Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Leading up to any race, riders come into it with high expectations and many goals. Usually, it consists of everyone believing they are going to do great, when in reality, that isn’t possible. Racing dirt bikes is a pretty special thing, and sometimes riders take that for granted. For example, when we do ‘bad’ or don’t necessarily meet those expectations and goals. Some people might look at my weekend in Calgary (9-10 finishes for 10th overall) and see that as a great weekend. However, when I first look at my weekend, I see bad starts, crashes, and minimal intensity. Though these are my initial thoughts, I quickly realize that sometimes you have to look at the fact that you learned, you experienced, you came out healthy, and you get to redeem yourself the following weekend.
The first round of the year can be interesting. It’s full of emotions because no one truly knows where everyone is going to finish, and for myself, it turned out to be a disappointment. As I’m still trying to overcome my issues, it can be fun to work on new things and try to really focus on your faults. No matter who you are, every rider leaves the track on Saturday trying to think of what they could have done to be better and faster. It’s not always as simple as ‘I need to work on my starts,’ sometimes it requires digging deep to find the problem. Some riders will sit alone to try and replay every inch of the moto in their mind, while some guys have trainers that watch their every move and dissect the racing with them. Everyone just has to find what works for them and make the best of it.
After a decent day in Calgary, Cade is looking for much more this weekend at Round 2. Photo by James Lissimore
Every year that I have raced in Canada I have stayed up for the western part of the series. I have always loved it out west with the mountains and wild life. It truly is something I wish everyone could experience. Over the last two years I have stayed at my good buddy Shawn Maffenbeier’s house in Kamloops. We both love it because it gives us a good time to train together and learn from one another. This year, it has consisted of a lot of criticism for how slow I went in Calgary, but hey, what are friends for? I accept it though, as often times we need a good kick in the butt with a harsh reality check to follow. I know most people can’t do that with someone they race against, but I guess that’s just something that makes us great friends.
Like I said, after a bad weekend, you always have doubts about what you’ve been doing to get ready, and you just need to reflect. Yes, sometimes you have to change everything and try something new, however, sometimes you need to just take a breath and have a little faith in yourself. This week, with the issues I had this weekend, I’ve really been working on my sprint speed, really trying to push the edge and try new things. Now I know that might sound a little sketchy, but when you rode around on a Sunday cruise at the race, getting sketchy is sometimes what you need. Besides trying to get a little more comfortable after being uncomfortable, I don’t think it is time to hit the panic button on my riding just yet.
Even though he had a tough opening weekend, Cade was still smiling! Photo by James Lissimore
As far as heading to Prince George, I’m always excited to go there. I love that track, and even the long drive there is spectacular. The track is great for viewing and racing, and the track crew always does anything they can to help/please the riders. You may be out in the middle of nowhere but sometimes that’s the price you pay for something awesome. Hopefully no rain this year, but even with the rain last year, it still wasn’t “that bad.” That’s all for now, see you on Saturday. Thanks for reading.
