Race 1 - A Complete Disaster

Well, it was a rough start for the season.  We had our first points race in Ephrata, WA. at Ephrata Raceways.  

I love supermoto, I do.  I'm well aware of the fact that my particular strengths in supermoto (SM) are on the tarmac.  By no means a miracle worker, but I know how to gain positions, run hard, and defend position on the tarmac.  When it comes to the dirt, I've never really had a "strategy" other than, "Don't Fall" (a rule I violated multiple times this weekend!).  I'm not a strong dirt rider - even weak in most regards - but that isn't a deal breaker with supermoto, because our sport dictates that only 15-25% of the track be dirt.

My weekend in Ephrata was a real eye-opener.  This track was a 1-off, ad-hoc situation for the season.... not a dedicated SM track, but the idea was that we could create a challenging, fun track out of the landscape.  Instead, what was created was an Arenacross track with a small tarmac section. 

I won't get into the fundementals of Arenacross, but the basic gist is to build a track that encompasses the elements of Supercross, in a much smaller, more compact land situation.  What you generally get is a quick, steep, and deep track with a heavy need for whip turns and rhythm jumps.

Why am I talking about Arenacross so much...?  The reason is because this weekend.. I was racing in an Arenacross event with an SM bike.  Those layout percentages I mentioned above were flip-flopped completely, so that the dirt comprised roughly 60+% of the track, and the tarmac as the remainder.

It was so difficult -- mentally, physically, emotionally -- knowing that I was doing terrible -- knowing that I was kinda stuck in this race where I simply didn't have the proper skill set for these variables..... but there was nothing I could do about it, except to finish the race.

Certainly, Its given me a great reason to get back to a motocross track and get some practice in.  But really, what it gave me was a hunger for a real SM track and a chance to redeem myself on the tarmac.

Total Crash Count = 3     Total Stalls = 2   Total Broken Bones = 0

There were some (not many!) who faired worse than me...... but I'm still alive, and the bike is still ok.  Next race is May 16th at PacificGP..... thank god.

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