By basic definition, Motocross is racing a specially designed motorcycle on a closed course, consisting of a variety of terains; uphill, downhill, corners, jumps, etc. All done in a specific amount of time with everyone trying for that elusive first place trophy.

...Racing... is for anyone from four to well over fifty years old. ...Tracks are either privately owned or belong to a club. These tracks are run in accordinance to the guidlines set by the [AMA or their local racing organization or club]... Each track has a different layout with its own uniqueness and special challenges.

Motocross is thrilling and exciting. It's about personal achievements, accepting defeat, and bouncing back to try again. It's a sport that truly involves the whole family, from grandparents to little brothers and sisters. It's about watching "little Runny-nose Rugrats" grow into mature young adults that any parent would be proud of. In fact, if you remove the racing part from motocross it could be mistaken as a giant family reunion or a picnic with two to three hundred of your best friends. Believe me, if you are lucky enough to be involved in this sport as long as I have you will have easily made this many friends and your family will definately become extended!

So whether you choose to jump in with both feet and become a racer, or a racer's parent, or a professional spectator as myself, remember to make new friends, have fun and enjoy racing and please pass the potato salad!

The World of Motocross

Motocross racing is one of the few spectator sports that really gives fans the unbeatable combination of sure-fire appeal. Thrills, excitement, color, speed, strategy and endurance are all presented in a natural panorama of nature.

While it may look simple to the onlooker, motocross competitors are athletes in the strictest sense of the word. A recent study conducted by the National Athletic Health Institute in California, in cooperation with Cycle Magazine, proved the amazing fitness and endurance that each of these young racers possess. Results of a series of fitness tests to 9 top motocrossers showed conclusively that these riders were the most physically fit athletes ever tested by the Institute.

In motocross, endurance is the key factor. Sheer strength alone is not enough to sustain a motocrosser for the many laps of relentless, random pounding that each track dishes out.

The study conducted by the NAHI included routine tests such as EKGs, blood samples, blood pressure checks, etc. Once these were completed, it was on to the more serious stuff. Heading the list was the treadmill test. By far and away the most strenuous on the list, this test provided the most data about each rider's general physical condition. Upper body strength was determined by a series of shoulder presses, bench presses and curling exercises. Leg strength was also measured in a number of ways. In addition, body flexibility, hand strength and situps were included. Finally, underwater weighing ascertained the amount of weight that was body fat and a skin-fold caliper test revealed the distribution of fat on the body.

The normal time on the treadmill for someone 21 or 22 years old is about 10 to 12 minutes. Tested motocross racers achieved times such as 17 minutes, 24 seconds.

However, while motocross truly tests athletes, it also serves to satisfy man's fascination with motors and wheels to which the traditional "stick and ball" sports cannot respond. Thus, motocross offers the best of two worlds.

Motocross racing actually originated in Europe after World War II. Moto is both French and Spanish for motorcycle and the cross came from Cross Country. Off-road races begain gaining popularity as the continent rebuilt after the ravages of the war. Today, motocross is one of Europe's major sporting attractions.

For us the sport is comparatively new, migrating to the United States in the late 1960's.

Motocross courses are normally laid out over natural terrain. Rocks, ruts, bumps and seemingly impossible inclines supplied by Mother Nature are obstacles on which the sport thrives.

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