Coach’s Corner

Doc:  What are some of the more common mistakes riders make who try to learn the sport of motocross on their own ?

Coach:  Most students that I train who have been riding or racing for a few years without any previous training are usually a little wild.  I teach that there is more to riding than just twisting the throttle.  Many of them want to be Carmichael or Stewart in a couple of years, but it takes time to learn to ride properly and use the right techniques. 

Doc:  What are the most common areas where riders tend to lose time on the track ?

Coach:   First thing would be the start, without a good one, you lose time and start the race at a disadvantage.  Corners are where we lose most of our time on the track.  Whether it be not charging hard enough where you are forced into braking deeper, or not getting thru the corner smoothly and getting on the gas early enough when exiting.  Too much clutching and no throttle control is a bad combination that leads to big mistakes in corners.

Doc:  How important is it for the average rider to have the suspension set up correctly, or is the factory suspension adequate by simply changing the clickers ? What about a top national rider ? Any different ?

Coach:   I feel setting up suspension is the first thing a person needs to do to their bike.  It's important to set it up for your weight and riding style no matter what level you ride.  At a national level, riders are using suspension that is valved and set up by after market companies.  Greg Workman at JM Racing does a great job and can set you up with that.  Also, a lot of top riders on big bikes are using the Works Showa suspension kit, the next best thing to what Factory boys are using.

Doc:  How can a student best help a coach with training ? What are the most common problems you see with regards to helping young riders ?

Coach:  I think the best way for a student to make it easier on him/herself and me is to come prepared and eager to learn.  They have to be willing to make changes and ask questions if something doesn't seem right, so that I can explain the reasons for the changes and how they will benefit them.  If you are not willing to make changes, then you are wasting your time and your money.

Most of the younger kids are just short on understanding and experience because of the amount of time they have been riding.  I try not to school 50 riders until they are on 65s, although I do have 50 riders winning championships that I have trained on their 65s.

Doc:  What age do you consider best for a fast rider to move from mini’s to big bikes ?

Coach:   I don't think age really matters.  It's the size, weight, and rider capability that should factor into the decision on whether they are ready or not.  For example, Teddy Maier and Ryan Villopoto rode minis until they were 16, Trey Canard switched after turning 13, Tyler Bowers was 12, and Jimmy Albertson was also 13 when he changed to big bikes.  I like to see kids get at least one year on big bikes before they turn 16.

Doc:  How important is it for fast riders to practice together, or do you recommend that they practice alone ?

Coach:  There are a lot of different opinions on this one.  It's nice to have someone faster around to practice with.  It's important to make sure that you don't pick up any bad habits practicing this way, just because someone is fast doesn't mean they are riding with the proper techniques.  The faster you get, the harder it gets to find someone to ride with at that level.  I've had a lot of my students practice with their competition, and I definitely like to see the kids practice with riders close to their speed or faster when possible.  It gives them a chance to push each other into getting faster.

Doc: What is the minimum times a rider should be on the bike each week in order to be competitive at the national level ?

Coach:  To compete at a national level, a rider needs to be on the bike at least 5 days a week, either racing or practicing.  Along with those 5 days, you should be adding 3 days of intense cardio and eating properly at all times so the body can perform at top level.  Your body also needs time to heal and recuperate to get stronger and perform longer.

Doc:  Does home schooling offer that much of an advantage in your opinion ?

Coach:  Home school can be a big advantage from a motocrosser's point of view.  You have to have the right kid and the right parents to make it work.  I have students who home school and probably get a better education than regular school.  I also have students that don't get their work done, and then I even have a couple that have quit school that planned to home school but never got it done.  Education is important no matter how fast you are.  What happens if you are injured tomorrow and will never be able to race competitively again?  Home schooling can definitely be beneficial to an mx career if done properly.

Doc:  What races do you consider absolutely necessary in order for a rider to be competitive at the national level ?

Coach:  To be competitive at the national level, this first take years of riding and practicing with proper training.  The Nationals that you would want to attend are: Whitney Spring Classic, GNC at Oak Hill, World Minis in Las Vegas, Ponca City, Loretta Lynn's, Dodge National at Hangtown, Branson USA, Englishtown Kawi Race of Champions, and the Mini Os in Florida.  Compete in 5-6 of these races a year and this will help you progress and  get your name out there a little faster than staying at the local level.

Doc:  What types of tracks offer an advantage over others, and which tracks in Texas do you consider to offer the best practice opportunity for a rider wanting to compete at the national level ?
 

Coach:  The rougher and more rutted the track gets the better off practice will be.  Anyone can go fast on flat ground.  I train my students to ride the rough and hit a rutted corner correct time after time.  On a rough track, the top riders really separate themselves from the good riders.  If you are looking for tracks to get good practice in Texas, I would use McAfee's at Lake Kiowa, Buffalo in Canton, Nocona, and hit Oak Hill or Cycle Ranch any time that they are open.  There are a lot of other good tracks and private ones, too.  The main thing I choose is a track that will get rough and rutted and hold moisture.