MTA 29th Annual World Vet Championship

The 2013 moto season is winding down. All the big races are over. The weather is turning cooler and rain is on the way. The cross country guys are gearing uo for their race season. What's a moto guy to do? Well if you are a vet rider you still have the Big One left to ride. Next weekend at Glen Helen is the 29th World Vet Championship! If you are 30 or more this race has to be on your Bucket List. Think about it...you get to ride one of the most famous tracks in the country. It will be perfectly prepared as a real motocross track. You can compete with guys from all over the world. This is one race all vets have to do at least once and after the first time you will be back for more. Check out the flyer.

 

Ride Alert - Dog Attack!

This note just came in from our wandering rider #33 and I felt the subject was important enough to place here on our front page. I don't think many of us think about saftey issues beyond avoiding crashes but this incident illustrates the need for more proactive thinking when riding in unfamiliar territory. Eric is big, strong, experienced and very fit. I hate to think what might have happened to someone else in this situation.

"BEWARE WHEN YOU RIDE and I am not talking about crashing. I feel lucky today, lucky to be alive. I am always cautious when riding in remote areas or when riding alone but I never expect to have to defend myself from an animal. In this case a domestic animal,  a rather large Pit Bull dog.

I was out testing the race bike for the upcoming Baja 1000 in the Southern California desert when I spotted a dog running down the trail toward me in a fairly remote area. I am a dog lover and slowed to not hit or run over the dog. I slowed to a crawl and the dog swung wide and approached me from the side and knocked me off the bike. I was on the ground in the sand when the dog grabbled my leg by the boot and began to rip and shake the boot. Since he was not penetrating the boot I took my time and yelled and spoke to the dog while keeping my hands, arms and upper body out of his reach. He continued to regrip and shake as if attacking an animal. I was fairly sure there had to be an owner nearby and started yelling for the owner to get over there and get his dog. No one came. This went on for what seemed like an eternity but was probably about 1 or 2 minutes before the dog seemed to tire a bit and slow down his attack. I did not kick or act aggressive in hopes he would lose interest. I would not have been able to get him off if he had gone at my upper body since he was fairly large and very strong and I was on the ground. I can only assume the dog heard his owner call because he stopped for a minute and took a few steps back and listened. I continued to talk to make sure he knew it was a person in the riding gear but he didn’t seem to care by his actions. I was able to slowly get to my feet and prepare to defend for a second attack when he headed toward the person calling from a distance.

I grabbed the bike picked it up and fired it up. As soon as I did the dog headed back toward me at a full run. The owner had come into range and was yelling at the dog to come to him which had no impact on the dog whatsoever. The dog never slowed and was heading directly back at me.  I stomped it in gear and hauled ass! I returned to my truck to get my firearm to protect myself as I intended to come back to get the owners Identity and license number from a vehicle I observed as I left. When I returned the truck and the owner/dog were long gone. I couldn’t even see any dust when I went to the top of a hill to look for them. If that dog had encountered a woman or a child on a motorcycle or quad I am fairly certain the outcome would have resulted in serious injury or death.

So I will now be armed with a good sized knife or firearm on these remote rides. Just thought I would share info that may save someone else from serious injury. Think about it and ride safe!"

#33

“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens”

Weston Beach Race

Weston Beach Race prepares for this weekend a Motocross video by MOTO

Mark Blackwell Inducted to Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Monday, October 07, 2013

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The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that Polaris Industries, which powers Victory Motorcycles and the resurgent Indian brand, will sponsor the 2013 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony's Legend presentation of Mark Blackwell. The induction ceremony, part of the AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna, takes place at Las Vegas' Green Valley Resort & Casino on Friday, Oct. 18, with tickets available to the general public.

Blackwell, a pioneering racer in American motocross and six-time AMA championship race team manager, built his post-racing career as an executive at motorcycling companies, ultimately serving as vice president of Victory Motorcycles.

"Mark Blackwell is one of those people who is living the American motorcyclist's dream, turning a successful AMA racing career into a career in the motorcycle industry that has carried him to the highest levels," said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. "We're excited to have Polaris come on board in support of Mark's Hall of Fame Legend recognition."

Said Polaris' President and COO Bennett Morgan: "Mark Blackwell was an instrumental leader in developing and then building an excellent foundation for Victory's bright future during his long and successful tenure as vice president of Victory Motorcycles. His influences, outreach and support continue to this day within Polaris Industries, and we are proud and honored to support the AMA in his addition to the Legends roster."

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna, will officially honor the class of 2013: AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael; AMA and desert racing champion Danny Hamel; racer, promoter and motorcycle industry icon Norm McDonald; AMA Roadracing Champion Randy Renfrow; and motorcycling fundraisers and Ride For Kids founders Mike and Dianne Traynor.

