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

32 Minute Moto!!!!

I honestly can tell you that I am incredibly proud of my riding this past weekend. I did something that I didn't think I could do. Its not all that often that I toot my own horn, but seriously.... I am sooooo proud of what I accomplished this weekend.

I rode two tracks this weekend- Jolly Rogers MX park in Lempster, NH on Saturday and a private track on Sunday. It was the perfect weekend. Two days of perfect riding and two nights of campfires in the backyard. Man- what a weekend!!!! Saturday- I was in my groove. I went to Jolly Rogers and just tore it up!!!! I rode real fast and very consistent. That track rocks! Its fast, fun, and feels like a roller coaster! When you have to ride over obstacles called "Suicide Hill" you know you have to have your nuts screwed on tight! It was 9 years ago since I last rode there. The sand section is the best part- 4th gear pinned all the way!!!! It was a good day- good practice, and good flat-track cornering skills were worked on. Well needed.

Then came Sunday. I thought Sunday would be more relaxing- a private track with just my friend Dan. No hard core racing or pressure. I was sadly mistaken! After watering and grooming the track, we set out on a mission. Both of us are in TOP physical shape and what we did on Sunday was put our bodies to the test!

We ended up doing a 32 minute moto! No bullshit- its the truth- 32 minutes on the track! For those of you not into MX, 32 minutes on a track without break is something to be proud of. Most experts only race 20-25 minutes.

The two of us went out there just full speed ahead and by the time we stopped, I had more stuff coming out of my nose and mouth than I care to share! We rode hard, yet it was a blast! I had sooo much fun with Dan behind me closing the gap. I stayed relaxed and calm and had fun! This was one of the best motos I think I ever had. And it was really cool to have another friend- Rob- time us. 2 minutes and 50 seconds a lap (its a BIG track).

Anyways, I went home feeling real proud. Both for me and Dan. We worked our asses off in that moto and never gave up. Its days like this that truly make me LOVE this sport so very much.

Talk to you soon,

Patrick

Twin Air- Filter Cleaner

I just want to say that Twin Air filter cleaner rocks!!!! This stuff is absolutely amazing! I'll be honest.... I used to use pure gasoline on my filters while cleaning them. They came out great, but the mess left behind was something else. Honestly, when I used gas on my air elements, I was left with this black, nasty liquid shit that looked like a baby alien was about to hatch out of it. And to make it worse, I would throw the stuff out in the woods leaving me wondering what kind of damage that just did to the ground. But I've changed now...

I picked up a quart of Twin Air filter cleaner. I thought I was buying a liquid solvent but it turns out that the stuff is actually white granules. You mix a few tablespoons of this with very hot water, and let the filter soak in the solution for a while. The results are amazing- a perfectly clean looking filter. The dirt gets dissolved quickly- even the heavy nasty, grimy dirt clears from the element. And the best part- its environmentally friendly when you dump the dirty water. Well, somewhat environmentally friendly- not nearly as bad as gasoline.

So next time you buy air filter cleaner, go with the good stuff- buy Twin Air Filter Cleaner!

-Patrick

30TH Birthday- What A Weekend!

There are good weekends and then there are just awesome weekends! This past Saturday and Sunday were action-packed and non-stop days! The weekend was wrapped around riding and celebrating my 30th birthday! We're talking partying, limo rides, getting silly-stringed in the middle of the night, fireworks, champagne, and of course- riding!

So to kick things off, much of Saturday morning was spent at John's house grooming his track. The place came out awesome! John brought in a dozer and bobcat to do the job and the track came out sick. The corners look like something you would see at Southwick. It was fun helping groom the track while the equipment did the heavy work. And to change it up a bit, John put in a pretty cool double before a right-hander corner which made that section much more fun than the old beaten-down whoops. Plus all the jumps got some nice "face-lifts." Any time spent out on a track, whether riding it or working on it, is a good time!





And after that, it was all a big blur!... I woke up on Sunday morning pretty hung over. And yet I committed to my friends to ride at MX101. So after yacking a few times, I got in the truck and somehow managed to get to the track. I then rode there just for a little bit, and then went to John's track afterwards to ride there as well.

