What Racing and Riding Teaches us!?!?!

MxKid512 · Feb 1, 2002

I was lucky. I walked into the garage one christmas to find a brand new Honda waiting for me. When my dad showed it to me, I didn't even know what it was!;) My parents are really great. My dad hauls me down to the track whenever he can and he sits there and watches me ride. I hope eventually I'll have enough to buy him a bike so we can ride together and to thank him. My mom takes me to watch races (I don't race) at Englishtown whenever I ask. Both my parents are awesome and I think they are just happy that I am so interested in this and that it will keep me out of trouble. My parents even told me that as long as I keep my grades at a B or above for the rest of high school, In two years I'll have a CRF250 waiting for me. How cool is that?:p

dell30rb · Feb 1, 2002

Thats a good idea patman...I doubt my parents will let me, but its worth a shot! Anything to get me in the saddle.....

dave186 · Feb 1, 2002

I was a lucky one too, my dad has been riding/racing since he was in high school, and when he married my mom, she rode also. So we have always had a few bikes kicking around, I got my first bike when I was in the 4th grade from my grandpa. It was a jalopy that he had pieced together, but I rode the crap out of it anyway. After i grew out of that, i rode my moms old bike, then i grew into my dads old bike. two years ago i saved up enough money and bought myself an older XR. I put about every penny I had into that thing and loved it, but about 6 months ago, the motor blew up (literally). So I guess my dad felt sorry for me, putting all that money into a bike thats now just a piece of scrap. So for Christmas he suprised me with my new KX. Ive always paid for most of my stuff, unless there is something unexpected that I cant afford. Im also lucky that we live out in the country so I can pretty much ride anytime I feel like it. Before I could drive myself, my parents would usualy take me riding on the weekends. Im just starting racing, and initially they didnt like the idea, but when I showed them the poster for the race I was going to, they kind of had to change there mind cause they knew I would go one way or the other. Now Im 18, so i dont have to worry about having them around everytime I want to go riding. If I was in you guys shoes, I would try to hook up with someone to take you riding. surely you know someone close by that rides?

Dave

Jaybird · Feb 1, 2002

Being young and under someones thumb sure sucks. How well I remember. I think the worst, longest lasting, bad experience that I've ever had was teenage anxt. But, we soon are on our own to make all of our decisions for ourselves, good, bad, or indifferent.
Be patient young folks, time ticks way too fast-you just don't realise it yet.
Be glad you have parents that care about you. Some could give a hoot.

Good things come to those that wait. :) (if some karate munk or sumsuch didn't say that, he outa had)

oldguy · Feb 1, 2002

Patman and I are on the same page. As a 13 yr old I bought my first bike which I raced. My parents had no idea I was doing it but this was 1966 and times were easier (fewer lawyers;) ). I got to and from races by riding my bike 25 miles each way. The first my parents heard I was racing was the call from the hospital that I was on the way there with a broken back. I never rode a dirtbike again til my son asked about getting one. We (mom, me and him) agreed that he could and we found a used 4 stroke rode/dirt bike. We did enough modifications that he could ride it around the yard until he got bored with it. Well this never happened, after a year he saved enough money that with selling his first bike he got a well used 1986 KX80. He rode this and continued to show an addiction until our backyard track wasn't enough. next step we joined a local track and I now got a bike to ride with him. He understood that to move up he had to maintain his bike for resale and save whatever money he could from chores, allowance, and whatever else an 11 yr old could do. He raced his KX for a couple races when we agreed to split the cost of a new 2000 YZ 80 but he had to make monthly payments.
He is still addicted to dirtbikes and racing and now rides a 2002 YZ85 which he has paid for and soon to have a 2001 CR125 which we are splitting the cost for now (he makes payments and when the YZ85 is sold I get the Money).

What has MX taught him? he is very responsible with his equipment. He knows how to work for and save for what he needs (he also knows that sometimes last years gear is just as good as the new stuff but a lot cheaper). He has sought out and gotten sponsors- good business/life sense. He has also learned that screwing up in school will take him off his bike faster than coming up short on a double. He is very health consciuos- works out daily, watches his diet, and knows the dangers of controlled substance and alcohol.