In addition to Blackwell, another Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend will also be honored at the event: Torsten Hallman, a four-time FIM World Motocross champion who was instrumental in introducing the sport of motocross to America and later founded the Thor brand.

The induction ceremony is just the first must-do event of the gala weekend. On Saturday, Oct. 19, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception will honor the Class of 2013, the 2013 Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years. The reception hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the assembled Hall of Famers will be interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling's heroes.

#33 Visits WPS/Fly Racing

WPS/FLY Racing Tour

I had the opportunity to visit Western Power Sports/Fly Racings’ Marketing guy, Dale Spangler, to take the grand tour. It was very impressive the way WPS/Fly Racing has set up their warehouse and office space. The place was packed with employees all looking like busy little bees on the phones dealing with customers/dealers. It was interesting to find out a bit about Dale’s back ground and the companies he had worked for in the past. He has had some interesting positions while working both in the USA and Europe in the motorcycling industry. Not a lot of guys can lay claim to working on two continents in something they really like. It was apparent that Dale really likes what he is doing and his enthusiasm was nice to see after so many years in the industry. I also understand that Dale was quite the rider, though now he says he doesn’t have a bike. Somehow I think he has it in mind to remedy that before too long, just by the sound of his voice when he admitted to not having a bike at the moment. That's Dale on the left below with his coworker Brian.

When I drove in the first thing I noticed is all the construction going on to their property and buildings. They are obviously doing something right since we are in a slow economy and they are expanding by the looks of things. The exterior had new walls being set up and new floors being poured to expand their facilities. I found it amazing that they needed more room once Dale Spangler gave us the tour. He showed me how they bring product in, inventory, distribute and then categorize it in the shipping warehouse. They have definitely made the most of their available space by building more tiers of floor space. They have the coolest roller system to assemble parts orders and send them from the top tier down while picking up more product at each stop on the way down. Very clever and efficient.

Dale showed us the recreation area for the employees and the basketball court that leads to the lunch area on the second floor. The recreation area has a plethora of machines and weights to do any type of workout you could think of. The dining area has a view of the exterior and it overlooks their motocross track they have built on the property. I was thinking I needed to get a job here so I could have a quick 10 minute lunch and hit the track every day! What more could a guy or gal ask for! I guess it made perfect sense as to why I saw so many motorcycles in the back of pickups in the employee parking lot.

WPS/Fly Racing has what appears to be a great workplace environment. I think I am going to sneak an application to Dale and see if he can put in a good word for me.

#33

“If you done it, it ain’t braggin’!”

Day 4 Italy ISDE

2013 ISDE

Moto Cross Des Nations - Sunday, Go USA!

The Biggest MXoN In History Set To Take Place In Germany This Weekend

The 67th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is all set to get underway in Teutschenthal, Germany this weekend the 28th and 29th of September.

Forty-one nations have entered, which is the highest number of countries entered in the History of the event, with new entries such as Israel heading to the event fo the first time, however only the best twenty countries will take part in the final heats on Sunday.

The defending Champions Germany will be racing on home soil and on a track they know very well, and will have the added benefit of the unconditional support from their home fans. This year team manager Hubert Nagl will count on the experienced Max Nagl, the talented Ken Roczen and the rookie Dennis Ullrich, in a bid to hold onto the Chamberlin Trophy.

Team Belgium still has the bitter-sweet feeling of last year’s second position; they were happy to be on the podium but they knew they could have won the event. Consequently, this weekend Joël Smets and his riders, Ken De Dycker, Jeremy Van Horebeek and Clement Desalle, have only one goal, which is going back home with the Chamberlain Trophy.

De Dycker is the most experienced rider and he won a Grand Prix in Teutschenthal in 2010, Clement Desalle finished second in the FIM Motocross World Championship and he is at his best shape and Jeremy Van Horebeek will be back on the 250cc after a very strong rookie season on the 450cc.

Team USA finished third last year on the tough and demanding track of Lommel, but this weekend the Americans will be motivated to obtain what it would be their 23rd Chamberlain Trophy for Team USA.

Team Manger Roger De Coster has selected Ryan Dungey, who is about to become one of the most experienced American riders in the MXoN, Justin Barcia, whose first MXoN was last year in Lommel, and the rookie Eli Tomac, who has recently been crowned 250cc National American Champion.

Marcel Hartman, Team Manager of The Netherlands, has had to make a last minute decision when Jeffrey Herlings announced that he was not going to race the MXoN. The 2013 MX2 World Champion broke his shoulder blade during the Belgian Grand Prix, but he decided to race his home Grand Prix two weeks ago even if his shoulder was not 100% healed.

