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