08/01/10- Central Village & Mechanical Failure!

This race day started off great! I arrived at Central Village nice and early and met up with my friends Scott, Dennis, and Paul in the pits. We walked the track and it looked sweet! I was pumped for an exciting day of riding!

My 1st two motos were ok- a 4th and 5th place finish. Then in the second half of the day, I took a crash in my 200 class in the whoops section. This bothered the hell out of me. The reason being- I struggled in this section earlier in the day with suspension issues. So I talked to my tech guy Bill over at C-Cycle suspension. I explained how the bike was swapping. He adjusted my suspension and I was good to go... so I thought.

On the 2nd lap in the whoop section, the bike swapped and I went over the bars. In retrospect, I think the adjustments to the suspension were correct, I probably just didn't time the whoops correctly and as a result, I landed on my ass!

So I finished the moto (I don't even know what place). And I was pissed! I remember I was nashing my teeth and for the first time in a while, I felt like putting my foot right through the door of a port-a-potty! BUT... I stayed calm.

So my next moto comes up, and man I am ready to shred the track and prove that I am better than any other rider. So I get my gate position and go to start my bike. And here is where it gets worse...

The bike won't start!!! I am kicking this thing until I am blue in the face and nothing! Then the 30 second board goes up and I wave frantically for the starter to stop the race and he sees me after waving my hands in the air like an idiot. He gives me some additional time to get the bike started, but I kick and kick and nothing. It was dead, and the race was over.

I pulled back from the gate and almost cried. I watched my class launch from the concrete and I was devastated. You know what I learned that day? For starters, you never really appreciate something until it gets taken away from you. Not being able to race that moto was disheartening.

It turned out later on that week that the problem was my ignition box (CDI). It was heavily damaged. When I had crashed in the prior moto, I must have damaged the box.

So in conclusion, mechanical problems happen and this race was not meant to be.

-Patrick

Crow Hill- 7/25/10

This was one of the hottest races of the year! It ended up being in the 90's and incredibly humid. It was clear and sunny and rained like hell in the afternoon. Despite the hot and humid weather, I took a 4th and 5th place finish in the C and the Open classes, respectively.

The bike ran well and I just tried to stay cool in the shade. Although that is kind of tough when you don't have your EZ-Up canopy with you! I tried to avoid a 3rd degree sunburn in the pits between my motos. It wasn't easy sweating like crazy in the pits with plenty of dust in the air.

This race event was fun, but I think the heat got to my head. At the end of the day I was just glad to get the hell out of there and take a cold shower!

-Patrick

Practice, Practice, Practice!!! 07/11/10

July 11th was the only day during the NESC race season where there was no scheduled race. I woke up Sunday morning and it was kind of weird not being up at the crack of dawn getting ready to head out to a race track. Instead, I slept in until about 8AM, had a nice breakfast, and then got the bike ready for some heavy-duty practice.

My good friend Dan and I along with a few others set out for some practice at a private track a couple of towns over from my house. At first, I just practiced laps around the track. But I kept thinking about how much practice I needed on cornering. So instead of just doing laps, I got Dan to help me out with sections.

For about 2 hours with Dan's help, I just worked on cornering. It was hot and humid as hell, but I didn't care! I wanted to improve my cornering skills and take it up a notch. I knew from Jolly Rogers that if I had been able to rail some of the turns I could have finished in the Top 5.

So we practiced 3 corners over and over again. I learned to stand up longer and only sit after the bike went over the very last bump before the corner. This helped me get the bike seated correctly before the turn and not get that unwanted bounce. Dan was awesome at telling me when to sit down on the bike as he stood on the edge of the corner and signaled to me to sit.

I also learned that aside from sitting too much, to be in the attack position! Elbows up, head low, chin up, and using my head to point the bike to where I want it to go. After a few runs, this worked great! It felt like in one motion I would go from standing to sitting, to turning, and then to exiting the corner- all smoothly and quickly. It felt way more natural than what I was doing before.

I can't wait to try these new skills out on Sunday!!! I am definitely sure that they will help shave a couple of seconds off my lap times. Corners, Corners, Corners!!!! And I owe Dan dinner for all the help!!!!