John's track rocked! I had enough steam for a couple of decent motos, but then got so fatigued I could barely ride the bike during the last moto. It was time to call it a weekend. I don't know how I managed to ride being so hung over but I did it. I had a bad headache, the chills, and felt like crap, but I rode and that's all that matters! And... I was 30!

Til next time,

Patrick

A FREEZING Practice in Maine!

It was 21 degrees when I left the house to head to the track! A beautiful, sunny, blue-sky Saturday morning, except when I looked at the outdoor thermometer, it read "21." So I thought to myself, "Am I nuts to be going riding knowing that it would only hit about 34 degrees for a high!!!?"

I got to MX207, stepped out of the truck, and actually felt pretty good despite the cold temperature. After all, it was pretty sunny out which helped out a lot. And on the plus side, because it was so cold, the track was pretty quiet.

Although the bike ran kind of funny due to the cold (lets just say the idle speed was way off and flames were practically shooting out from the pipe), I rode pretty good. My fingers kept going numb while using the levers, but other than that, it was business as usual. One thing that I set out to accomplish was doubling through a rhythm section that I was losing speed in. Goal accomplished- I stepped it up an easily cleared the small back-to-back doubles which made me much quicker in that section. Its amazing how much time you can save when you handle obstacles in a way that they were meant to be handled...

So in sum, although it was pretty cold all day, I got in some good practice laps and made some decent progress. When I left the track, I felt very proud of how much I have accomplished so far. I want to keep this momentum and confidence going.

Til next time,

Patrick

MX207 in March!

So after a whole week of hearing how awesome the weather was going to be on Saturday (the weather guy was forecasting 70 degrees), I was pretty pumped about going riding! My friend Dan and I decided to head up to MX207 in Maine. This is a SWEET motocross track in Lyman, Maine- about 1.5 hours north of my house (http://www.mx207.com/).

This track is not only fun, but fast! It has a nice mix of jumps, sweeping berms, tight corners, fast straights, and fun tabletops. Its a big track that can allow me to really open up the CRF. At one point, in 4th gear down a straight, I felt as though I was riding my street bike! I couldn't remember the last time, I opened up the bike that much.

Now the thing about this track- it seems like whenever it rains, even if it rains like 5 weeks ago- the track is unusually wet. Now considering it is still only March, and this was the the first weekend the track was open, I assumed that it would be wet, wet like swamp-wet. Boy, was I wrong...

I arrived at 10:30AM, only to find the track in PERFECT condition. Literally, the whole course was in beautiful shape. It was completely dry- to the point where they actually had the sprinklers running! It felt like a Summer's day, yet it was only March- what a great taste of an early summer!

From 11AM to about 3:30, I got in several motos and had a lot of fun. I did well in the corners and on the tabletops. I need to work on mastering one double, and need to work on doubling a rhythm section that was bothering me throughout the day. I know I can double through that section, I think its the timing of the doubles that I have got to overcome. If I can master that section, I'll save a good 2 seconds or so off my lap times. Practice, Practice, Practice...

Anyways, it was a great riding day and a lot of fun trying to catch my friend Dan- an NESC Amateur. I noticed that its much easier for me to go faster when he's behind me than to try to keep up with his pace while behind him. I also learned that when a racer is on your tail and you go into a corner, you better take the fastest line! Whether its the inside line or outside line, don't give it away! Know the fastest lines in that particular corner and close the door on your competition. In this case, I took the inside line, and Dan took the outside. It turned out, the inside line sucked! There was no line! So I braked hard, lost all my momentum, and in the meantime, Dan railed the outside berm and while exiting, he blasted past me. I didn't stand a chance! Lesson learned- know your lines on the course!

Till next time,

Patrick

Spring Training

After a day of doing a whole bunch of work around the yard, I decided to call it quits and go to the local mall. I needed a change of scenery, plus I started freezing my ass off being outside all day. As you can tell, I didn't go riding... it was just too cold out and too rainy to rip it up on the Honda.

