Personal History
My name is Charles Richter. I am 30 years old and I live in the wild and rural community of Wildcat, West Virginia where the only place to ride is up. The mountains are steep, the soil is rich and rocky, and every trail I make, I try to make one more challenging. I enjoy enduro riding and the execution and precision it takes to conquer new obstacles. More recently, within the past year, I’ve taken the skills I’ve learned in the woods to the racetrack.
When I’m not riding or repairing dirt bikes, I work as an Iron Technician for an oil and gas company. I have a supportive wife who has become my biggest fan as I’ve transitioned into dirt bike racing. I also have two healthy and rambunctious little boys who have grown to share my passion for dirt bikes. My wife rides as well, and we love that we are the “talk” of our small town as the family who always rides dirt bikes together.
I didn’t have the opportunity to pursue racing when I was a child. I bought my own dirt bike that I repaired myself, when I was 15 years old. It’s been a long road here, and I’m late to the race so to speak, but I feel fortunate for all the experience I’ve gained to take to the racetrack and share with my family.
Riding Goals
Riding dirt bikes is in my blood, even if it wasn’t, I’d be riding anyways. I ride to clear my mind, to lose all that is mentally weighing me down, and to push beyond all my personal goals.
I grew up listening to stories from my uncle and dad when they raced Blackwater. They were ametuers, but to me they were legends. My dad didn’t pursue racing very long. He married my mom and soon I came along, then my brother. We didn’t have much despite my dad being an extremely hard worker. We rode hand-me-down four wheelers until their wheels fell off or we couldn’t afford to fix them any longer. I always wanted a dirt bike so I bought my brother and I our first bikes when I saved enough money working after school. Last year we entered our first race together and it was the best feeling crossing a finish line, after dreaming about it all these years, with my little brother.
I entered the Mountain State Hare Scramble season, 3 races late. This year it is my goal to ride every race in the circuit. I am mentally and physically more prepared in this second season. I’ve spent many hours this last season and this wintery offseason on my Gas Gas 300ec, pushing and working on physical stamina, getting a feel for my bike inside and out, and riding all conditions especially in rocks and mud. I have a strong background and intuition for riding technical terrain and last year I excelled in races with tricky hill climbs and rough conditions. This year I’m focused on speed, stamina, and the right mindset. Last year I tested myself, and this year I’m pushing for podiums.
In the year after, and for future years, my goal is to work my way into faster classes, and to create video and race content for future riders. I hope to inspire others like me, male or female, young or old, to ride dirt bikes — and maybe even dream to race them.
Competitive Highlights
Last year I raced the 2023 Mountain State Hare Scramble circuit, 7 out of 10 races, in the Trail Rider class. 40-50 riders signed up for the class, but typically each race 20-25 riders were at the start. I brought home 4 plaques and the majority of the races I finished top 10. My best finish was 5th.
I was new to racing and there was definitely a learning curve. At the end of the season, I was invited to the Awards Ceremony and I finished 5th in my class for season points. This next season I plan to move up to C30+ class and continue to get faster. Sponsorship support would help keep me on the track and living the dream.