Personal History
Growing up, my step-dad, Steve, always had toys hanging around. Tractors, 4 wheelers, snowmobiles, and dirtbikes. He used to race NETRA and was very good at riding. In 2016, I decided I wanted to get a bike and start riding with him. I had friends that rode and raced and it seemed pretty cool, so I thought I would give it a try. That spring, I bought a 2005 Honda CRF 230. At first, I had no intention on racing. I just wanted to go out riding and I mainly wanted to use it to go check on my trail camera where I had a tree stand. I picked it up pretty quick with the help of my stepdad. I always tried to watch him and see what he did and try to do the same. Sometimes this got me into a little trouble but other times, it was very helpful. Picking up little tricks like wheelying through puddles and jumping logs. But most of the time I was just trying to stay with the tail light that was fading off in the distance. I rode as much as I could with him or with friends and sometimes by myself. it became an addiction I couldn't get enough of. That winter, I decided I wanted to race so I bought a 2004 KTM 200 EXC and we fixed it up and got it ready to race. Steve not only taught me how to ride but how to be my own mechanic and how to do proper maintenance on the bikes. I raced that year as many races as I could and rode just about every day after work. In June 2018, I upgraded to a 2014 KTM 200 XCW and started racing that. In my opinion, I've come a long way in just 2 short years. My first race I got 34th and now I almost always get at least top 10 and pretty much every holeshot. I've won myself some plaques and met lots of cool people at races. My favorite thing about riding is just going out and doing something I'm good at. It's also a good way for me to spend time with my step-dad and do something we both love to do. Except now, I leave my tail light on for him to follow.
Riding Goals
At my first race, I saw a guy cross the finish line, throw down his bike and helmet, and just start yelling in anger. My biggest goal is to never be that guy. As competitive as I am, I always make sure to congratulate the guy in front of me and say good job to whoever I battled with throughout the race. One goal of mine was to get a holeshot. It took me quite a while but I worked at it and now I get the holeshot often. My goal for this year is to just give it my all, try to get some wins, and hopefully, move up to the next class.