The Trials And Tribulations of a Moto Mom

Good morning! It looks like it’s another cold one. Preston is sick again, this time with strep throat, so it looks like it will be a movie day for us. Luckily we were home this past weekend with no plans and no racing. It was a weird feeling having nothing to do but we needed it. We all need to catch up on sleep. Racing is an exciting life, but definitely exhausting.

I’ve written a little in the past about how terrified I am as a mom watching a motocross race. Yes, I worry, maybe too much sometimes, but I couldn’t imagine living our lives any other way. It definitely is a love/hate relationship I have with this sport. Knock on wood, Preston has never had any kind of serious injury yet; bumps, bruises, a sprained wrist and that’s about it. I really hope it stays this way. I know a few of you reading don’t know much about motocross so here is a list of the gear Preston wears : knee pads, pants, jersey, gloves, elbow pads, neck brace, chest protector, helmet, goggles and MX boots. We try to keep up to date with new products, research different brands and buy the best equipment we can to keep him safe. Safety is definitely our number one priority while he is out on the track.

A few years ago Preston was done racing for the day and Justin had one race left. He went out to the line while Preston, my Dad and I stood at the other side of the track. Preston and I used to count to see what place Justin was in; his class started coming over the jump and we started counting. Preston and I were up to about 20 riders when I knew there was a problem. Your heart just sinks as you see the Red Cross flag flying on the other side of the track. We ran over to where he was lying, praying that nothing was seriously wrong. The medics decided that they should call an ambulance. As scared as I was, I was acting pretty calm. Preston was worried and obviously I didn’t want to worry him more than he already was. Luckily my parents had decided to come to the race that day and were able to take my kids home while I went to the hospital. When something like this happens at a track, everyone pulls together to help. I can’t thank enough the people who helped us out that day. We found out at the hospital Justin had four broken ribs and a broken scapula. It was a long nine weeks of recovery. Justin’s self employed so when he’s hurt, he can’t work and doesn’t get paid. It did make us stop and think a little, me more than Justin. When you have that spark inside you I don’t think any accident or injury makes you want to stop doing what you love. Although Preston has never had a serious injury, he has definitely been around it and knows what can happen. I’m just happy that that doesn’t interfere with his love of the sport.

Besides the worry and risk involved, we have so much fun every weekend. Racing is just a small part of our weekly adventures. The kids love to go on road trips in the motorhome and camp every weekend.  We’re always together and I’m sure that’s what the kids will remember most about their childhood. It’s like a mini vacation every week when we go somewhere new. This winter has been so exciting racing Arenacross. Preston has really enjoyed the experience of racing in front of thousands of spectators and has learned so much in the past few weeks. We have had a blast watching him, meeting new people and seeing new places. Brooklyn loves staying in the hotels and having fun in the pool. I honestly can’t imagine any other lifestyle. We are all really looking forward to Vegas in May. The kids love going on the airplane and the vacation part of the trip, racing is just an added bonus. The reward of the sport definitely outweighs the risk. The family time and memories we have made over the past four years are priceless.

Thanks to MXP and to everyone reading this.