FXR Racing Presents Racing With Clason- Gopher Dunes Prep!

Gopher prep! I’ve always wondered what someone like Matt Goerke, who loves the sand, does to get ready for a race like Gopher. For myself, it’s all about just trying to find a setting that I can ride comfortably for 35 minutes. You would think with living at Clubmx for so long that I would love the sand, but you would be wrong. I like more of a sandy clay mix, something like Sand Del Lee. I love that place.

I drove all the way back east from Arizona to try to help prepare for the sand this year. I’ve spent the last week in Michigan riding and training, trying to ride as much as possible in sandy conditions. In Arizona, I’ve only found one good sand spot to ride, but without rain, it is almost impossible. My style of riding has never totally suited sand, but I feel as if the last couple of years I have improved a lot. My results last year at Gopher didn’t show it, but that was the best I have ever felt there. I always think back to my first year in Canada. The first lap at Gopher I had a huge crash. Then I remember how unbelievably fast Kyle Keast was. I just remember him going by me like I was standing still and thinking how terrible I was riding.

Like I said earlier, no matter how you’re riding at Gopher Dunes, it’s all about being comfortable, because no matter what there is going to be some suffering. You just have to manage how rough it is, and try to stay loose and have good lines. It’s weekends like this where I will look for advice from my teammate, Marshal Weltin, and my Team Manager, Al Dyck. Both have a lot of knowledge when it comes to the deep sand riding, and utilizing that skill and knowledge is huge for me. Well, I’m sorry but I don’t have too much to say this week. I just wanted to check in and let you all know that I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for Round 4. However, I’m sure I will have plenty to talk about after the weekend. Thanks for reading, and now it’s time to go and play in the sand!