Personal History
Even though I started competing only 2 years ago, I have always had a dirt bike and have enjoyed riding with my family at the local riding park. 2 years ago, a close friend invited me out to a hare scramble event with him. I had heard of these but thought that people were crazy for wanting to race for 2 hours through the woods. Man was I wrong?! I had finally found my calling. This race was the last race of the season and I was very bummed that I would have to wait 5 months to start the next season.
April 2012 finally came around and I was very excited about getting to compete in a sport that I had always loved. Back then, I rode a CRF 450R. I really enjoyed this bike but felt like it was so big and heavy and having to pick it up and kick it every time I fell got very tiring. I felt like I could never get better because every time I got on the track I felt like I was fighting the bike and using all my strength just to get it to go where I wanted it to. I only ran 3 races this season and decided if I was going to compete and get better in this sport I would have to buy a bike more suitable for my build.
I did a lot of research and towards the end of the 2012 season I bought a KTM 200 EXC. This was my first 2 stroke bike and I knew that I would have to practice on it quite a bit to get used to this new powerband. I rode it as much as I could in the off season. When April came around and we had our first race of the 2013 season, I felt more comfortable and confident on my new 2 stroke KTM. I took a respectful 9th at my first event. I was very pleased with this.
So far this year I have 3 top ten finishes with my best being 2nd place. I have improved each race this season and have gotten even more comfortable on my bike.
Riding Goals
My goal this season is to achieve a top ten overall finish. I am currently sitting 11th in my class. This has been getting better and better each race as I was previously sitting 16th. I plan on reaching my goal by focusing on consistency and endurance. I am trying to get my lap times as consistent as possible.
Next year my goal is to move up to the C Advanced class and finish in the top 20 percent of that class. Since I will have one full season under my belt my goal is to improve on my times from last year and focus on an even more consistent lap time.
My career goal is to consistently be in the top 10 percent of our series and compete competitively with the best riders in my series. I plan on obtaining this by setting smaller, trying goals each year to get faster and more consistent.
Competitive Highlights
2013 Milford Lake - This was the first race of the 2013 season and my first race on a 2 stroke bike. I finished 9th in my class and felt good about it.
2013 Merwin,MO - I finished 2nd in my class and was in the top 40 percent overall. This is the first race I really felt like I was fluid and found a good rythm on my new bike.