Pictures from 5-25-03
The weather was cool and cloudy today but the racing was great. A larger than normal turnout made for a nice racing program, thanks to all that came out on this holiday weekend. Several riders from Akron made the trip today and they seemed to have enjoyed themselves, hope you drop by in future. The track didn't look too good after all the rain when we arrived but after watering the track, dragging it with a 4-wheeler, then sweeping the entire track by hand it looked great! Thanks again to the "Shady Crew" for making it happen.
David staying close to the bike and on the ground. Matt is just getting ready to sail over the jump. Two good riders, two different techniques.
The bike might have to go up and down with the jumps but the rider doesn't. Bend your knees and stay low on the tops of the smaller jumps as the leader is doing.
"HOT LIPS" in the Attack Position! (elbows up) As you look through the pictures notice that some of the "faster riders" are often in this position. They are already in position to push down or pull up on the bars and can do so quicker and with more force because of their good body placement on the bike. It makes a big difference and it easier said than done.
Smokin!
Look how nice and smooth the track was. Shady Lane BMX rocks!
Logan was flying!
More close racing action!
I wouldn't want to be in this class, all of these guys are fast!
Go Johnny, Go, Go, Go!!! Johnny won some motos today.
New riders often only look a few feet in front of themselves as they race. These guy are doing a good job of looking a good distance down the track.
Motoring out of turn one!
Good Job!
16in. rocket!
Joe's (L) front straight is getting serious, he's right next to Jeff (R) and has the inside line. Who has the best body position to pump through the next jump? The answer is Jeff on the right, elbows up and flying. There's a lot to be learned from the "old guys" too! We can't pedal faster so we have to ride smarter! (I made that up so if you want to use it in the future you must use my name in the reference!) Patent Pending.
These guy were this close all day!
These are the fastest guys and it's anyone's race at this point. Study their landing. Who's landed properly and is ready to manual the next jumps the most efficiently? The correct answer is Matt (right) and David (center) who went 2&1 all day. Carlos (left) landed a little sideways this time which scrubs speed, not that it slowed him too much, but it didn't help. David is also on the inside of Matt which tends to give him the advantage in the upcoming corner. It was David, Matt, and then Carlos coming out of turn one. All three riders are very talented but at this level it's the little things that make the difference. David is very fast because he is very smooth, makes few mistakes, and he stays very low to the ground when he does jump. He always puts in many laps during practice figuring out what technique works best on each jump. Proof again that hard work and attention to the little things pays off!
Gone!
This is another very fast class! Daniel is doing a good job of getting the bike back on the ground since he didn't jump it this time.
The second rider stands a better chance of passing since he's not following the rider in front of him, he's trying to find away around and he's taking the inside line.
Picture by BRITT! (only my daughter holds a cameras at an angle on purpose)
All in all a great day. Big turnout, BMX Connection was set-up in the vendors areas with lots of cool BMX goodies, and less than a handful of falls all day!
To become a better BMX rider, try to leave the track each weekend having learned at least one thing from watching other riders or from asking for advice from riders or adults watching. Chase the faster riders in practice, watch their gates, what are they doing that your not? Watch how other riders are taking that one jump that you feel slow over. There are several fast ways over a jump, which way works best for you and your skill level? Stop worrying about gearing and what color gear you have on. Races are won and lost on riding skill, not how long your top frame tube is. As you get older you will get stronger, your bike handling skill will improve, and hopefully your endurance will be better allowing you the strength to go full go down the final straight. That's what wins races.
If you liked the "Coaching Comments" on this page let me know and I'll do more of it. If you don't like it let me know. (I try to please all!)
Hope you all had a great time and see you on the gate!