I think I might have seen your name pop up with a local guy in that age group. Scot Bega. . You guys in that age group are laying down the heat! Yeah locally the last year and a half after I moved up to intermediate a bunch of the guys in that group aged out or went expert. So now Ive been getting moved down to the younger guys. Then I started working 80 hour weeks so I haven’t had as much time to train…. But I’ve got vacation days planned for a few bigger events to travel for

For sure. I just find I do better if Im not in my head about having to do better. I’ve ended up 2nd and 3rd in my state series and made mains at grands my novi year. But for instance in 2024 when I had the time to train and was all in on everything is when I missed out on the gold cup deal and got stomped at grands but last year I was still having fun while racing and I was sure I wasnt gonna get out of qualifying but I ended up beating a couple Australian people then a made it a bit further and was one spot away from mains. That was still a big win for me.

I’m a bit of the opposite. I race to win. I can go ride for free and not compete if I want to enjoy it. I got burnt out with travel, expenses and expectations and took a few years off. I came back last year with the idea that I was going to chill with my friends and “enjoy” it. That lasted all of one moto. I jumped right into the state series. The issue is, I’m not putting in the effort I used to, to get the results that I’m accustomed to. Finding the line between competition and fun isn’t easy for me at the track. On trails or at the park it’s no problem.

I’m 56+ expert. But at locals typically race the younger guys. I ran the state series last season and almost every race I was in 51-55ex or even younger if not enough old guys. When I was on the national circuit I got to race guys in my age group. But half of them are retired vet pros. It’s tough out there. I’m hopeful that racing SE gold cup this season I can at least race my age group at the finals. I expect the qualifiers will be a mixed bag of who shows up.

Man I hear that brother! I’m not very fast but I was doing real good about 2 seasons ago I had been losing weight and winning some bigger races. Then I missed out on a gold cup podium because I had to hit the brakes going into turn 3. I was so hot. I stewed about it and thought about quiting for the 3 hour car ride back home. Then my little brother (former team owner) called and reminded me the reason I started racing was my son who was in the back seat probably watching me get all upset over a race. and I need to go back to just having fun and riding with him. I was doing better when that was the way….. So this is the way. Fun first. Competition 2nd. And if it’s not seeming fun I’ll sit it out for the day

Yes indeed! What’s your age group when you race? I’m 41-45 inter. And I’m great at making fast bikes look slow haha

Thanks. Joining this site has inspired me to get more focused on riding for fun and still try to be competitive. It’s a fine line. I tend to get lost in the competition and stop having fun. It becomes a chore and I don’t want it to be like that.

Much appreciated. Thanks for the rating.

Thank you. I put a lot of thought into the build. It’s the first bike in a while that I’ve been able to use whatever brand parts I wanted. When I decided to pick it back up I made the decision to ride sponsor free, wear what I want, ride what I want. I’m going to be racing the gold cup series this season. I’m nowhere near where I need to be but I’m working on it. And I have no excuses with my equipment. It’s all on me.

Thank you. It’s a much better bike than I am a racer at the moment. Appreciate the kind words and rating.