Newbie

[Allensmom]

My son is only 10, but has a passion for dirtbikes and bmx. I wont lie he scares me to death with what he does. But im trying to find out if there are any local groups that train .. because he wants to train to be pro.. i live in eastern NC....if anyone knows anyone or anything i can do to get him started i would be great!!

[MCjunkie]

Does he have a dirtbike now? If not, do you plan to get him one? The best type of training he can do is on the bike, cutting lap after lap after lap and always trying to go faster on a track that is just a tad more difficult than his skill level.

[bprodoehl]

My nephew raced from the time he was 5 until he turned 10. when the freestyle BMX bug hit him hard. He was a very competitive racer winning several state titles (9) and was runner up in 6 other championships.(He never finished a season off the podium and yes I am overly proud)


We visited a trackside ambulance a few times but he was never hurt seriously enough to actually see a doctor. He might be beyond the MSF dirt school but I still recomend it as it will set him in the right direction.

here are some tips(from experience);

1. Buy a new or like new bike that fits him NOW not one that he will grow into. At 10 A 65cc bike is prolly the best choice(I prefer the Kawasaki/suzuki over the KTM as it is a little less rabid, and lower maintenance, a perfect tool for a learner)

2. Be prepared to upgrade to the next size bike as soon as he grows out of the current bike (for some kids you will need to watch the class rules for age if he is either taller or smaller than other kids his age at 11 he can ride both 65 and 80 at most tracks)

3.visit the local tracks on practice days and watch the participants and families closely, many tracks offer a 'kids only' day and this is a good time to meet other parents that you feel will be a positive influence on his life. Remember, its not all about winning, that comes with time and proper attitude.

4. while at the practice/ race you might also want to watch the faster aldult riders, many of these riders will be more than willing to help a kid get started or at least point him in the right direction. Ask around about Race Schools and ask the other racers for recomendations (my favorite question is to ask about what is taught, if they stress jumping politely walk away, look for the guy that stresses cornering and bike controll first, and the flashy stufff once the fundementals are mastered (I attended a Gary Semics school when Gary was still teaching and sent my nephew to one that was operated under and endorsed by semics-dont know if he still teaches)

5. Practice alot (2-3 times a week at a track if possible, have him take breaks when he starts to ride 'sloppy' and set aside 'goof off' time seperate from the serious practice.

My nephew was lucky in that he had 2 uncles that raced and one of my best friends was a pro racer in the early to mid seventies (and can still run with the fast guys at 53!)


the most important thing is for the motocross to be a fun and positive sport. Dont put too much importance on winning (but dont do the tball thing where everyones a winner either )


PS get all top quality equipment that fits NOW and plan to replace regularly. the kids cant learn to ride properly on a bike that doesn't fit and safety gear that doesn't fit cant do its job.

motocross can be a very expensive sport (esp starting out) but it can be a great confidence booster and family experience.

[Allensmom]

Yes he has a dirtbike. He has been riding since he was 6.


Does he have a dirtbike now? If not, do you plan to get him one? The best type of training he can do is on the bike, cutting lap after lap after lap and always trying to go faster on a track that is just a tad more difficult than his skill level.

[Allensmom]

Thanks for all the great advice. We already have all the gear and bikes.. our whole family rides for fun. I homeschool Allen.. so he rides everyday he can. I am just having trouble finding a local track.. we live on 32 acres and he rides around here... but he is wanting to train and start taking it a bit more serious.


My nephew raced from the time he was 5 until he turned 10. when the freestyle BMX bug hit him hard. He was a very competitive racer winning several state titles (9) and was runner up in 6 other championships.(He never finished a season off the podium and yes I am overly proud)


We visited a trackside ambulance a few times but he was never hurt seriously enough to actually see a doctor. He might be beyond the MSF dirt school but I still recomend it as it will set him in the right direction.

here are some tips(from experience);

1. Buy a new or like new bike that fits him NOW not one that he will grow into. At 10 A 65cc bike is prolly the best choice(I prefer the Kawasaki/suzuki over the KTM as it is a little less rabid, and lower maintenance, a perfect tool for a learner)

2. Be prepared to upgrade to the next size bike as soon as he grows out of the current bike (for some kids you will need to watch the class rules for age if he is either taller or smaller than other kids his age at 11 he can ride both 65 and 80 at most tracks)

3.visit the local tracks on practice days and watch the participants and families closely, many tracks offer a 'kids only' day and this is a good time to meet other parents that you feel will be a positive influence on his life. Remember, its not all about winning, that comes with time and proper attitude.

4. while at the practice/ race you might also want to watch the faster aldult riders, many of these riders will be more than willing to help a kid get started or at least point him in the right direction. Ask around about Race Schools and ask the other racers for recomendations (my favorite question is to ask about what is taught, if they stress jumping politely walk away, look for the guy that stresses cornering and bike controll first, and the flashy stufff once the fundementals are mastered (I attended a Gary Semics school when Gary was still teaching and sent my nephew to one that was operated under and endorsed by semics-dont know if he still teaches)

5. Practice alot (2-3 times a week at a track if possible, have him take breaks when he starts to ride 'sloppy' and set aside 'goof off' time seperate from the serious practice.

My nephew was lucky in that he had 2 uncles that raced and one of my best friends was a pro racer in the early to mid seventies (and can still run with the fast guys at 53!)


the most important thing is for the motocross to be a fun and positive sport. Dont put too much importance on winning (but dont do the tball thing where everyones a winner either )


PS get all top quality equipment that fits NOW and plan to replace regularly. the kids cant learn to ride properly on a bike that doesn't fit and safety gear that doesn't fit cant do its job.

motocross can be a very expensive sport (esp starting out) but it can be a great confidence booster and family experience.

[Nocturnal]

Are you anywhere close to Hickory? I have a friend in that area that might be able to help.

[Godzuki]

i wish you were closer as the 2 of you would morethan likely beable to join my motocross club. all sound advist above. i would also get him into trail riding, as it will help with his endurance the only drawback is you should have him ride with a adult. i can pont you in the dirtection of 2 very good web sites dedicated to dirtbikes, on both of these sites they have regional sections you should look at. there should be more than one person there willing to point you in the right direction and maybe even a few people that would be willing to take your son out trail riding. this may require a few extra things added to his bike, like a long rang tank if they offer that or a container for the extra fuel, and some hand guards. if you lived closer to MI i would be more than willing to take him with me up north riding or even to the track.

here is the first web site this is called dirt rider .net i am also on here with the same screen name godzuki.

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/index.php?

here is the second i am also godzuki on here aswell

http://www.thumpertalk.com/

[PrettyEye]

I have a quick response.

You should check out your district's AMA club and promoting activities for NC.

Here is the link:
http://www.amadirectlink.com/clubs/result.asp?R1=B&SearchStateSelect1=NC&submit=Go

It may be worthwhile to send them emails and see what comes back. You learning more about those AMA sanctioned events will give you the direction you may need. And then at some point, get your son an AMA membership.

[djewell]

If he started riding at 6 and is now 10 he has the fundamentals of the bike down pact. He needs to attend a profesionaly directed racing school to break any bad habbits he might have developed. Travel may or may not be required. Does he want to ride motocross or endurance/hair scamble?