Tracks or Trails – Your Choice

There are several basic locations for riding your dirt bike:
•    motocross track or cross-country (enduro) course
•    mountain trails or flatlands/prairies

These options offer endless variety so you can find something that suits your skill level, keeps you challenged, and most importantly, keeps you riding!

Here at Curly’s Motocross we can’t stress enough that when you are deciding where to take your bike next weekend, keep in mind your ability – and the ability levels of ALL your fellow riders!

Check out my recommendations and some cautions for novices!

Countdown to Hangtown!

The first round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross 2012 is just five days away! A lot of things have been changing for the riders and the teams as we get ready for the Hangtown Classic near Sacramento in sunny southern California. This is the track where it all began, over 40 years ago!

Air Filter Replacement Time

First off, let me say that I still hate doing this job to this very day. But over the years I have learned some tricks for handling this messy job that I will share with you.

Final SX Race Wraps up a Crazy Year!

Well, sadly, another year of great stadium racing wraps up with Supercross 2012 Round 17 Las Vegas. That being said, what a crazy year it’s been!

Las Vegas was, as always, a great show. The Lites Class went straight in to their main events with no heat races, and the top nine in the East and West divisions got to go to the East/West Coast Shootout.

Things were Different Back Then

In the early days when I was racing (circa 1980) everyone considered motocross boots, helmets and goggles to be the complete protective gear for the sport.

If you wanted general body protection, your options were limited to wearing hockey gear! Properly designed body armor for motocross like chest protectors, knee guards and knee braces were still a few years away.

So I raced without knee protection, until one day during practice…

Tomac takes the West Coast Lites Championship!

Well, that’s it folks!!  A first-place finish in the 250 West Coast Lites at Salt Lake City, and Eli Tomac was crowned the new West Coast Champion.

Dean Wilson could have been a serious contender, even after  hurting his right shoulder last week in Seattle. He came to Salt Lake City looking ready for action, but late in the Main Event it looked like the bad luck caught up with him…

Premix Oil-to-Fuel Ratio – Getting it Right

I’m the first to admit that mixing up a batch of premix oil and fuel for my two-stroke Ka-TOOM! has pushed me near the edge of insanity more than once! Might even be one of the reasons I’ve lost all my hair!

However, preparing 2 stroke premix is necessary when you operate a single-cylinder dirt bike.

But the wrong ratio of oil-to-fuel can cause major problems…

Andrew Short Wins his First SX Race!

Andrew Short had a great night winning his first ever SX race and the first win for his new team owned by Larry Books and Mr. Supercross, Jeremy McGrath. He grabbed the hole shot in the 450 Class main event, took the lead and never looked back!

Short (#29, Honda) is an all-round great guy, and it’s a pretty amazing result given that he has only raced six times this year because of a shoulder injury. Everyone who was anyone was coming to congratulate him!

Barcia Takes the 250 Lites Championship

Got my fix of motocross racing again this weekend with the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Race at New Orleans. Barcia started the race saying he was determined to wrap things up in New Orleans by taking away the 2012 Lites East title, and he did!

Almost made up for not getting to go riding myself! Between the snow and an out-of-town business trip, I couldn’t hit the trails this past weekend. Hoping to be out there for sure next weekend!

Always Protect your Knees when Riding!

I consider my knees to be a pretty essential part of my body and can’t say enough about having the right gear for protecting your knees and shins while riding motocross or dirt bikes.

Whether you’re getting roosted by your buddy in front of you or “going out the front door” (crashing), you will want to make sure your knees and shins are protected.

First Ride of the Season

We got out for our first ride of the season a week before the Easter weekend (remember, we live in the Great White North). We lucked out and we got one warm day (16°C). Amazing weather for this time of year. So we hit the trails!

I was really excited to try out my new 4-cell Ballistic EVO2 battery I had just installed, and my new Pirelli tires. As well, the guys from Matrix Concepts Canada had sent me some of their 1.7 Formula Cleaning Solutions products which had come out in 2011. It was like Christmas all over again!

Villopoto is the 2012 Supercross 450 Winner!

Not much of a surprise that Ryan Villopoto (#1, Kawasaki) took the 450 Class Championship during Supercross 2012 Round 13 Houston. He wins on points but has earned the win by riding focused and consistent in every race.

He has maintained an impressive lead over the other racers for the entire season. However, with the likes of Ryan Dungey (#5, KTM) and Chad Reed (#22, Honda) out for the season early on due to injury, there was not much competition.

Still, he is an amazing athlete and definitely showed why he is this year’s champion!