-Patrick

Jolly Rogers- Back on The Saddle! 07/04/10

Before the race that was about to take place at my favorite track (Jolly Rogers) this Sunday, I spent a couple of days recovering from my crash at Middleboro last Sunday (both mentally and physically). It took me a while to get over the fact that during one of the few opportunities that I had to impress my parents, I ended up crashing! And crashing right in front of them! That was a blow to the ego that hit me hard. But by Wednesday, my legs were feeling pretty good and my head was clear again. I was ready to redeem myself.

It was in the 90’s at Jolly’s on Sunday and I spent two days prior just focusing on hydrating my body and getting race ready. I kicked ass. I did the 200+ class and the open class instead of the vet class. In the open class I finished 6^th- and beat the #1 championship points rider!!! I took 6^th overall in the 200 class. Usually I wouldn’t be this excited over a pair of 6^th place finishes, but you know what, after my crash last Sunday, and competing in much larger classes this Sunday, I was pleased with my 6^th place finishes.

It was a well needed confidence booster man. After last week’s crash, I needed to be able to get back on the saddle and feel fast and rebuild my confidence. And that is just what I did.

Til next time,

Patrick

Middleboro- A Bad Day 06/27/10

This past Sunday’s race at Middleboro was probably one of the more challenging days of my racing career. I was a bit nervous and uptight since Monday. I was uptight because I knew my mom and dad, and my oldest sister, and my two nieces, and two of my closest friends would be there to spectate. I was concerned because the last thing about motocross that mom and dad remembered was my awful crash at a track up in Maine that caused me to crush my right heel bone. That was about 10 years ago. And Sunday would be the first race that they would be brave enough to go and watch me race.

So to say, I was nervous, I think that would actually be an understatement. I was almost sick to my stomach to know that of all days, today just had to go really well. My first two motos were great. I got 1^st in one class and 7^th in the other. They saw both of them and were very happy. Then came the second half…

The gate drops and I had a beautiful start right out in front with another racer to my left. We both approach a large spectator table-top jump (right in front of where my parents were sitting) and then catastrophe strikes. Although I hit the jump straight on, the guy to my left hits it at an angle pointed at me! We make contact in mid-air and we landed, my front tire touched his rear tire and then it was all over. We crashed hard and I blacked out. I hit my head so hard on the dirt it fractured my helmet. I cracked my chest protector, my goggles, and ended up taking a chunk out of my Asterisk knee braces.

So when the dust settled, I stood up and saw stars. My mom and dad were yelling to see if I was okay, which I turned to my dad and gave him the thumbs up. I was in a lot of pain but got back on the bike and tried to finish the race. Unfortunately my clutch lever was meshed into the bars and I was forced to pull off the track.

I learned a lot that day. I learned that it really pays to have all the protective gear you can get. The gear I was wearing- my Leatt brace, my knee braces, my HRP chest protector, my Arai helmet, and my Tech 10’s saved my ass! I am very grateful to those companies who developed outstanding products that allowed a guy like me to sustain a crash like this and be able to walk away.

As for mom and dad, they actually dealt with the whole situation pretty well. They felt kind of bad, but knew I was okay and that this was just a freak accident. I on the other hand felt good that I wasn’t badly hurt, but felt really bad that of all days, they had to see me crash. I really wanted to put on a stellar show and felt as though I failed. But, I’m strong and I’ll get over it. That which does not kill me makes me stronger.

See you Sunday,

Patrick

#176

Crow Hill- 06/20/10

I love this track! I feel totally at home with it. Maybe its because I'm from Mass, or the fact that its in a real country setting and it sits well with me. Either way, I truly enjoy what Crow Hill has to offer!

On this particular Sunday it was hot and humid. Real humid. I ended up taking a 1st place in one of my classes and a 7th in my other. I was kind of dissapointed with that finish. But considering that my two classes were back to back without a break, I was just focused on finishing the race!

It was grueling. I just did 6 laps in one moto, finished, and then had to go to the starting gate and do another 6 laps in my other moto! Thankfully my friend Dan was at the gate with a gallon of water and clean goggles for me. I drank 1/2 the gallon, and poured the rest down my jersey! I needed to cool off quickly before I overheated.

