The New Works Connection

WORKS CONNECTION LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE

Diamond Springs, CA, - Customers visiting Works Connection’s newly redesigned website, www.worksconnection.com , will enjoy a variety of new features designed to improve their online shopping experience according to Eric Phipps, owner.

The easy-to-navigate website showcases new products, 2011 model applications, videos, race results, retail and dealer online ordering, a dealer locator and installation instructions available in either a video or downloadable PDF format.

About the company-Established in 1989 Works Connection continues to manufacture and distribute high-quality, long lasting dirt bike and ATV products that fit without modification. They can be reached at 800 349-1475 or contact Works Connection, 6451 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs, CA 95619 or visit them on the web at www.worksconnection.com.

Works Connection 2011 Supercross / Motocross / Arenacross team riders.

2011 Works Connection team riders from Eric Phipps on Vimeo.

Check out all of our factory supported riders for the 2011 season. Music by "The Main Event"...

Works Connection

A Good Friend Passes

GODSPEED! INTERNATIONAL OLD TIMER RICHARD SCHILLING PASSES*

Succumbs to injuries suffered at Marysville last weekend

Those who have raced with the International Old Timers Association all remember the speed and style of Richard Schilling (the older members of the MXA test crew raced with Richard many times). Richard died recently from injuries suffered at a practice crash at Marysville.

According to the Yuba City Appeal-Democrat: Rich Schilling, 69, ran a motocross supply shop for 30 years in Yuba City and rode every chance he got, said his wife, Bonnie Schilling. “That was just his passion,” said Schilling, 40. “It’s just an adrenaline-type thing that lets you forget what was going on during the week.”

Bonnie Schilling said Rich was participating in a seniors riding event at the track next to the E Street bridge in west Marysville on Saturday morning, May 22, when he crashed coming off a jump. He was taken by Medi Flight to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where he died Monday of complications from his injuries, which included a broken neck.

His wife said Schilling, who was conscious after the crash, knew the risks in his hobby and knew he’d been badly hurt. “I’d picked him up from the hospital before with broken bones,” she said. “This could have happened to anybody.”

A native of Southern California, Rich Schilling moved to the Yuba-Sutter area in his 20s and opened Schilling Onoffroad Products on Industrial Drive in Yuba City in 1981, Bonnie Schilling said.When he wasn’t running the store or raising his five children, two with Bonnie, Schilling could be found on a motocross track, whether locally or as far as Washington or Arizona, Bonnie said.

Schilling was cremated, and his friends in the motocross community will have a memorial ride in his honor. No date has been set, his wife said. A fund has been set up for Schilling's children Cody, aged 7 and Carl, 12. Donations can be made to R. Schillings Children fund at any Umpqua bank branch.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

* From MXA 2/1/2011

Personal Note - I have raced and practiced with Rich for many years. He was always there, willing to help anyone in need. Rich was passionate about riding and so proud of his family. The Marysville tracks will seem strange without Rich being there. R.I.P. my friend.

That Magic Button

A bunch of us guys were sitting around the other day getting ready to go out and ride when I noticed all but one bike had an electric start button.

This started me to thinking about my own stable of bikes and after a quick mental note, I know mental and quick don’t belong in the same sentence when I talk about myself, I realized that all but one of my bikes now have a battery with electric start.

That list of bikes includes a CRF-X 450 Honda, KTM 505 XC, XR 650L Honda, Kawasaki Concours and a Honda CRF 450R.

What the hell happened! Did we all get old last week or what?

Now all of these bikes have a purpose but I find myself choosing the kick start bike last on almost every occasion. But as I look around at my riding buddies and see the average age has crept north of 40 years old with some of those guys in the 60 and 70 year old bracket I realize how efficient, dependable and just plain convenient the magic button has become. Some of these guys amaze me at how well they ride into their 60’s and 70’s even with a bad back, leg or even arthritis that makes starting a motorcycle difficult for them. They push the starter button instead of working to kick start their bike and away they go. They have the biggest smiles after a day full of riding I see anywhere on any riders of any age.

Simply amazing what a device like electric start can do for a whole generation of riders that may have quit riding without this convenience. I hate to see people quit riding at any age.

The 100% performance guys will say they would never have electric start because it is too heavy, has to have a battery, etc. But if I remember correctly KTM makes their MX bike with button start only and is one of the lighter bikes on the market. So I am predicting that in the next few years all of our off road bikes, mx or otherwise are going to be electric start or are going to suffer in the sales dept. Who will be first? Honda, Kawasaki?

 After having the magic button creep up on me without realizing it, I will now really consider that feature in my next motorcycle purchase. So far I find the couple of pounds that the battery and starter add to be more than worth their weight when out riding, especially when I get a little tired!

