Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Weekends off! Sometimes they come with getting to work on things you were struggling with, or maybe it’s just time to unwind and relax. For me, it was neither, after getting to go and spend a few days at the FXR headquarters in Manitoba last week, I flew to my home town in Ohio to take my little brother to his Regional for Loretta Lynn’s. My first ever attempt at a moto dad/mechanic.
It’s really weird being on the other side of the fence because to me some stuff comes easy and other things it’s like a shot in the dark. So, when I go to the track with my brother, sometimes I can be a little harder on him than when I work with other kids. I see the kid doing something wrong, something so simple to someone at my level of racing, but I have to be patient with him because he hasn’t had all the opportunities in racing as I have had. Don’t get me wrong, the kid is a great rider but I tend to hold him to a high standard, and let me tell you our weekend at Baja was nothing but a struggle from the beginning.
After a few days off and a trip to Michigan to help out his brother, it’s time to get back to work. Photo by James Lissimore
It’s kind of crazy how fast a bad day or weekend can turn around. Josh Osby and I talk about this all the time. In 2013 at our regional, he crashed every moto, and I mean every moto. He went home early to get ready for the next regional, where he went on to win, and then at LL I believe he was on the podium in both classes. Well, my brother’s weekend went kind of like that. On Saturday he crashed four times in two motos, two of which could have ended his weekend. I was ready to pack up and go home, because let’s face it, who has ever made it to LL after going to the LCQ? Well, it happened. After some great starts on Sunday he qualified in one of his classes, getting 2nd in both motos on Sunday. 18-2-2 for 5th overall, now that’s something I’ve never seen before.
It was pretty cool to get to see things from the other side I must say. I was more nervous about getting his bikes ready and watching him than I ever am when I am racing. I have a lot more respect for moto dads now, too, and anyone who says pro mechanics have it rough, try working for an amateur kid with multiple bikes in multiple classes for three days straight.
After a solid three rounds out west, Cade is now looking forward to the east rounds. Photo by James Lissimore
Now I’m just happy to be back home, riding and working out, trying to work on all the things I struggled with at the first three rounds. I said last week and I’ll say it again, there is nothing better than being back in your own home after a month of travelling and staying with friends and in hotels. Plus, Sarah is a damn good cook, so that always helps. About to head to the track now, so I’ll see you guys at the races.