So I find myself at the mall, but I honestly don't need anything. Then I walk into a sporting goods store and that's when it clicked! I thought to myself, "What can I buy to make me more ready for the upcoming motocross season? What will make me stronger and faster?" Then, all of a sudden- like a kid in a candy shop- I see the "As Seen On TV" Xtreme Upper Body Work-Out Bar! For $44 I could have this crazy looking all-in-one pull-up/chin-up bar that would get me ripped abs, biceps & tri's within days!!!! This is that thing that you somehow mount to a door frame and can do crazy pull-ups on it. I was SOLD!

I checked out with the upper body bar and decided to pickup a Pro Hand Grip exerciser while I was there (that's the thing that helps build hand and forearm muscles). Now here's the funny part- when I was checking out, the cashier hinted that I would be better off just carrying out the Upper Body Bar because she didn't have a bag large enough for it. Ummmm- no. There was no way I was going to walk through the whole Mall carrying an "As Seen On TV" Upper Body Workout Bar!!!! Sorry, no way, not happening! Maybe I am too uptight of a guy, but shit, I just felt like as though anyone that saw me would say, "what a moron- he actually felt for that gimmick!" But for whatever reason, I knew this thing would help me train for motocross. And, I never joined a gym, so I needed something else aside from the weight bench and running all the time...

I get home, put it together (which I was most impressed by its quality) and use it for the very first time. THIS THING IS SICK!!!! Sick in an awesome way. Honestly, if you have $44 go out any buy one. Buy one RIGHT NOW. I did pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, and push-ups with my new toy. I felt my muscles getting worked really hard. I especially loved the dips. They were painful, but I could literally feel my muscles getting worked like they have never worked before.

After my workout, I was really happy. I was happy the $44 was a good investment and I was very happy knowing I have another tool in the drawer to make me stronger and more ready for motocross. I feel pumped and healthy having the Upper Body Workout Bar, running almost every other day for 3-5 miles, doing bench presses, and human-chairs (find a wall in your house, put your back flush against it and slide your back down until your body feels like a chair with your legs square to the floor. Then hold that position for as long as you can. You'll feel the burn in your calf & quad muscles like you never felt before!).

So until next time, happy training!

First 2010 Ride Outdoors

I can't believe it- this past Sunday- March 7th, I actually got to ride outside for the first time this year! The mercury rose up to 57 degrees making it perfect to get outdoors and get some practice in on the bike. I never thought that I would be riding outside in New England this early in the year! I mean honestly- the ground usually still has at least two feet of snow on it!

But not this year... its been unusually warm and I'm taking advantage of it. Myself and my best friend loaded up the CRF and headed over to Dover, NH for some practice. Dover is a pretty beat-down, whooped out old sand pit. Actually, when I think about it, the whole track is a giant whoop. It gives you nasty arm pump and really works the hell out of your quads. But enough whining- its a good place to get some laps in. Plus its all sandy and I figured this time of year its probably one of only a few places that would not be muddy- and we were right. The track was great for March.

So aside from banging out some laps, I worked on starts and cornering. My bud was good enough to draw a line in the sand (the starting gate) and to hold a stick in the air (the 30 second board) and then drop the stick to the side (5 seconds) before our imaginary gate dropped. It wasn't all that technical, but it did the job. Its a lot different starting on dirt/sand versus a concrete pad. Anyways it was good practice and I got a good feel for my dirt starts.

As far as the cornering goes- I worked on not using the rear brake like I used to and actually totally avoided using it while going into the turns. It made me faster and eventually I didn't feel as though I even needed it. I guess its just something I need to adapt too. I think before I was relying on the rear brake too much and it was robbing all my momentum. I feel quicker now and I think I will get past the learning curve fairly quickly...

-Patrick

Moto Town & My New Leatt Brace

Yesterday was an awesome riding day! It was beautiful out (in the high 40's) and sunny for the first time in a long time. Seriously though- we have had nothing but gloomy overcast rainy days for the last 15 days in New Hampshire. So to see the sun and to know I was going riding was a damn good feeling!!! Myself and a few of my buddies decided to head down to Moto Town in the afternoon. What a great way to break in the weekend!

Aside from the nice weather, and that it was Friday, I was really excited about wearing my new Leatt brace for the first time! I bought my GPX Club brace off Ebay and couldn't wait to try it out. It was cool wearing it around the house for a few days, but I was itching to wear it on the track!