Til next time,
Patrick

06-13-10 Central Village

This was a challenging day. I can't think of any other way to put it. I headed down to Central Village at 5:30AM on Sunday morning and was greeted by lots of rain on the way. I got to the track to find the place a complete mess. Mud, puddles, and a very greasy track is what I found as I walked the course wearing my nike air max 360's!

My mind was in race mode and I was prepared mentally for the day of racing, yet I felt a bit off. I felt unusually tense and stressed. My first moto, well, basically sucked. I finished 6th and was not pleased to say the least. But then, I went out and took 3rd and only a hair away from 2nd. That made me happier. Then in my other class I got a dead-last start and finished like 9th out of 15. I felt awful and depressed.

Then... I raced my last moto, and got a lousy start again, gained on a few riders, then crashed in a right hand corner on the second lap. That was it man. I was pissed off and spent. I got on the bike, and caught two guys that passed me but finished 10th out of 15 overall. I was bummed out...

So in conclusion, I ended up picking up 2 promotional points in one of my classes. This now puts me at 15 promotional points for the season- exactly half of the number of points I need to get promoted. I have my sights set on that goal. Lesson learned, I guess in racing there are good days and there are bad days. And sometimes getting first place every time just isn't in the cards. But my heart and soul is in this game and I already can't wait for next Sunday!!!!!!!!!

Till next time,
Patrick
#176

MX101- 06-10-10- A Wet Day of Racing!

3" of rain, 50 MPH winds, and me and three guys trying to hold the EZ-up canopy from blowing away into another galaxy! That's how I can best describe today's racing.

I got to the track a little after 7AM and it was still dry out. As soon as I started unloading, it started to sprinkle. So I hustled up and threw up the EZ-up as fast as I could. Withing 30 minutes it started to come down heavily. "Great," I thought to myself knowing that this hard-packed track turns incredibly greasy with just the slightest bit of water. But we were about to get more than that! By 1PM, it started to come down like cats and dogs!

Lucky for me I was able to get in my first moto, take the holeshot, and finish 2nd. I would have run the race but I stalled the bike in one of the corners. FRUSTRATING!!!! I watched the other riders go by me as I struggled to get my Honda started again. Finally, I was back up and running. And what was probably just as enjoyable as the holeshot, was that I caught all but one rider that had passed me while I was stalled. And if the race was just one more lap, he would have been done!

So then comes the rain- thankfully after my moto. And it didn't stop! Literally we were standing in 3" of water and struggling to hold down the EZ-up. I was laughing my ass off and so wasn't my team manager- Dan, and friends Daryl (former NESC expert), and George. It was quite the site- 4 guys holding the canopy, 1 on top of the cooler holding the roof down, me holding down one side, George holding an umbrella to protect my back from the exposed winds and rain, and Dan holding down another side! I swear the water accumulated so fast it felt like a ship sinking. And then... they called the race. Not a bad decision! I was glad to leave and get home and into some dry clothes!

Till next time,

Patrick

Crow Hill MX- 05-22

This has gotta be one of the best, professionally run tracks in the circuit! Crow Hill rocks! The whole layout- from parking, to cycling through classes with minimal delays, right down to the quality of the trophies- this place gets it!

I went to Crow Hill MX park in Baldwinville, MA for the first time this past Saturday. I wanted to get in a quick practice before I raced there on Sunday. I'm glad I did! I got a good feel for the lines and layout which helped build up the confidence for Sunday's race. Although I took a crash during practice, I still rode on and figured out some of the lines.

I left practice feeling really good but I was a bit concerned with the starting gate area and the uphill slope to the first turn. My rear tire was pretty worn down and I felt as though when the gate drops I will probably experience a lot of wheel spin giving me a lousy launch. So I made a judgement call and threw on my brand new Michelin Starcross rear tire. Smart move....

Sunday came around and in my very first moto I pulled a holeshot! It was pretty cool being out there in the front of the pack all alone! I am glad I threw on the new rear tire as I could feel it hook up so well on the start!

In sum, I took 1st overall in the 30+ class and 6th overall in the 200+ class. I would have done a lot better if I didn't screw up a start in the 1st moto of this class, but what can I say- stuff happens!