Besides, I see a lot of extra stuff bolted onto bikes in the form of protective plates, fins, bark busters, bigger fuel tanks, fender bags and a host of things people come up with on their own.

You know what? I have this itch to go push a button somewhere,

You should too! Now get out push a button and ride!

#33

Learn from the Doctor!

NEXT STEP SEMINARS

Doug “Doctor D” Dubach Riding School

Norco, CA. (December 22, 2010) – It is with great pride Doug Dubach and DR.D announce an extension to the Next Step Seminars (NSS) with the initial dates for the Doug “Doctor D” Dubach Riding Schools.

A former Yamaha Factory racer, SX winner, and for the last two decades a test rider for KYB, Enzo, Dunlop, and Yamaha, Doug Dubach’s boot-prints are embedded in motocross; working with top riders, track-testing, racing and running DR.D, his exhaust and accessory company. 

With a proven track record, a wealth of experience, requests from riders during Next Step Seminars, and the ability to explain and demonstrate racing techniques, Doug Dubach has formed the Doug “Doctor D” Dubach Riding Schools.  The one-day schools are limited to ten (10) riders to ensure that every participant receives ample group and individual attention.  

The following one-day schools will be offered on January 27, 28, February 24, 25, and March 24, 25 at the DR.D Test Facility near Temecula, California. To learn more about the schools and/or sign up on-line click here . The Dubach Riding School is $250 and includes private track fee, group and individual Riding instructions, lunch and sponsor gift bag.

The Wednesday prior to each Doug “Doctor D” Dubach Riding Schools, Doug Dubach will host a separate event, the Next Step Seminars from 6:00-9pm, see website for class specifics. 

DR.D encourages riders outside of California, dealership promotional days, Racing Clubs, Racing Organizations, etc., to request, on line, specific dates and/or locations. 

Improve your technique, lower your lap times, and receive individual instructions from one of the most well-rounded, respected riders; sign up now for the Doug “Doctor D” Dubach Riding School.

Supercross is just around the corner.

WORKS CONNECTION SIGNS with ROCKSTAR MAKITA SUZUKI and ROCKSTAR ENERGY SUZUKI

Diamond Springs, CA-Works Connection is proud to announce the signing of the ROCKSTAR MAKITA SUZUKI and ROCKSTAR ENERGY SUZUKI teams for the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross Series and the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. “What really has us looking forward to the new season is the organization and strength of the ROCKSTAR MAKITA SUZUKI team that sees returning multi-national and current champion Ryan Dungey pairing up with veteran Brette Metcalfe on RM-Z450’s. Along with ROCKSTAR ENERGY SUZUKI’s exciting lineup of Jason Anderson, Martin Davalos, Ryan Morais and Ian Trettel campaigning in the Lites class, we anticipate some exciting racing come A1” said Works Connection owner Eric Phipps.

First race of the Supercross season is at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Saturday January 8th, 2011.

About Works Connection:

Established in 1989 with the desire to produce ‘Works’ type products and make them available the general

riding public, Works Connection continues that original idea today through constant evolution and expansion of

their unique product line developed from ‘race-tested’ feedback and product research. 

Interesting Survey, Take a Look

GOOD NEWS: If you are reading this, you are already living the Forever Athletes lifestyle. You cherish your physical fitness and its benefits to every aspect of your life.

WE NEED YOUR HELP: Since you are already a Forever Athlete, we value your insight into your active lifestyle—the “what,” “how,” and “why”—and we invite you to join our movement by responding to this survey. By doing so, you will help us understand how we can encourage others to live a more active lifestyle, regardless of age.

We aim to spark a widespread movement towards a more physically fit society. We believe life is a participation sport. As such, we have redefined the term “athlete” to include nearly everyone:

Athlete: a person who regularly participates in physical activities, exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina, regardless of age, gender, skill, or ability level.

                    Our mission: Inspire EVERYONE to unlock the athlete within and "play" for life!

We have surveyed hundreds of masters athletes of varying ages and fitness levels. From this preliminary research, we have identified a number of reoccurring themes, which will provide the foundation of our “Lessons of Forever Athletes.” We are now in the process of writing a book that will communicate these lessons by sharing the stories of Forever Athletes—your stories.

With the following new survey, we hope to sharpen our focus and clarify the lessons that will appear in the book. We also wish to gather new stories that exemplify these lessons. By participating, you will be contributing to a growing resource of knowledge and insight to help inspire more people to be active and enjoy it. (And you might just learn something about yourself in the process!)

       SURVEY LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FA_Lessons

Thanks again for your participation.

