MOTOCROSS TRAINING

[dhighlan]

Originally Posted by ossagp1

I didn't read that the way that Ernie did the first time through. Now that I reread it realizing that someone with lots of experience could take it to mean
"show up at the track, and ride off for your first lap with one hand". Now I see that it could be taken that way. Even if you know a track, I don't think it is wise to ride it the first lap of the day one handed and certainly not at any speed.

I first took it to mean that you use that as your first training exercise, and that you know that track already, and in my case would have either walked it or ridden it slowly already just previous to that "drill" of riding one handed.

Then when I see a reply from a newbie concerning that, I can see why someone with experience would be concerned with that slant on the advice given. Again, one reason I seldom give any advice and almost never unless I am in front of the person.

I didn't take it that way either. He never said take your "1st Lap" he stated take a lap before you start training. I always do standup drills on my offroad property (tight twisted, sandy rutted, hilly place) and it has helped a lot. Little different than MX. But I approach it like Trials riding. I have my 7 yr old son do the same on his 65 and he can use the clutch and shift while standing better.

I never heard of the "one hand behind the back" but I see the benefit of it and will find a safe place to practice this with him. I am always trying to have him drive the bike more with his legs and I see this on as a keeper.

Side note - Anyone have a old toy rocking horse the type that is supported on springs that can flop all around. I am sure they are banned now as they are fairly dangerous. The type that use to pinch your skin and hair in. I found one and put stronger springs on it. We work with him on standing and balance. If he gets out of balance it will flop him off (great training device). We have it on a gym mat so the fall is not bad. He wouldn't weight his outside peg so now when we simulate a turn if he doesn't weight it it will roll him right off the horse. Pretty fun to watch older people on it too.

[The Baron]

My daughter's have one of those horse but it's got protective sleeves over the springs. That is definitely a good idea to train the kiddies.

[mossy]

Originally Posted by dhighlan

I didn't take it that way either. He never said take your "1st Lap" he stated take a lap before you start training. I always do standup drills on my offroad property (tight twisted, sandy rutted, hilly place) and it has helped a lot. Little different than MX. But I approach it like Trials riding. I have my 7 yr old son do the same on his 65 and he can use the clutch and shift while standing better.

I never heard of the "one hand behind the back" but I see the benefit of it and will find a safe place to practice this with him. I am always trying to have him drive the bike more with his legs and I see this on as a keeper.

Side note - Anyone have a old toy rocking horse the type that is supported on springs that can flop all around. I am sure they are banned now as they are fairly dangerous. The type that use to pinch your skin and hair in. I found one and put stronger springs on it. We work with him on standing and balance. If he gets out of balance it will flop him off (great training device). We have it on a gym mat so the fall is not bad. He wouldn't weight his outside peg so now when we simulate a turn if he doesn't weight it it will roll him right off the horse. Pretty fun to watch older people on it too.

How ya going mate, sounds like you aproach learning 2 ride very similer 2 how i do with all AUSTRALIA,S young guns.

[dhighlan]

Hey Mossy
Growing up I wrestled, played linebacker in football, and shot a lot of archery. We worked on technique, technique and technique. So I guess it is engrained in me to train in this manner. Physical training is thrown in there too. Be I work only with a 4 little ones 7-12 in age. But when they’re out there riding it is hard to correct them until the get back and a lot of times they don’t recall what you’re speaking about. Even went so far as to get in helmet headphones to talk to my little one when out riding off road or practicing. Amazing how well this works and to tell him which trail to take when at an intersection. We have the whole Gary Semics Video series and a few other off road riding videos. The thing is practicing drills for muscle memory ….practice, practice, practice. I like to mix it up with Enduro, Hare scrambles, and MX. Out on our property there is one area with trees down all over and we make it through there it is really a blast. He had a KTM 50 with ten inch wheels and he would hit 8” logs as soon as he was over one he was hitting another. It was fun to watch but man it was quite a struggle (he never would quit). He is now on a SX65 and just flies over logs now with the bigger wheel and a clutch to pop.

I love to get new ways to make the idea easy to understand and get the proper feeling.

Good luck Mossy, hope to hear from you again.
Will be checking out your site

[mossy]

Hi Dhighlan
Sounds like you really enjoy being part of it withyour boys mate. Think the Semics video is great, mixing the ridding up also. Not two sure about the headphones, hate to distract him and be the cause of a fall, but hey if its working for you go for it. Worry a little about burnout too, maybe mix up your play more. eg BMX, SURFING, SKIING, whatever they still all improve co-ordination and concentration in youngsters.

[dhighlan]

Mossy
We do tons of different things. Wrestling, Football, BMX, Shooting Archery and small bore, He loves Hunting, fishing camping. The Mic is just a buss in his ear I don't ever go long conversation just key words i.e. elbows, feet, stand, attack, eye high...you get the point.

Checked out your site real awesome. That is so cool about your kids. Your schools look great. Keep in touch from time to time love to here more from you. When you come to USA where do you come to -City?

[mxmama393]

Originally Posted by ossagp1

(The only amazing thing to me is how few people try those drills or any other ones for that matter, and how few actually video themselves.)

well that makes me feel good. Cause I am all for drilling and video!

[mossy]

drills are so important, but dont build a robot, play and enjoy