It was a great day of racing and again, I was sooooo impressed with how professionally run this track is! So check it out when you can. They are open for practice T/TH/S.

Until next time,

Patrick

Central Village- May 16th

The track at Central Village ROCKS! Its technical yet a lot of fun and has much too offer. This was my first race there and I was really eager to check it out. I found it to be a mix of loom and sand- pretty soft for the most part. The track had a mix of everything!

From cool jumps (and a really cool step-down) to a nice rhythm section, to a lot of tight corners, this place had the best of everything. One thing that I noticed almost immediately was the importance of knowing your lines at this track. I never realized the importance of lines until I raced here...

It seemed like that in almost every corner the inside and outside lines merged together within a few feet of the exit of the corner. In most corners, you leave the turn and get some distance down the track before the lines merge if at all. At Central, this is not the case. The inside and outside lines merge almost immediately. So if you take the outside, you'll find yourself bumping into the guy who took the inside very quickly...it makes you think ahead.

Because of this, I also noticed that a good solid start is key to winning at this track. Both times I got out front and that helped me big time. Having to get past traffic on this track is that much more challenging especially considering that it is a very narrow track. If you can get out front fast in the moto, you will do well.

So as the day winded down, I lucked out and avoided all the crashes and took 5th overall. Not bad for a new track. I just want to work more on cornering and gearing. I definitely think I should bump up the rear sprocket 1-2 teeth to bring 3rd gear into a more usable range.

See you Sunday,

Patrick

Jolly Rogers- 05-09-10

We arrived at Jolly Rogers in Lempster New Hampshire at 8AM... it was 31 degrees! But the temperature was no suprise or dissapointment. I had practiced at MotoTown (the indoor track in CT) at temperatures looming around 29 degrees. I was glad that I practiced in cold temps before arriving at Jolly's. That practice helped me out a lot.

Not only was it cold, but it had rained the entire day before. So, it was freezing cold and the track was very wet and muddy. Not the most favorable conditions, but thats racing for you, and as a racer, you have to expect anything mother nature dishes out.

My first moto was somewhat of a nightmare. I jumped the gate too soon which resulted in a bad start. Then to make matters worse, I crashed in a corner because it was so muddy. The corner was like a greased cookie sheet with a foot of shit on top and of course I crashed in it...

Despite the bad start and crash, one thing that I was most impressed with- I stayed so calm in that moto. In the past, I would have been in panic mode- all upset, flipping out, and not thinking straight. This time, I stayed calm and cool and finished the moto. I guess I have finally learned how to deal with the situation at hand...

As for the second moto- it ROCKED! I had one of the best starts ever- almost a clean holeshot. It was beautiful and natural. I pinned it out of the gate and was upfront going into the corner with just one rider next to me. This start was flawless and made me smile....

I ended up finishing 3rd and picked up 3 points in my class along with a trophy. Not a bad day. And after my last moto, we packed up in less than 5 minutes and got the hell out of there!!! I was frozen, wet, cold, and wanted to warm up with a hot shower!

Another AWESOME day at the track!

Till next time,

Patrick

Southwick- MX-338

I decided to do my first race of the season this past Sunday. And why not do it at one of the nation's top motocross tracks! Yup- I raced Southwick, MA. It was hot as hell- 86 degrees and very sunny all day long. I raced the 30+ class and finished 7th in the qualifier and 6th in the main event. Not bad for the first time racing in 9 years...

I gotta be honest though... even considering that I have been practicing all winter long and I consider myself in excellent physical shape, racing Southwick was one of the most brutally physically-challenging things I have ever done! And I'm not one to complain, but in all honesty, the track was beat to death and it was hotter than hell! We're talking massive braking and acceleration bumps throughout the whole course. There wasn't one section of the track where I could give my arms or legs a break. It was non-stop, hold on to your ass, and do everything you can to make it through this type riding... and I somehow did it- two 15 minute motos.

And I'm hooked! I can't wait until next Sunday to race Jolly Rogers in NH! I'm pumped and ready to go win a trophy. Sunday couldn't come soon enough...

See you at the track,

Patrick