In the end what has MX given him- Lessons that I hope will carry him thru life successfully.
Participating in sports doesn't buildl charactor...it reveals it!! :)

Pit_Monkey · Feb 1, 2002

how old is your son?

WaltCMoto · Feb 1, 2002

Some Parents just dont get it:(

My parents were the ultimate in non- involvement. It sucked. They did lend me $50 for my first bike but never watched me ride. I did have bikes on and off thru my teen years (that I bought), but without parent involvement, racing will be tough. My parents were happiest not being bothered with any thing. I played 3 school sports for 3 years, they came to 1 event the whole time and that was an inconvienience to them. Then they wonder why I dont call every week to talk.:think
The lesson here is what I learned from this , to spend as much quality time with my kids as possible. Last week end, I took Mini127 riding at Fox valley off road. (see thread in ride reports) Oldguy and the Kid sure took good care of that yz80! 2 days ago school was cancelled due to snow, so I took my daughter sled riding. My other boy plays basket ball, wrestles, plays soccer, rides MX, track, cross country. I go to 3 out of 4 meets, or games. I hate basketball, but I go to his games anyhow.
In return my kids cut the grass, do certain chores, keep good grades, stay out of trouble. Its amazing what investing in your kids will give you in return......good kids and great memories :)
In time you will make enough money to by the bikes, go ride when you want, and race. For now, you can cross train on a mountain bike or BMX. Make the best of what you have. Unfortunatly, life doesnt always go your way.
Good luck

oldguy · Feb 2, 2002

Pit Monkey he will turn 14 in May

Gary B. · Feb 2, 2002

I just finished reading this entire thread only too see Patman come up with my basic answer. As a father of two boys, 12 & 16, I am reading this thread with great interest. U nfortunatly, you aren't going to be able to get your parents involved in the sport, so you'll have to look for another RESPONSIBLE adult to take you riding. Do any of your neighbors or friends at school ride? I've been approached by kids in your position, and have been thrilled to help out when I can. My parents were never involved in any of my hobbies when I was young and this was the course I wound up taking. Luckily, I chose the right friends to hang with, or the final outcome could have been a disaster. Parents should realize that children can get involved in things FAR more dangerous than dirt bikes!!! Whatever you do, don't whine to your parents, that will only turn them off more. Show them you are serious by working your butt off to pay your own way, creating your own oppurtunities, and getting decent results and personal satisfaction. Most importantly, get a job, work hard at it, stay out of trouble, and get good grades in school, and don't give your parents a reason to take it all away! Jeez! this thread hit home more than I thought! I think I'll call my parents to let them know this 42 year - old is doing better than the other three kids they DIDN'T give up on!:p

dell30rb · Feb 2, 2002

my parents wouldnt even haul our trailer down to the dealer to pick up my new bike, my uncle took me...he used to ride and he has an xr 200 that dosent work, but hes slowly (i saw its carb hanging on a hook in the wall) working on it. He still dosent ride off road that much anymore, but i may be able to bum a few rides with him.

Pit_Monkey · Feb 2, 2002

wow it sure was a great surprise to see all these results. most of the issues covered were things i had already thaught about on my own but itw as good to hear someone else say them to me. i am still workingon getting my parents to help with the gear but they said that timing is everything and its just not a good time for them to drop that kind of money. so i am still not sure whether it will work out or now but i am sitll hoping for the best.

Patman · Feb 2, 2002

Maybe you guys should quit hoping and do something. Wish in one hand and .....

Pit_Monkey · Feb 2, 2002

i am doing something, i work, and am thinking about a second job. also i will be buying my new bike next monday as long as it checks out at the dealer. the bike will come race ready and has everything i need to race, gas cans, bike stand, extra air filters, replacement parts...etc. i am wushing to get things ready in time for the upcoming season.

yzguy15 · Feb 3, 2002

Maybe you should sell your old bikes to get money for new gear.

