Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
What a Long Distance Relationship Has Taught Me
Okay, this is not going the way you think it is going. Two weekends ago, April 23 and 24, was the MCQMX South race in Kelowna, British Columbia. As Albertans, this is not a very easy and quick trip to go to (we aren’t used to a lot of corners, so driving through the mountains is a big deal). It’s a nine and a half hour drive. For most motocrossers, that isn’t bad. When you have to work Friday and Monday, however, it’s really freaking long. So out of a whim, my brother, Zach, and two other buddies, Darius and Trevor, and I decided to hop in the truck and head to Kelowna together because why not? Okay, so it wasn’t just a spur of the moment type decision. I mean, I pre planned meals for the weekend so the boys didn’t have to worry about it when they were driving and racing. Anyways, everyone got off work Friday and we left my house around 5pm Alberta time. Fast forward a few hours and we arrived at the Kelowna track by 2am PST (we gained an hour for anyone following the time zone change). Thanks to Sara King, we had a parking spot sought out and we quickly unpacked and crawled into bed before the sun rose for practice day.
8 am arrived rather quickly, as we were rolling out of bed with red puffy eyes. The boys quickly went to sign in for practice and attended riders meeting. By the time the boys ate, got dressed, unlocked the bikes, fueled the bikes, started the bikes and headed out to practice, I was really wondering if this was worth the drive. Dirt bikes, however, never seem to disappoint as the boys came back from practice grinning from ear to ear. At that moment, I knew my team manager decision to do a last minute trip like this was definitely at an ‘A ’. The boys loved the track, and the weather was nice for not only the riders but of course for me too. That is extremely important, otherwise I am one cranky spectator.
Okay, so at this point you are probably thinking, “Where in the world are you going with this Sierra?” As a spectator of this sport, who was once a contender, I have learned to appreciate the little things of motocross, specific things that many take for granted. It isn’t just about riding a dirt bike for me anymore, it is far more complex than that. After my accident in 2013, I waited an entire year before I got back in the saddle. To some, this may seem rather quick, but let me tell you, it was the complete opposite. I am sure my mother would disagree with me, but hey, we all don’t make it out alive anyway. I truly felt like I was in a long distance relationship with this sport. I would roll into the shop and see my bike sitting there, just tormenting the crap out of me. Watching others, including friends and family, continue to compete was a rather difficult situation. Heck, it is still difficult for me. Yes, I get to ride again once in a while, but it just isn’t completely the same. It takes a lot of manpower and effort to get me out there. That doesn’t include when I fall or decide to take a break. There are days when I ride and I just want to be able to stick my leg out around a corner or to hit a jump at full tilt. I sometimes wish I could ride without all the other fears of the fact that I am basically strapped onto a bull (I didn’t sign up for bull riding motocross! Damn you!). However, I pushed and pushed to see the positive side of things in this sport and learned how to be in a long distance relationship with it. Being in Kelowna last weekend, spending time with motocross friends, reminded me of what I have learned in the past few years since my accident. The top 10 most valuable lessons include:
1) The sound of the first gate drop never gets old. You don’t even have to be on a bike to feel the adrenaline rush. When I was in the hospital, my Dad would show me videos from the race weekend, knowing I really missed being at the track, and hearing the sound of the bikes would cheer me up instantly.
2) Extreme patience. Sometimes, I need someone to carry me into the bathroom. When everyone just finished a 20 minute moto, they aren’t capable of doing that, so my patience has become a lot better, although I am sure my brother would argue on that one (I am learning okay!).
3) You will never know the outcome, so you might as well just ride it out. I have been taught my entire life that anything can happen, motocross has proved that time and time again.
4) Your motocross friends (the close ones and the ones you run into once a year at nationals) will forever be your second family. What more can I say there?
5) Whether you are racing, training, or spectating at the track, you will never get any kind of therapy like that anywhere else.
6) Road trips to races will always be the most memorable. Whether it is Zach farting in the truck all the way there, a tire popping off that wasn’t supposed to pop off, or the scenery to get there, it is all memorable. Hence the “Why not?” road trip to Kelowna. I was just feeling like I needed a road trip before I put on thousands of more kilometres this summer. Maybe I just needed a break from all the CDNWMX Series planning, I don’t know!
7) When you do get to ride, be grateful for every second of it because you never know when it will be your last. Having good friends to ride with is an added bonus.
8) Falling isn’t the end of the world, it just builds character for yourself, your gear, and your bike. It’s a win-win situation if you ask me.
9) Win or lose, it doesn’t matter. No one will remember you as the one who won that last moto at the end of the day. Your personality, that’s what people remember. So just be kind already!
10) Your support group of friends, family, sponsors, mechanics and team managers, they all want to see you succeed and will do anything in their power to get you there. However, in the end, it’s up to you to put in the work to make it all come together. You must put in 100% of the effort if you want 100% support.
