long!
So there I was....
I just pulled into my parents neighborhood on Friday afternoon. I stopped by my neighbor's house to see if the 2 youngsters and their parents were gonna make it to the races that night. They said they would stop by around 7:30. It was a go. I loaded up the bikes and carbs and headed to the track!
6:30 p.m. rolled around and Shellie and I walked into the arena. Steve was frantically building the rythmn section. I've never seen anyone drive with such skill and accuracy! Before I could unpack my bikes and gear- and have an amazing conversation with Curtis Newkirk about the early Christian church (Acts and Paul's letters)- the track was "good enough" for that night's racing.
After discussing Christian theory and scriptures for a while, Curtis, speaking like a true Christian, asked if we should go help with the track. I told him my energy levels currently don't allow for track building AND racing. That night I would race. Since I saw all of the tools were being used to prop up most of the guys who were using them, (They must have been tired!) We decided to leave the track building to those who were already hard at it. Did you all feel like you could use more help? What could we have done to help out?
What a production. To turn a horse arena into a BMX track in 1 day. Props to everyone who had a hand in building and running the track this weekend.
Ian and Heather! You two are a class act! I know I wouldn't race half the races I go to, if you weren't there to lend a tool, or a pump, or sell product. Thanks for all you do at the track. I hope you guys are at least breaking even. Sorry to hear you have to pay $75 to set up your show.
Speaking of not setting up a show....what happened with the Kelly's show? Mike Kelly has spend thousands of dollars on-well you've seen it...tools, starting gate timer, and whatnot....only to be told he couldn't do that anymore? What gives? I don't wanna be the one to rock the boat on this one, but dang Gina? The Kelly's are pillar in holding up the Utah BMX sanctuary. Let's do what we can to make sure that racing families are catered to- and taken care of. In my opinion, if you can't take care of people who give so much in return, how can you expect to take care of the rookies. I'm sure I'm just misinformed about what the regulations are, so I'm seeking to understand the whole story. anyone....anyone.....?? Why can't you put a bike up on the rail with a 'for sale' sign. Last year we had a lot of tables with people selling their stuff. What is different this year? What is the story?
So racing on Friday was a blast! I won my first round qualifier in 28+ Expert. That was my fastest lap. My main was a blast. I introduced myself to DJ from ? I did it in the last corner with a big bump. He thanked me for it at the end of the race. He said he likes physical racing like that. I'm sure it was more fun for him because he got the win as well
. It was great racing. I also had a great time racing Jason Melton. I found out after the race that both DJ and Jason were on flats! Nice racing you two! Brian Oblad is a fast rider! He's a rookie to the Expert class and he's taking 4ths and 3rds. What a tough group of racers we have here, if a guy as fast as BO is taking 3rds and 4ths. Bruce- you talked him in to racing expert early, now come race him!
My 2 new recruits came and rode the track after the race that night. Their parents signed them up for the race on Sat. They also entered the raffle. They were both excited to come race. Jacob-11N, and Dylon-12N. Watch out for these guys, cuz they might be new ABA members if they can convince the parents.
So- after a handfull of people backed out on me, I was still left with 8 RFLers! Here's a review of the people and their experiences.
Shellie- 21 girl cruiser-qualified first round, took an overall second by throwing down a textbook high/low on Jenni Allen in the last corner.
Mechelle-23 girl cruiser- didn't qualify for the main. Raced two laps and got a great workout! She says "You all make it look easy! That was the best workout for my legs!" also "I'm glad I didn't make my main, my legs couldn't have handled another lap!" She said she had a great time!
Jacob-total points- took 3rd all three rounds. Loves BMX bike racing. He wants to thank that guy who lent his enigma bike for him to race. Yes you, the dude from Colorado- thanks again!
Dylon- won his 2nd qualifier. Didn't place in the main, but loved the racing. He was the last one on the track Sat. night after taking an extra 10 laps!
Ben, Dan, and Shawn all raced 19-27 novice. Ben didn't qualify, Dan beat him out for the spot, and Shawn took home the first in the main- and did it on Ian Elliot's awesome Staats 20 inch! He said the bike was too nice for him! Shawn wanted whoever he was racing (an aba member) to have to race a few more novice races before moving up.