Pit_Monkey · Feb 3, 2002

im selling the yz to buy my new bike, and im giving my 80 to my cousins so they can ride with me since they cant afford to buy a bike and want one desprately.

dell30rb · Feb 3, 2002

I though t the 98 yz was better than the 01 cr?

Pit_Monkey · Feb 3, 2002

Dont believe everything you read in the mx mags. their tests are such crap. if you noticed that they rated the yamahas the best bike ever for 98-01 and then they changed to suzuki for 02. personally i think that the hondas are very nice as well as the yamahas but im not a fan of the kawis or suzukis.another thing that they did was say that the honda motor is very weak. the dyno chart i saw said that it was right up there with the kawi and the yamaha. yet they said that the yamaha motor was on par witht he suzuki and the KTM yet they were ech different. they are very brand loyal and i dont feelt that they rate the bikes based on who they want to sell the most bikes not based on which bike is actually the best.;)

KDX220rm · Feb 3, 2002

Maybe if you served less whine with all that cheese, and quit being jealous of what your parents do with your sister and show them more respect, I bet they will change their minds and help you.

Its seems to me your failed to mention how you were getting the money to purchase the 01 CR125 before you sold your yz125? :silly:

Pit_Monkey · Feb 3, 2002

im getting a loan from a bank with my mom as the co signer. but im paying for all of it. btw im not whining nor am i a spoiled brat and i dont appritiate those comments.

Durt Cycler · Feb 3, 2002

:p Geez Rick you can be such a mean person when you don't get any butt :p

Pit_Monkey · Feb 3, 2002

yea really what is that all about.

KDX220rm · Feb 3, 2002

Ok, ok, HOLD THE BUS, or maybe WHERE'S THE FIRE???:o

I have been proven wrong about Pit_Monkey and right now, I am trying to amend our differences and will publicily admit that RICK has stuck his foot in his big mouth once again and it has come back to bite him on you know what. :uh:

I am sorry for jumping into conclusions about being a whinner Pit_Monkey and I hope we can be friends once again. :)

Durt Cycler · Feb 3, 2002

Geez can I be your friend Rick:ugg:

yz250roost · Feb 4, 2002

Hey guys my two cents are on the way here's my story,
When I was nine my Dad bought me and my bro a honda Trail 70 to share, well my bro wanted to persue baseball so the dirt bike end was my deal, All they bought me was a helmet and boots for my birthday...now I am 21 and own a 97 YZ 250 but what I did that some kids may be missing is the progression factor, you see you have to take small steps to get where you want to go don't try to take it all at once. after the trail 70 I bought a 72 Yamaha At 125 enduro bike for 125.00 I rode that for a couple years and sold the trail 70 and 125 for a 68 Yamaha DT1 And after I rode that for a couple more years and I saved up some money I bought an 86 Yz 250 I rode that for 6 years until last year when I bought the 97 YZ. I didn't have a great job to buy the 86 YZ but I just started saving and selling things that I didn't need anymore. So far my interest in riding is just my sport but things do rub off after a while onto the family memebers, try leaving any motocross magazines around the house to where your mom or dad might pick them up and look at them, just keep dedicated to proper maintanence of your bike and they will see responsibility, it WILL take a while but if you desire it enough you will take the time to build up their interest in the sport, well I know it doesn't help much because everyones experience is different but that's how it happened with me, so good luck man and just keep at it and things will change after a while.

KDX220rm · Feb 4, 2002

Good story YZ250roost. I think alot of us that had to work hard and save for our first bike really appreciated the effort it took.

I was the same way. My parents wouldn't let me have a ral bike until I graduated from high school. Yeah, we had a 1964 Yamaha50 street bike we bought from a neighbor that converted it over for motocross and thats what I learned on.

My parents made us ride the 50 in the lot behind the house, no where else on our 300 acre farm as the pastures where for the cattle, no tearing them up with a bike. Then when I graduated in 1979, I purchased a 1975 TS400 dual sport which lead to a 1985 XL350R, which lead to a 1994 DR350s, which lead to a 1997 KDX220 (first real dirtbike) and then a 2000 KTM250exc, and now I am also dual sporting again with a 2001 DRZ400s.

What Racing and Riding Teaches us!?!?!

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