Thursday
Jan292015
Monday
Jan262015
All New Fly Racing Sector Premium Boot!
Monday, January 26, 2015 at 1:40PM Specs and features in the Product section
Tuesday
Jan202015
2015 Yamaha 250FX Project Bike
Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 4:04PM Is it a trail bike, dual sport, a motocrosser or a cross country racer? Doug will be happy to let us know as he gets up close and personal with his new toy.
The story of the 250FX
Here I am big grin and all, with the brand new 2015 Yamaha 250FX. For those of you who may not be familiar with this new bike it’s basically a 250F MX, but has a six speed gear box, electric start, 18” rear wheel and kick stand. This bike is supposed to challenge the KTM’s, we’ll see.
I wanted a new challenge; I’ve had four great years worth of fun and tinkering on my 2011 KTM 350/390 SX. I still liked the 350/390 and at this point don’t know if this new bike is going to be better or not. But I’m going to find out and like I did with the 350 I’m going to report on it here on this web site.
I’ve ordered a lot of trick stuff for it that will be trickling in over the next month and my plan is to share what and why I’m putting on a particular part and the expectations for doing it.
So stay tuned.
Doug 21J
Saturday
Jan102015
Southwick Returns from the Dead!
Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 5:31PM
Westfield News
Southwick’s new motocross promoter plans to race
The American Legion Post 338 will still hold all licenses and permits
By Hope E. Tremblay, Westfield News Published: January 9, 2015
SOUTHWICK – Southwick Motocross is changing hands again.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart met this week with new motocross promoter Keith Johnson, and said Johnson has plans in place to race this year.
“He will be meeting with the Board of Selectmen in early February. He is going to coordinate with other public officials, such as the police and fire chiefs, ahead of his meeting with selectmen,” said Stinehart.
The American Legion Post 338 will still hold all licenses and permits related to motocross at their track, and the Legion will contract with Johnson and any other interested parties to run and promote motocross. Last year, after longtime Motocross 338 promoter Diane and Ralph Pirello retired, race enthusiasts Mike Grondahl, Travis Louks and Steve Yelin stepped up to take over. Now, Stinehart said Johnson will promote motocross in Southwick.
“I don’t know all the details but Mr. Johnson has raced on the track and has a lot of plans,” Stinehart said. “I believe Mr. Grondahl will still have some interest there.”
Calls to Johnson were not returned for this article. According to KeithJohnsonMX.com, Johnson has been a professional motocross racer since 1988 and is an owner of the Keith Johnson MX Racing School in Middleboro.
The site lists his career highlights, including being the 2009 Loretta Lynn’s national champion, winning both the junior 25 plus and 35 plus Vet classes, and the 2008 Loretta Lynn’s national champion winning both the junior 25 plus and 35 plus Vet classes. Keith also won all three titles at both Lake Whitney TX, and Oak Hill, TX.
Johnson lives in Carver with his family.
Thursday
Jan082015
Red Bull Frozen Rush
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 7:56PM Ricky Johnson gears up for Frozen Rush's off-road racing madness
Follow the link below to read Sports Illustrated's story on RJ
http://www.si.com/edge/2015/01/08/ricky-johnson-red-bull-frozen-rush-2015-preview
Thursday
Jan082015
The Dirt on Motocross - Indoors
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 7:42PM Sedalia Democrat - 1/8/14
Faith Bemiss
Chris Frye, left, with Highway 65 Motocross in Sedalia, and Tracey “T-Man” Freeman, with 343 MX, of Ottawa, Kan., discuss options for prepping the floor of the Mathewson Exhibition Center on Wednesday morning for the Liquid Nitro Arenacross and Freestyle Tour motocross event slated for Friday and Saturday at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
Freeman uses a Bobcat to transform the south end of the arena floor into a “rhythm of obstacles” course for the motocross event this weekend. Frye said 80 dump truck loads of dirt were brought in by employees of the Missouri State Fair for the event. The north side of the arena will feature a “whoop-de-doo” course and the center of the floor a finish or “catapult.”