Sincerely,

Forever Athletes™ Team

2010 Baja 1000 - Be Steve Williams!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The Fat Lady Has Sung!

Another World Vet Championship is in the books. The 26^th running of this classic event took place under ideal southern California skies, clear and cool. The Glen Helen track was challenging and fun. I know of no other track where you get the big elevation changes like GH produces. Jody Weisel of MXA did a good job designing a tough yet safe track. The racing was intense no matter the class.  Ryan Hughes blistered the track in the 30 Pro Class as he was never challenged on his way to a nice payday. However, the big winner of the weekend was Doug Dubach as he displayed speed and fitness that most 47 year olds can only dream of achieving. Doug must have a terrific fitness program because he ran up front on both days. He won another World Vet title, his 19^th.

 A very deserving Broc Glover graciously accepted the Edison Dye Lifetime Achievement Award. It was a very good weekend for motocross.

The World Vet Championship is a special event that all vet racers should attend at least once in their lifetime. Yes, Glen Helen is a historic track and yes lots of industry types’ show up to ride but that is not what makes this race special. What makes this race special is the once a year gathering of ordinary vet racers from around the world.   A chance to test yourself against the legendary track and to meet people from all over with one thing in common…..MX.  The competitive fire burns hot on the track but in the pits everyone is open and friendly. One thing was obvious, bench racing is the same no matter where you are from. Everyone was happy to share their race stories and laugh at yours.

This year’s race ran like clockwork. Lori Bryant and her staff were well organized, friendly and committed to everyone having a good time. The transponders worked and results came quickly. If Lori is not the hardest working woman in moto she is certainly at the top of the list.

If you’re a vet racer you’ll put the first weekend in November 2011 on your calendar. The place to be is the 27^th annual World Vet Championship at Glen Helen Raceway.

26th Annual MTA World Vet Championship

If you are a vet mx racer at some time you probably have wondered " How do I stack up" ?  If I didn't take that job or hadn't gotten married could I have been a champ. Well, you may never know but you can find out where you stand today. If you are a racer there are certain events you have to try before your race career is over. The MTA World Vet Championship is such an event. A national track, riders from all over the world and history, so much moto history.

Listen to what Tom White (White Bros.) has to say about the beginning;

In 1985 several of my close friends that included Jody Weisel (Editor of MXA) and Alan Olson (friend and competitor) were lamenting the lack of respect that older riders get from the motorcycle industry.  At the same time Saddleback Park had closed and a short year later, Indian Dunes also closed which took our Saturday racing to Perris Raceway.  Our concern was that more and more riders would move away from the sport as they got older, got little support from the industry, and as the track builders added more man-made supercross style jumps to the few tracks that were still open.

White Brothers customers were always the older riders, so the idea to sponsor an event for veteran riders seemed like a great idea.  I contacted the Perris track promoter, Jim Beltnick (some of you may remember his name as the Saturday Saddleback promoter) and asked him to run a vet only championship race at the raceway.  I told him that I would try and bring in a lot of industry support to assure the event would be a success.  He refused!  He said that he didn’t feel that there would be enough “over 30 year old” competitors to make the event profitable, even with White Brothers and other industry members throwing money at the event.  Not one to deal well with rejection, I talked to the track owner, Barry.  Sorry, can’t remember his last name!  Barry said “No problem!”  

At the first event, every rider got a free t-shirt – almost 200 shirts were given away, lots of prizes were passed out, and the event was declared a success by all. 

Last years event had almost 900 competitors (down from the pre-recession 1000 riders) from 18 nations of the World, but though the size of the event has grown, some things haven’t changed.  Older riders still come together to catch up, kind of like a high school reunion, and though the competition is keen, with very few exceptions, everyone has a lot of fun and come off the track “hi-fiving” the guy that sprayed mud all over him during the moto.  It’s an event were competitors get to hang out with legends like Jeff Ward, Roger DeCoster, and Gary Jones and the roles are reversed between fathers and their racing sons as the kids spin the wrenches and pack the starting gates for dad.

The “centerpiece” of the weekend is Sunday’s 12:30PM Edison Dye Lifetime Achievement Award presentation. The award has been presented each year since 1997 by Glen Helen’s Bud Feldkamp and I to the person/persons that we feel have made the biggest contribution to motocross in America.  This year’s honoree is Broc Glover 6 time AMA Natioonal Champion.  The presentation will be conducted in front of the main grandstands.  Please join us and stay around to enjoy the special exhibit honoring Broc (behind the grandstands on vendor row) and get autographs from him and the other champions present.

Best of luck, ride safe, and LET'S GO RACING! 

Tom White

I could not have said it better. If you're a racer you'll be on the line.... staring at the Talladega first turn come Nov. 6, 2010.