Racing

[bighit8]

Late night post I know.Just got off work 3 hrs ago.So I have been thinking I want to go full bore into 4x/bmx/and DH.What are the local races (besides Fontana) Dh and 4x races?I really have the bug to up the ante.Long road trips are not really an option at this time.I know im 36 closer to 37,but I just cant shake that live on a edge buzz?My parents hated me as a kid for the doctors bills. Me and stagnant don't get along.I rode the Bmx bike with both hands tonight,4 days after surgery.No jumps,just mellow cruising out front of my house to build strength and move the arm around..Dumb?Maybe.Fun: for sure!
Thanks in advanced.

[sdyeti]

"Local" DH/4X races besides Fontana?

The only ones that come to mind are the Stump Grinder races that they had up in Santa Barbara (and I think that was slalom, not 4X but I might be wrong) or the Ellings Park race up there (I think it's part of the Santa Barbara Bike Festival). Also, maybe the State DH race when they have it at Woodward West in Tehachapi. Denmother will probably chime in...she remembers all the races.

Honestly, and I might get flamed for saying it, besides Fontana, the gravity racing scene in SoCal is dead, IMO.

[Busterjohn]

I raced downhill for almost 9 years...started off on a dare in 1995 and found out that I was actually pretty good at it. I've raced all over the west coast...Big Bear, Fontana, Monterey, Boulder City, Keysville, Utah (Brianhead), Mammoth, etc. I moved up the ranks and finished my career at Summit as an Expert when I watched that girl break her neck at the 2003 Nationals...I never raced again and watched as the sport took a nose dive due to the closing of Summit to all DH races. I was there when Palmer started...Mikey King...Brain Lopes...The LeDuc brothers...all these guys were just starting and the sport was growing. I had sold all my DH stuff but still have my old faithful Foes Weisel with Hanebrink fork...Now I have that itch again. I've been riding Marshall Canyon lately and there are a few jumps up there that I've been playing on a little...I can still get my speed on and am probably good for a hard 5-6 minute race...lol. Maybe I'll check out Donnie at Southridge and see if he'll let this old dog on the race course again...lol.

I have a bunch of pics that I uploaded from when I raced...let me know what you think.

[mfoga]

I think that is it right now Danny, unless you travel.

[jwest]

Heh,

You're not alone as a 35+er returning to DH racing. Earlier this year was my 1st time back in 8+ years. I've really enjoyed easing my way back into it. Keep it up, just be smart and reasonable.

As for local events, fontucky's about it. I'm hoping that Southridge will be part of a rebuilding of the SoCal dh scene. They've done a good job of not letting it die and building on what they have. Hopefully, with strong turn-outs and some economic help (gas prices and costs pushing people off their MX/ATVs) Donny/Pat/Michael will find us a bigger hill maybe even lift, for us to race on.

JW

[art23rockpile]

Go for it Danny! Even if you don't race, ride hard and have a good time.

As you know, I just got into riding early this year, after being away from the sport for almost 20 years (and I was never truly into 'hard' riding back then). Within the past month or two, i've started really getting into freeride/DH, to the degree that I want to buy a good 7-8" travel bike. I'm 46 years old... age isn't really a factor!

[J_Sims]

I bought my first true DH bike and started racing at 39.... I say go for it

[TeamDEKEbmx]

I am here for you bro (BMX) take it easy... Come back healthy.