Amid smoke from the Bobcat and a fine sifting of dust, Frye works in the center of the dirt pile at the Mathewson Center to create the finish area for the motocross event this weekend. He said it would take eight hours to build all three courses and another eight hours “dressing it up.” The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. In advance, tickets are $10 for children age 3 to 11 and $16 for adults. Ticket prices increase $2 if purchased at the gate. Kids age 14 and younger are free on Friday with a paid adult. Advance tickets can be purchased at Yeager’s Harley Davidson, Dick’s Honda and online at motorheadevents.com.
Friday
Jan022015
Snohomish Track Plans Approved...Again
Friday, January 2, 2015 at 8:28AM Despite objections, motocross racetrack plans again approved
GRANITE FALLS — Plans to build an off-road motorcycle racetrack along the Mountain Loop Highway have again received approval from the Snohomish County hearing examiner.
The new decision, released Dec. 23, revisited an earlier one the examiner issued in May. The project still must adhere to a long list of conditions intended to limit noise, water runoff, dust, light pollution, fire danger, traffic and more.
“It's great news,” said Gary Strode, co-owner of the company trying to build the track. “Hopefully, we're getting near the end of it here.”
Not so fast, say neighbors and environmentalists fighting the project. They see the hearing examiner's latest response as inadequate.
Lingering concerns include landslide risks on steep slopes, the risk of additional sediment to nearby Canyon Creek, groundwater contamination from oil spills and the potential for engine noise to harm populations of the marbled murrelet, an endangered seabird that nests in old-growth forests.
“There's a lot of risk there for the county if they go ahead and approve this project,” said Bill Lider, an engineer who consulted for opponents.
The examiner's decision can be appealed to the County Council and to Snohomish County Superior Court. Before starting construction, the project also must obtain permits.
The examiner's 93-page decision is the latest turn in a nearly decade-long effort by MXGP of Kirkland to build a motocross facility in Snohomish County.
In 2005, the county shut down a track the company was operating without permits on farmland near Monroe. In 2006, plans to build a track in Maltby fell apart in the face of neighborhood resistance and zoning rules.
MXGP bought the Mountain Loop property in 2007, after the County Council agreed to open up some commercial forestland for motocross tracks.
Attempting to stop the proposed track there are the Mountain Loop Conservancy, the Pilchuck Audubon Society and the North Cascades Conservation Council.
They want to preserve the peace and tranquility that make the Mountain Loop Highway a magnet for hikers and wildlife watchers. They're also trying to protect forest habitat and fish runs in Canyon Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Stillaguamish River.
MXGP's proposal calls for building out a complex of multiple tracks in five phases. The work could take up to 15 years to complete. It would occupy a 437-acre site located between two quarries, Green Mountain Mine and Snohomish County's Sand Hill gravel pit. About 80 percent of the property would remain as forest.
There are plans to build an earthen berm around the project to dampen the sound offsite.
The examiner's decision takes up three legal issues: granting a request to rezone MXGP's property to forestry and recreation from just forestry; issuing a conditional use permit; and denying a land-use appeal.
In February 2014, hearings on the project stretched over five and a half days. People sent in 385 comment letters. Track opponents compiled 899 signatures for a petition.
Examiner pro tem Phil Olbrechts issued the first decision in May, but agreed to reconsider it after opponents appealed.
In both decisions, the examiner imposed a 49 decibel sound limit at the property line. That's lower than normal conversational volumes. If noise levels come within 5 decibels of that threshold, the track must conduct continual noise monitoring for next nine months.
The limit applies to racetrack operations and construction, though not daytime construction during the first year.
“The person with everything at risk is me,” Strode said. “If I'm wrong and my experts are wrong, I lose millions of dollars.”
The examiner's rules prohibit recreational motorcycle or ATV riding before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. The nighttime limit is dusk when it falls before 9 p.m. No racing is allowed after 7 p.m. or dusk, whichever comes earlier.
