Shedding the purse strings

[MotoMan]

Went riding last night with a few guys at the track behind my house, and for the first time I jumped every jump on the track consistantly for 4 laps. My confidence is starting to come back and it feels just awesome.

There was a point not too long ago that I thought I might have made a wrong decision in buying a bike again, my confidence was lower then it has ever been, my hand wasn't coperating, and I just felt way out of place on the bike.

It has taken quite a few rides and in all honesty been pretty frustrating, but I think it's finally coming back to me. I still can't go all out for very long as my left hand will just stop working when it gets tired, I have had my hand fly off the bars more then once, at that point I just pull off for a little while and then go back out.

Just feels good to have some of the speed coming back, hell I even won the "whip contest" last night.

[popfuhre393]

That is great news, keep after it, that left hand will keep getting better.

Mike

[Macho393]

sounds like me,lol.

[cowboyona426]

that's awesome Jim You'll be back to your old self in no time (which may or may not be a good thing )

[yzernie]

Originally Posted by MotoMan

My confidence is starting to come back and it feels just awesome.

I haven't gone through anything near as serious as you have and I'm surprised you are even riding again. I was off the bike for almost 4 months and I have been out 4 times since I got the mighty YZ450. I agree 100% with you that regaining your (our) confidence is a major obstacle. Russ and I plan on going to Racetown on Sunday and my goal is to do the jumps I had always done but since my return I'm having a problem with my mangina getting in my way.

[Aus_Rider_22]

That's the spirit, Jim!

Is there any particular exercises or equipment you can use to help get your hand stronger quicker?

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by yzernie

I haven't gone through anything near as serious as you have and I'm surprised you are even riding again. I was off the bike for almost 4 months and I have been out 4 times since I got the mighty YZ450. I agree 100% with you that regaining your (our) confidence is a major obstacle. Russ and I plan on going to Racetown on Sunday and my goal is to do the jumps I had always done but since my return I'm having a problem with my mangina getting in my way.

I know exactly what you mean there Ernie. I jumped the jumps on my track literally thousands of times before, and still it took quite a bit of courage on my part to start jumping them consistantly again. Good luck on Sunday and be sure and post a report.

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by Aus_Rider_22

That's the spirit, Jim!

Is there any particular exercises or equipment you can use to help get your hand stronger quicker?

I have been thinking about purchasing one of those clutch levers that are mounted to a grip that you see in the mags to help my hand a little. The biggest thing is that I can only hold on with my ring finger and pinkey with my left hand, my thumb just kinda rests on under the bar and I cannot grip with it. Therefore my 2 fingers are just going to have to get very strong.

[Keetoman393]

Jim, I am impressed bro. To have nearly lost that arm and then doing what you are now is just amazing! Hard work and perseverance pays off.

[Macho393]

I know of a exercise you can do Jimbo to help your hand out!





Them little hand grip triangle looking things. You can keep those in your truck,office, etc and work your hand out all the time. We use to place a dime between the handles and see how long we could keep it there.

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by Macho393

I know of a exercise you can do Jimbo to help your hand out!





Them little hand grip triangle looking things. You can keep those in your truck,office, etc and work your hand out all the time. We use to place a dime between the handles and see how long we could keep it there.

Yep...already have one right beside me.

The thing I like about the grip/clutch lever is that it will use the exact motion that is needed to pull the clutch.

[crfjedi393]

It's one of the most exhilerating feelings in the world to gain back lost confidence. You don't go around talking about the depth of your self-doubt, but it's there. And then you just start taking those baby steps and you start realizing that you are making progress. You continue working up your courage and then BAM! You hit that double or triple that you use to be so comfortable on! It's a hard thing to describe but I've been there and it FEELS GOOD!
My hat's off to you, Jim.

[yzernie]

I guess the bottom line on the track is to do the things I (you, we, etc) feel comfortable with and the rest will come to us. I was on a moto downer for quite a while and since I got the 450 the passion has returned to me. I can't wait to ride again.

[char393]

Jim...I think we need more pics.

BTW...I am beyond impressed. Knowing what you've been through over the past couple of years. Can't wait to ride with you..or rather, be lapped by you, in October.

[Woody_393]

That GREAT Jim. Just keep at it and it will all come eventually. As we always say... Gosh darn it, you're just going to have to practice more

[Aus_Rider_22]

So when are we gonna see some fresh pics of the torn up and rutted track??

[MotoMan]

Hmmm...I am sensing that you guys want some new pics? I will see what I can do shortly. It may be a week or so though....it is so stinking HOT right now it's unreal. We went riding at a buddies house this last weekend, and we couldn't even ride till like 7:00....it's been in the 90's here and humid...not fun.

But I can promise pics.

[Woody_393]

hmmm, I'll take our 100+ days with 0-10% humidity every day of the week over what you are having... that humidity sucks!

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by Woody_CRF

hmmm, I'll take our 100+ days with 0-10% humidity every day of the week over what you are having... that humidity sucks!

Yeah...I don't mind heat too much with no humidity, but man when you are at a 85% or higher humidity level....well motocross clothes just aren't in the game plan that often.

[yzernie]

Even vented gear has its limits!!