So after gearing up in the pits, I headed out onto the track dawning the new neck brace. I was most impressed with how comfortable it was. I honestly didn't even know I was wearing my new Leatt. It was very conforming and it fit nicely with my HRP chest protector. Once I had put it on, I pretty much forgot that I was wearing it. I like knowing that I have more protection in the event of a crash and honestly that sense of security was worth the $265...

In addition to the weather being great, and being very happy with the new Leatt brace, I felt really comfortable on the bike. It took me a couple of motos to warm up, but once I got going, I got into a real nice rhythm. No stalls, no crashes, and no close calls. I focused on braking and finishing braking before entering corners and noticed a significant improvement. As I entered each corner, I kept telling myself, "Get your damn foot off the rear brake and nail the throttle!" I think a big cornering problem of mine was the fact that I would not finish all the braking before the corner. Instead I would hold down the rear brake well after entering the corner and only release the brake as I exited the turn. I go much faster finishing braking before the turn, carrying momentum to the apex, and then blasting the throttle on the way out...

I also worked on brake-sliding going into hairpin rutted inside corners. I felt as though I was totally on my game when it came to these. There's a tight left-hander inside corner after the whoops section and I kept nailing it in a fast and smooth manner. The key is to make sure you line up both of your tires in the rut as you enter the turn and to use the front brake/tire to pivot. Its still a work in progress but I'm getting there.

Don't get me wrong, I still have lots of room for improvement, but last night at the track, everything just clicked. I felt relaxed, smooth, and noticed some improvements that really boosted my confidence.

Before I got to the track I did stiffen up my rear suspension (compression- hi & low was gradually increased) and that helped out a lot. And I raised both my clutch and front brake levers up which helped me with improved body positioning over the handlebars. I do think that if I went up 1-2 more teeth on the rear sprocket I would be in the "bread and butter" range of the gearing for my riding level on my bike. Going from a 48 to a 49 helped, but 1-2 more teeth I think would do just the trick.

Anyways, it was a really good time both on and off the track. I'm thinking that if we luck out and have an early Spring, the next time I throw my leg over the CRF it might be at an outdoor track...

-Patrick

Spring is Almost Here!

Its no secret, I love to ride! But living in New Hampshire can be really challenging when the season comes to an abrupt end come late Fall. The last day I rode was December 4th- pretty damn late for a New England MX'er!!! Myself and my bud Dan rode until the snow started sticking to the track that afternoon. I honestly think we were probably the VERY last two motocross guys riding dirt bikes that late in the season.

So how did I feel after that day- good that I got to ride, but real sad that the season was finished. Reality had set in... I thought to myself, "Damn... it will be nearly five months before I get to ride again..." But not so fast! I didn't like the idea of going through a whole full winter without throwing my leg over my CRF 450. So what did I do to combat the awful freezin' cold winter? Myself and a few close riding buddies started signing up at this indoor motocross track down in Connecticut. Yea, its two hours away- but worth every minute of the ride- seriously, this place ROCKS! So far we have gone down there three times (including a week night when I was actually crazy enough to drive 4 hours to ride for one hour!). Now thats dedication (or just completely NUTS)!

The place is called MotoTown (www.nesupercross.com) and I'm lovin' everything about it! Its fun, its jumpy, its technical, but most importantly- its getting me more seat time. And the more practice I get, the faster I become. I plan on going down this Friday (03/05) which will make this my 4th trip of the Winter. Being able to ride in the frigid months of Winter is kind of weird, but so awesome! I just think of how much of an advantage I'll have come race season over the guys who sat their fat asses on the couch all winter!!!!

Anyways, its now March 1st, and I am itchin to ride more than anything. I truly can't wait to get outside and RIP it up. Spring is almost here and although I'm pumped about riding at the indoor track on Friday, I'm more stoked knowing that the outdoor season is right around the corner. Spring is almost here, and I can hardly wait to ride. So for those of you who are thinkin' the same thing- hang in there, we'll be tearing up the local MX track soon enough!!!

Your MX bud,

Patrick (#76)