Races could only be held on Saturdays and Sundays, with an exception for some holidays.
No more than 40 motorcycles or ATVs could race on at any track at the same time.
No national races under the American Motorcycle Association are allowed.
In the more recent decision, the examiner told MXGP to limit the number of parking spaces.
Also new is a condition for track operators to distribute leaflets informing patrons that off-road vehicles aren't allowed on nearby national forest lands. Anyone who violates those rules must be banned from the facility for a year.
The new decision also clarifies noise-monitoring procedures.
Other conditions are addressing landslide hazards within 200 feet of any developed areas.
The track's operator must keep a log to record complaints about noise, dust, traffic, parking, restrooms, security and other issues.
There's a requirement to pay a combined $47,000 in traffic-impact fees to the city of Granite Falls, the state and the county.
One-day attendance cannot exceed 800 people for riders, spectators and facility staff. The motocross park can be used for a maximum of 150 days per year.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
The new decision, released Dec. 23, revisited an earlier one the examiner issued in May. The project still must adhere to a long list of conditions intended to limit noise, water runoff, dust, light pollution, fire danger, traffic and more.
“It's great news,” said Gary Strode, co-owner of the company trying to build the track. “Hopefully, we're getting near the end of it here.”
Not so fast, say neighbors and environmentalists fighting the project. They see the hearing examiner's latest response as inadequate.
Lingering concerns include landslide risks on steep slopes, the risk of additional sediment to nearby Canyon Creek, groundwater contamination from oil spills and the potential for engine noise to harm populations of the marbled murrelet, an endangered seabird that nests in old-growth forests.
“There's a lot of risk there for the county if they go ahead and approve this project,” said Bill Lider, an engineer who consulted for opponents.
The examiner's decision can be appealed to the County Council and to Snohomish County Superior Court. Before starting construction, the project also must obtain permits.
The examiner's 93-page decision is the latest turn in a nearly decade-long effort by MXGP of Kirkland to build a motocross facility in Snohomish County.
In 2005, the county shut down a track the company was operating without permits on farmland near Monroe. In 2006, plans to build a track in Maltby fell apart in the face of neighborhood resistance and zoning rules.
MXGP bought the Mountain Loop property in 2007, after the County Council agreed to open up some commercial forestland for motocross tracks.
Attempting to stop the proposed track there are the Mountain Loop Conservancy, the Pilchuck Audubon Society and the North Cascades Conservation Council.
They want to preserve the peace and tranquility that make the Mountain Loop Highway a magnet for hikers and wildlife watchers. They're also trying to protect forest habitat and fish runs in Canyon Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Stillaguamish River.
MXGP's proposal calls for building out a complex of multiple tracks in five phases. The work could take up to 15 years to complete. It would occupy a 437-acre site located between two quarries, Green Mountain Mine and Snohomish County's Sand Hill gravel pit. About 80 percent of the property would remain as forest.
There are plans to build an earthen berm around the project to dampen the sound offsite.
The examiner's decision takes up three legal issues: granting a request to rezone MXGP's property to forestry and recreation from just forestry; issuing a conditional use permit; and denying a land-use appeal.
In February 2014, hearings on the project stretched over five and a half days. People sent in 385 comment letters. Track opponents compiled 899 signatures for a petition.
Examiner pro tem Phil Olbrechts issued the first decision in May, but agreed to reconsider it after opponents appealed.
In both decisions, the examiner imposed a 49 decibel sound limit at the property line. That's lower than normal conversational volumes. If noise levels come within 5 decibels of that threshold, the track must conduct continual noise monitoring for next nine months.
The limit applies to racetrack operations and construction, though not daytime construction during the first year.
“The person with everything at risk is me,” Strode said. “If I'm wrong and my experts are wrong, I lose millions of dollars.”
