatever his distractions are. I will still support the positive things he does and be a part of anything he does but the minute he EXPECTS it? Well that's the day I have more funds for my distractions.

Not all parents are going to be in to dirtbikes kids, that's just the way it is. Don't let it kill your dream maybe just put it on a back burner for a little while until YOU can do something about it besides complain and expect your parents to do what you want. You see parents are people too and if you treat them like YOU expect to be treated you might be suprised. I'm not talking about once in a while either it's got to be a permenant change, trust me I know because I was a kid and now I'm a dad.:D

Anssi · Feb 1, 2002

Originally posted by dell30rb
Both my parents are mad at me because i dont do any sports. To them i say, I have a sport! I would like the opportunity to do it!

Mad because you are fat and lazy or mad because you don't develop social skills in training with other kids? If the former, you better start working out, since just riding will never be enough training if you are serious about MX.

And to the original poster, how about finding articles and looking at rider web sites about how the pros train like real athletes. Stay away from that freesty crap, that's about as much sport as WWF.

dell30rb · Feb 1, 2002

i'm not fat or lazy ... they just want me do do something they approve of. THey also hate me working on my bike...I haev no clue why.
I ride with my friends and develop social skills that way...oh yeah and i goto school!

dell30rb · Feb 1, 2002

I cant push my bike there....its about 15 miles to the nearest riding area and the majority of the trip is spent on the highway

BunduBasher · Feb 1, 2002

If anything, this alone should make you more resourceful, independent, and hopefully a more mature young man.

The more you can get done by yourself, the better you will feel about the whole deal. Some folks just aren't into dirt bikes, so you have to a lot by yourself.

It was tough for me at school, in South Africa you had to be 18 to drive a car, and at 16 you were allowed to ride a 50cc motorcycle, so most of the senior guys in high school rode bikes to school. So at 16 I really wanted to get a bike for school, I already had bought my dirt bike by then, and my dad had got over the initial negativity associated with biking, still he would not help me, I had to save, and buy another bike, all gas and maintenance was my responsibility. In the end I had about three bikes at home by the time I finished with high school. All paid for by myself. For my dirt riding, I had to get a dual sport, which was licensed for the street, and would ride to the riding area with a gallon tank of gas in my rucksack, and then ride home again, my gas had to last the entire trip !

The only way to win at home and on the track is by discipline and dedication, your schoolwork has to be done with no hassle, your grades have to be good, your chores at home done, help out at home etc. Your folks have to see the commitment come from you, in all aspects of your life. Your folks need to see something positive coming from you.

Pit_Monkey · Feb 1, 2002

dell, i read your post about how parents are supposed to help. thats not true at all and thats why your parents wont help, because you act like that. im just the opposite. im very thankful that i have a job, and parents that let me ride. my only gripe was that my parents say that racing and riding teach no value.also that they pay for all of my sisters expenses with karate yet will help me in no way. BTW when i got my first bike i pushed that thing 3 miles to the sand pits near my house and then pushed it back after riding. thats how dedicated i am to this sport.

Update: i talked to my parents about the situation, and they totally changed their point of view. they told me they will take me to theraces when its possible, and that they fully support me morally. but i still want a little money for the gear which i dont think i will be getting. so i still have to work on that. thank you for all your help.:silly:

The only way to win at home and on the track is by discipline and dedication, your schoolwork has to be done with no hassle, your grades have to be good, your chores at home done, help out at home etc. Your folks have to see the commitment come from you, in all aspects of your life. Your folks need to see something positive coming from you.

its funny that you say that. since i have acually started to get things ready for racing and it was all coming together for me myaverage in school is up about 15-20 points from last year. last year i was 231 out or 312 in my class. that was with a 64 average. this year my average is around an 80+. if that doesnt show maturity i dont know what will.

dell30rb · Feb 1, 2002

Its nice to hear that your parents have turned. Mine still haveent. I got a summer job and worked my tail off so i could buy a new bike. If that dosent show commitment i dont know what will.

I pay for all of my stuff pretty much. I dont think its my attitude, just my parents opinion of the sport. They dont enjoy watching me ride as much as they like watching a soccer game. My brother gets all of his soccer stuff paid for, and he gets taken to practice 2 times a week and they love his soccer games, and they haul him around to all of his soccer stuff. If my parents thought it pleasureable to take me dirtbiking I'm sure they would take me alot more than they do now. If i was able to push my bike to any riding area, even if it was just a field...and my parents would let me...I would be there right now. no matter how far.

Jeff Gilbert · Feb 1, 2002

What riding taught me

As a youth riding taught me how to judge speed and distance, poise & balance. Not to take unreasonable and UN-calculated risks and chances because I learned the hard way (on dirt where it doesn't hurt as bad as asphalt). It also taught me to be responsible for my actions or suffer the consequences. It taught me how to take care of my belongings because they had to last, Dad said he wasn't buying me anymore if I tore them up. I also had to learn to prioritize so I would have the privilege to ride.

As an adult, more than 25 years later, riding has taught me confidence in my abilities. Given me a way to stay in better shape, how to be responsible for my actions & equipment, how to prioritize my schedule and most importantly given me quality time with my daughter in the family oriented environment of the tracks and tails. Now she is learning how to judge speed, distance, poise & balance. I think you know where I'm going with this.

Good luck in your endeavors but remember to respect your parents if they don't agree with you, it's their right as parents and you'll be there one day.

dell30rb · Feb 1, 2002

My parents dont have a problem with me riding, they are just too lazy to take me riding...

Patman · Feb 1, 2002

Well I'm suprised that some other resourceful young riders have popped up with this suggestion. In the interest of minimizing the possible friction the subject of dirtbikes may cause with your parents perhaps try hooking up with a local club. I am SURE there is one reasonably close to each of you. These are typically orginizations of individuals and families that enjoy the sport and if you become involved with them. By not acting like a spaz or jump daddy there is a fair chance somebody from the club will be open to bringing you along with them on rides or races. This is where being respectful, honest, and dedicated will come in handy. By making a positive impression you will garner more possible connections allowing you additional opprutunities.

What Racing and Riding Teaches us!?!?!

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