Dan was the caboose of that train! So Shawn and Dan were the book ends of that moto! Dan finished last, but with great style by manualing the last 15 feet of the track and over the finish line! He also wants to thanks the dude from Colorado for lending his enigma to race! Thanks for coming guys! You really helped out a good cause!
Conrad 29 novice- didn't qualify. This is his third RFL and the first time he didn't qualify. That group had like 12 or so, -two racks! They were taking 2-2 in to the main. He took 3rd in the 2nd round.
My night was fun and memorable. I took an uncontested 1st in 26-30 cruiser. It was great to see so many riders my age come out and race. There was quite a dip in numbers in that age group over the last little while. Now we usually have 6-10 active riders in 26-30 cruiser- all rookies-except the vet- Ian! Mike Oblad-Welcome back! You are looking fast! I could hear the battle going on between you and Ian in the Main. You are a talented rider. Hey- what is your mountain bike career? I heard you were ranked 7th in the world for mountain bike racing? is that right?
I took a 2nd in class. Jason Melton and I were tied going into the main with 3 points each. I blew my gate, and my chance for a 1st place. What a crazy mental mistake on my part! Brian Oblad was right there keeping us both honest all 3 laps- Thanks for your friendship and help with bikes and racing! I have come to really respect the guys I race. I know that Jason Melton gives his best race every time out on the track. Because of this, I've come to respect him as an athlete and a competitor. He makes me ride better each race. Jason and I exhanged paint, rubber, and elbows this weekend. Thanks for keeping the level of racing high at these local races. I have come to expect clean, yet fierce racing each time. I'm glad it's not like Danny P. and Sunshine. I agree with TP- when will the games stop, and the racing begin? Thanks Jason Melton for keeping it real!
Kudos to Rob Passey for getting a last second 1st place finish! Way to join your son on the 1st place podium! Phoenix- great main on Saturday-Awesome pull! What exactly happened to Cody Kelly in the main? Did he wrap a shoelace around his pedal? Did he just hit the family tree- I've heard several stories- What happened? I hope you are okay! Mike- Great laps! You are riding stronger than ever! Keep it up!
Danny Patterson- you inspired me to race a tough race- too bad we suffered the same fate to those Staats team riders.
Rockin' Robbie and Jordan Smith! You guys are worth the price of admission. I love watching you battle. Keep it up, you are making each other super fast!
Mitch Ropelato! You are untouchable! Rock on man!
The Donners!- Dad- thanks for keeping that sweeper corner swept. It was the best it's ever been! Mom- Thanks for showing up and sharing your family with us all. Sister- You are getting faster every race! Nice performance this weekend. Keep writing! Brother- What a challenge to race with Diabetes! Don't get discouraged! Just keep giving your best race every time!
Jason Gallo! Nice lap dude! I saw you show Mike Kelly a little something on one of your qualifier laps! Nice job! Also, way to sneak in the 2nd place in the main. You threw down a sweet move in the last corner to pull it off! Thanks again for taking all of those great pics and posting them so quickly. I know your time is precious, but thanks for all you do on this website! (Can you please change my rider profile page to some respectable pics?-Make me look good, man!-LOL)
Dave, Carrie, Jacob, and Bob- you guys are the best! I look forward to many more races with you all around. Carrie, are you gonna sign up as an ABA member? You now know it's better than the gym!
Bruce- thanks for getting the pros to come out! Also, nice job getting some riders to come to the RFL. I'm diggin' the old school pics you are posting. Thanks for sharing your collection with us! Keep them coming! Congrats again on making the Vintage national team- same to your wife, Donita! I wish you two the best for a great year!
Well, it's late, and I know I missed a lot of folks. I just wanna say thanks again for everyone who has helped me out personally on and off the track! Dan Patterson especially. Way to kick some butt on occassion! Thanks again for letting me run your wheels! You are my sponsor.
TP and Ariel- thanks for representing the state, your sponsors, and yourselves so well! Keep it up!
Robert Anderson- thanks for lending your bike and helmets to my RFLers.
Well, if you made it this far- shame on you for wasting so much of your time reading all of this. Get back to work or go do something productive!! LOL- no- feel free to write back any response you have to any of this. or at least correct my spelling and grammar and send it back to me!
BMX- Whahoo!
Jason Stout