The examiner's rules prohibit recreational motorcycle or ATV riding before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. The nighttime limit is dusk when it falls before 9 p.m. No racing is allowed after 7 p.m. or dusk, whichever comes earlier.
Races could only be held on Saturdays and Sundays, with an exception for some holidays.
No more than 40 motorcycles or ATVs could race on at any track at the same time.
No national races under the American Motorcycle Association are allowed.
In the more recent decision, the examiner told MXGP to limit the number of parking spaces.
Also new is a condition for track operators to distribute leaflets informing patrons that off-road vehicles aren't allowed on nearby national forest lands. Anyone who violates those rules must be banned from the facility for a year.
The new decision also clarifies noise-monitoring procedures.
Other conditions are addressing landslide hazards within 200 feet of any developed areas.
The track's operator must keep a log to record complaints about noise, dust, traffic, parking, restrooms, security and other issues.
There's a requirement to pay a combined $47,000 in traffic-impact fees to the city of Granite Falls, the state and the county.
One-day attendance cannot exceed 800 people for riders, spectators and facility staff. The motocross park can be used for a maximum of 150 days per year.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
Tuesday
Dec232014
A Look At Andrew Short Video
Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 4:28PM This looks like it will be very interesting. Today motocross is attracting some very good video story tellers.
Spectrum - Trailer from Kyle Cowling on Vimeo.
Monday
Dec222014
Sierra OTMC...Racing Keeps Them Young!
Monday, December 22, 2014 at 9:47PM Motorcycle clubs are the heart and soul of dirt bike riding in the US. Many historical races were started by and continue to be organized by motorcycle clubs. Hangtown, PCGP and The Sierra Classic MX are races all run by clubs. There are many different reasons to join a motorcycle club. Here are some reasons to consider one Northern California club.
The SOTMC of which I’m a proud member had their last meeting of the year to talk about what was accomplished this year and the very ambitious plans for 2015. For those who don’t know about the SOTMC we are an organization geared to the forty plus rider and have riders and classes from forty to the eighties. We are part of an international organization that puts on International Moto Cross events around the western US. The tracks are groomed but still challenging to accommodate us older riders even though we race at some of the more famous national tracks like Washougal, Hangtown and Glen Helen.
Because of the makeup of the riders (no one’s trying to be the next big thing) it makes for a very laid back two days of racing. That’s right two days. For most of us it’s a practice and two motos each day or about forty five minutes of track time per day. Some classes have three motos on Saturday. You can go as slow or as fast as you’re cable of, that’s part of the appeal you ride with your peers and get to experience the tracks and the camaraderie and not have to worry about some kid jumping on or over you. SOTMC put on six ride days and one race at Prairie City this year. Each international club holds one race a year, so each become very special. The 2015 plan for our club is to hold twelve ride days next year with the first six before our race in June. Our ride days will be held at either the MMX sand track in Marysville or at the Prairie City National Track. The ride days at MMX feature a BBQ lunch and raffle. Next year there will be Friday ride days at Prairie City, Saturday’s and maybe a Sunday or two at MMX. The club has become very well known for fun but challenging well prepped tracks, BBQ’s and our raffle. No BBQ’s or raffle at the Prairie City ride days because of the increase in track fees to ride on the national track.
Our membership increased substantially this year with the increased awareness of our club, the fun ride days and our international race, The Sierra Classic held on the Prairie City National Track. The Prairie City ride days will be for members only. We offer memberships to the thirty plus rider and do have support classes at our race for those riders under forty. The ride days offer a perfect place to practice and improve your riding skills. Practicing on a MX course helps increase sprint speed, stamina, corning speeds and carrying speed through whoop sections to name a few. It doesn’t matter if you normally ride just trails or enduros and cross country, practicing on a MX course can help improve your riding. So why not try it on a ride day where you can ride with your peers and not get run over or least only get run over by someone near your own age.
Look for the information on ride days and The Sierra Classic soon on this web site www.sierraotmc.com
Hope to see you on the track.
Doug 21J