The doctors have advised Herlings to rest for six weeks, so team The Netherlands will be represented by Marc De Reuver in MX1, GP winner Glenn Coldenhoff in MX2 and Herjan Brakke in the Open class.

Team Australia a considered a very good chance by many to sneak on to the podium at this years MXoN in Germany - Credit: Aaryn Minerds

The seven-time World Champion Antonio Cairoli will represent Italy once again in MX1 class, with former World Champion David Philippaerts will race in the Open class and Alessandro Lupino in MX2.

Last year Team France were not as strong as they normally are and they finished sixth in the standings, but this weekend the public will be able to see a very strong French Team with Gautier Paulin, Jordi Tixier and Christophe Charlier.

Paulin always does very well at the MXoN and his experience will help Tixier and Charlier to race two intelligent motos in order to finish among the top three Nations. Tixier has finished second in the FIM Motocross World Championship and Christophe Charlier was fourth.

Team Great Britain, whose last podium was back in 1997 in Nismes, Belgium, will also be one of the teams fighting for a top three finish with Tommy Searle, Jake Nicholls and Shaun Simpson, who won the last Grand Prix of the 2013 FIM MX1 World Championship two weeks ago in Lierop. The three riders have experience racing the MXoN, so it might be their opportunity to shine and finish among the best Nations.

Our very own, Team Australia is also looking strong, with the young talented riders Dean Ferris and Todd Waters, joining the experienced Brett Metcalfe, who helped his country to finish on the podium in 2011 at Saint Jean d’Angely, France.

KTM's Todd Waters Excited on the Eve of the 2013 MXoN

The Motorex KTM team’s 2013 MX Nationals Vice Champion Todd Waters is ready and champing at the bit on the eve of this year’s Motocross of Nations, at Teutschenthal, Germany.

Waters will represent Australia for the second time, alongside join Brett Metcalfe and Dean Ferris in what is a very strong Aussie team set to take on the world’s best motocross talent.

Waters, who won four rounds of the MX Nationals this year, moved to Europe several weeks ago to begin setting up after earning a factory ride in next year’s World MX1 championship.

He will represent Australia in the MX Open category, with Metcalfe riding the MX1 bike and Ferris competing in MX2, in what is the pinnacle of international motocross competition.

“Things have been great over here." Waters enthused. "I’ve been working on getting myself all set up for next year, but this weekend I'm really excited about.

"We have been putting in the hard work and have been bonding with the team just great, so the goal this weekend is to work like clockwork.

"I haven't got the chance to see the Aussie team yet. I did get to ride a couple of days with Dean but the whole team will meet up tomorrow," Waters explained.

	Todd Waters has been surrounded with some top shelf support all year with team mechanic Ryan Deckert (left) and experienced team Manager Rob Twyerould (Right) - Credit: Aaryn Minerds

KTM team manager Rob Twyerould who headed over to Europe to help Waters settle into his new surroundings initially, has been to the MXoN on five occasions and know just how big and important the race is to the rider he helped guide through the 2013 Australian Motocross championship.

“The Motocross Des Nations is something special, I’ve been to five of them and the most amazing one was in France." Twyerould explained. "The fans were that dense you could hardly walk from the pits to the start line and, rather than clapping, they just used air-horns or chainsaws with the chain removed.

"The noise was so intense you couldn’t even hear the bikes on the start line, just air-horns. Then the fans would follow their favourite riders around the course with blasts of noise like a Mexican wave of sound. It was quite amazing.

"From all reports it’s all going to hinge on the start on that track, but at the Des Nations you always need a big dose of good luck. Every team seems to have some sort of issue or drama, there’s always high drama but if the three boys can get a clean start and complete every race they’re always in contention for a podium, I truly believe that.

"Riding in the Des Nations is incredibly important to Todd and he’s worked hard all year always with an eye towards representing Australia." Twyerould continued. "Last year’s event was the one that showcased him to the world and I’m sure it was a factor in him getting his ride for next year so this year it will be even more special.

"He’s had a fantastic lead-up staying in Europe and I think he will feel pretty comfortable, like he belongs with the rest of world’s top riders. He will go in with his eyes open and no expectations other than giving his best performance.

"From all reports it’s all going to hinge on the start on that track, but at the Des Nations you always need a big dose of good luck. Every team seems to have some sort of issue or drama, there’s always high drama but if the three boys can get a clean start and complete every race they’re always in contention for a podium, I truly believe that." Twyerould concluded.

Motocross Des Nations A European View