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I’m writing this from my perspective and experiences as an older woman, starting to race motocross at age 35.
I thought I was the only woman who wanted to race motocross. The excitement and adrenaline rush I experienced just from watching motocross (MX) races on TV was not enough. I needed more and knew I wanted to be IN the race. How does someone get into a sport without knowing where to start, and possibly not knowing anyone else, especially women, in the sport?
First, I checked the internet. Key words such as women and motocross brought up many useful sites. I found out there are techniques specific to MX and I wanted to learn the right way so that I could ride better quicker and safer. There was no time to waste for someone my age!
I found some motocross schools and finally made the calls to check them out. Yes, it is expensive. I paid between $175 and $275 per lesson, depending on the instructor. I learned a great deal from each one, all had their own techniques and I chose the ones that worked best for me.
The first time on the track with my instructor, I was shaking with fear and excitement. I thought about how much I have wanted to do this my whole life and how exiting it was to be there. After about six MX lessons and countless numbers of practice days, I asked my instructor when I could start racing and how to get into the race scene. I had absolutely no idea and no friends that were into racing that I could ask. I was told to just show up at a race, sign up, and race. That was it.
Ok, so now I go back to my computer and look up racing organizations in Southern California. I found the “Over-the-Hill-Gang”, an organization that concentrates on veteran racers over 25 years old. There weren’t any women-specific classes, but there was a beginner class. I went to my first race alone and scared. Scared not only of racing, but that the guys would make fun of me or laugh because I was slow and I was a woman. I had no idea of what to expect.
Much to my surprise, there were other women signed up to race. I became a little more relaxed and tried to concentrate on the race. I parked next to another guy who showed up by himself. I introduced myself and then he introduced me to a few other guys, some who were in my beginner race class. They explained to me how the races work; there are two motos and you get a certain number of points for each one, depending on what place you come in. At the end of the series, points are added up and the totals determine your place in your class.
These guys are some of the coolest people I’ve ever met! They made me feel like I belonged there. I raced the entire season with the “Gang” and kept racing with them until another club called “VetX” began. This group also meets the needs of us ‘older’ racers. Then I became a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and started racing in Women’s National Races. I am going to be 40 years old this year and the only thing I regret is that I let my perception of the social expectations of women in our society dictate what I should or shouldn’t do and that I didn’t start riding and racing earlier in life. The friendships I’ve created with my fellow racers, both men and women, are the strongest I’ve experienced. Racing has enhanced my life both mentally and physically, and I plan to ride for as long as my body will allow.
So ladies, just get out there and do it! You can even bring the kids and guys, racing is family oriented. Most organizations have open classes for all ages even though the club may be geared toward veteran racers.
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