Yes, that is only a tiny piece of what I have learned (we don’t have all day here, well I sure don’t), but it has all come from being a part of this sport on the sidelines. I am blessed to have so many there for me in so many ways that I couldn’t thank you all enough. For old time sake, though, thank you motocross family! You know who you all are.
Moving forward into something that is dear to my heart, the 2016 CMRC Western Canadian Women’s Nationals. I would like to express my gratitude towards those who have decided to support the west series this year. Without your support we wouldn’t be where we are today. The series is looking really bright for 2016, as far as sponsorship goes, so I encourage all women riders in Western Canada to come out, you won’t want to miss it. Below I have listed the sponsorship confirmed thus far. Keep in mind we are still confirming and will hopefully have a finalized list beginning the first week of May.
Signage done by M7 Designs – Huge thank you to Greg for donating his time and effort into everything we need done to help represent the following sponsors!
Round 1: Kamloops, BC- June 4
Round purse $1,000 to the top 10
-sponsored by Valley Speed and Valley Moto Sports
CMRC 100% Payback based on $35.00
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 1
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 2
-sponsored by RTR Performance
Top 3 additional $200 purse
-sponsored by Laminacorr Racing
Hard Charger Award
-sponsored by Gibson Tyre Technology
Trophies awarded to the Top 5
-sponsored by CDNWMX Series Fundraising
Round 2: Nanaimo, BC – June 11
Round purse $1,000 to the top 10
-sponsored by Mile Zero and John Meaney Photography
CMRC 100% Payback based on $35.00
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 1
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 2
– sponsored by RTR Performance
Top 3 additional $200 purse
– sponsored by Laminacorr Racing
Hard Charger Award
– sponsored by Gibson Tyre Technology
Trophies awarded to the top 5
– sponsored by Alternative Groove and Ride Industries
Round 3: Calgary, AB – June 18
Round purse $1,000 to the Top 10
-sponsored by Cycle Works
CMRC 100% Payback based on $35.00
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 1
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 2
– sponsored by RTR Performance
Top 3 additional $200 purse
– sponsored by Laminacorr Racing
Hard Charger Award
– sponsored by Gibson Tyre Technology
Trophies awarded to the Top 5
– sponsored by CDNWMX Series Fundraising
Round 4 – Regina, SK – June 25
Round purse (unknown still) to the Top 10
– sponsors still to be determined
CMRC 100% Payback based on $35.00
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 1
Holeshot Award $50 for Moto 2
– sponsored by RTR Performance
Top 3 additional $200 purse
– sponsored by Laminacorr Racing
Hard Charger Award
– sponsored by Gibson Tyre Technology
Trophies awarded to the Top 5
-sponsored by CDNWMX Series Fundraising
SERIES PURSE to Top 10 – Still being confirmed
-sponsored by the following thus far:
Hardcore Candy Inc.
Cycle North
RIMK Industries
Lloydminster MX Club
Canadian Moto Show
Oriana Fraser #49
Series Trophies for the Top 5 Overall sponsored by CDNWMX Series Fundraising
Draw Table Sponsors
– Platinum Recreation
– Moose Mountain Leisure
– Diamonds and Dirt
– Troy Lee Designs
– Evans Cooling
– Hardcore Candy
– John Meaney Photography
– Scona Cycle
-Redneck Barbie will be providing sign-in bags to anyone who signs up at the first round.
SERIES END AWARDS – These awards will only be eligible to those who participate in the entire series.
CYCLE NORTH POWERSPORTS MOST IMPROVED RIDER AWARD: $200.00
Awarded to the competitor who has consistently improved their skills from the previous year; one has stood out and has worked hard to achieve their goals.
ATHLETE of the Year Award
This award not only recognizes extraordinary athletic performance, but someone who has worked hard all year and is an athletic role model on and off the track.
SPORTSMANSHIP Award – Peer voted at last round
Given to the woman whose peers feel that they exemplify the qualities of consistent and sincere sportsmanship during the entire series on and off the track.
M7 STYLE AWARD: Free decal kit
Awarded to the rider with the most riding style throughout the entire series.
Auction Prizes at the events- Money goes towards Series Purse
Des Hildebrand – Auctioning off her Artwork at the Nationals.
Special thank you to the following girls for helping Kristi Moore and I round sponsors up:
Free Entry Fee – to any rider who supplies a $500+ sponsor for the Series:
* Summer Knowles
* Kate Lees
* Danika White
* Dominique Daffe
Also to so many of you who have helped do bottle collections at the races, thank you, thank you! Every little bit helps.
Like I said, we have yet to confirm a few more sponsors, but just know, you are all appreciated in making this dream happen. If I have forgotten anyone (there are so many of you that I would be surprised if I didn’t forget anyone), please let me know, so I can make sure you are added on the list. We have a t-shirt sale going on that ends in a few days, so if anyone would like to support the series, please head over to our website and purchase a t-shirt! It would be greatly appreciated!
5 more weeks ladies… The real countdown begins!
