The GMBVI Experience

[Grieby54]

I figured I'd start a thread that everybody could post up how this weekend went down in their eyes. What you did, what motos you ran, how you did in the motos, and the like.

I guess I'll go ahead and kick it off.

Friday: I spent a good deal of time Friday getting my bike ready and helping Miles get his ready. I did, however, get to stop by the Berg's house around 9 or so with my dad. I shook a few hands talked a little bit, then had to jet to catch a movie with my old man. After the movie I dropped him off so he could get some sleep (he's one of those old people... that's what you guys do, right?) and picked up Miles to head back to the Berg's. We spent another 45 minutes or so there after everybody left talking with Mr. Berg and Boyd in the garage. Finally Miles and I took off to get some sleep before practice on Saturday.

Saturday: My plan was to go out to Three Palms to show the old man how fast I really am (no fault of the track -- but I'm just plain slow out at Splendora). He's seen me ride 5 times now (4 before that), and I've improved a great deal since he's last seen me. But, with all the rain I figured ThreePalms would be really muddy and I wasn't going to be fast regardless of where I rode, so we decided to head to Splendora. Upon arrival, we were told that it was closed... so that made our decision pretty easy and we were off to 3P. We got there and had a great day. I got to burn a few laps with my dad, which is the first time I've ever done that in my life. What an AWESOME experience. I had loads of fun and to be honest, that was definitely one of the highlights of my weekend, and as a matter of fact, this year. As soon as I get the pictures, I'll be sure to post them up.

Sunday: We got out to Splendora and suited up for the race. I got to be the first one out on the track to check it out which I thought was a pretty special experience. I took two laps, and though it was muddy, my hat is off to those who got the track rideable! The track showed improvement throughout the day as I expected, and it turned out to be a pretty decent day to ride. I even felt comfortable enough to triple the smaller triple later on in the day, so I was pretty happy with that. As far as the big triple, I was unsure about it, therefore sure I wasn't gonna do it. As far as my practices and races are concerned, the first practice session was a mess. From the unGodly amount of mud, to my sweet digger, it just wasn't good. I came over the second camel-back jump and slid out a bit on the face. I did what I could to try and ride it out (since it had happened a few times before) but I couldn't. It hurt like hell. I got my stuff together and got off the track. A few people stopped by to make sure I was alright, and Boyd did a test on me to make sure I was all there. The second practice session was much better, and then the last one we rode I just took two laps and felt great. The first race came around and I got an awesome (for me) start. I've never been a very good starter but I got out in 3rd place (in the 250 class) and stayed there for almost a full lap. Theeeeen it all happened. I was following Miles (who got out in second) and whoever was in first. We were going through the rhythm section before the triple and Miles got cut off mid-air. The guy in first went down, then Miles went down. I came flying over the table to see my best friend rag-dolling in front of me and was presented with the choice to run him over or join him in the dirt. The decision was pretty easy. We were down long enough for the med crew to make it to us (so I heard) then we got going again. Miles had to pull off due to bike issues and I limped my way around the track once more to finish the moto. As far as the rest of the day, it dawned on me as we were leaving, I don't remember much of it at all. All I remember was getting a good start in the TT/ATM moto and holding onto third until I decided to slow down, and then the second 250 moto, all I remember was getting third. I left with a pretty terrible headache and stomachache and a little upset that I couldn't remember anything... but I'm glad my parents gave me my birthday present early -- a Leatt Neck Brace.

Other than the possible concussion, I really had a great time and I'm glad my dad could come down. I had a lot of fun with Char, the Berg's, and got to meet Jennifer, and though I had already met him before, I got to get to know Boyd a bit better. It was really a pleasure to get to know him -- he's a great guy.

Oh... and that kid on the two stroke that was really fast, he raced the C class. Who sandbags this kind of race? Anyways...

I had a great time, everybody else should post up their stories.

[Satch0922]

Good write up! Glad your doing ok. That Boyd guy is a pretty good dude in my book!

[mxmama393]

This was my first race ever. I was nervous as all get out!!!
I let my boy get out there on his 50, only to spin out of control in every direction but straight! After about ¼ the way around, he was in tears begging to get off his bike. So he got a ride on the quad back to camp and I rode the 50 back, and some lucky dude rode my bike back for me. It was work getting that 50 to roll! The mud was so darn deep!!
I couldn’t even finish a lap on that track at the beginning of the day. I would get all hyped up… get on the track, make one turn and then find the quickest way off! It was a mess. Every 30 minutes I went back and eventually I made my way around the whole track.
I’m moseying around the camp site, and I hear “women’s staging” something or other, but think nothing of it. I go inside the camper, kids want popcorn… So I’m fixing popcorn for everyone and I hear something about “women” and “gate” in the same sentence. I guess that means ME! I didn’t have any riding gear on except my pants! I scrambled around getting my gear together, make it to the gate and see the 65 class before me taking off. So I wasn’t late.

I get there; I don’t know what to do. Do I turn my bike off or leave it on, WHAT?

So I decide I’ll copy the gurl next to me, Tracy. I tried asking her, but I couldn’t make out her responses because it was so loud! I see its time to start the bike, I do that. I see this head nod thing going on, I feel ok to nod back.

Shortly following that nod I’m completely overwhelmed with a roaring like never before echoing all around.



Then I observe what a moment ago was just another gurl, positioning herself into this destructive ambush like stance.

Just as I tell my self not to stare at her, the gate drops.
(I had decided earlier, I would wait for everyone to leave, and then I would go. It’s all in the name of charity!)
I took off, not caring if I was in the pack or not. I know I had a couple in front of me that I had to get around or I was going crash trying not to hit them. I make my way around a rider or two to find Sara. I know Sara was able to ride the track earlier in the condition I wouldn’t, so I figured if I can keep up with her, I would be happy!

So the chase was on.

I rode her tail as close as I safely could; eating her roost the entire time, I only chose different lines in the turns. Near the end of the 2nd lap, I felt like I could comfortably go a little faster. The whole 3rd lap I was planning the best place to pass or at least to get beside her. (I had eaten enough dirt) Me making a pass…. I could believe I wanted to do it. Why not right? I was challenged behind her, but it felt like it was getting easier, when I saw the white flag, I decided I would do it on the last straight. (I know they said it was narrow there, but not too narrow for 2 riders IMO) I work myself up mentally to do it, its getting too easy now middle of the 4th lap… This is going to be a piece of cake … I come around the turn, notice a yellow flag. But all peeps are up and pulled off. So I roll the hills until I can see the straight, make sure no one is on the ground, only looking at the ground ahead of me I decide to take off. At the very same moment I give all the gas I can, I noticed everyone is pulled off to side. I swear I caught some eyes looking at me like, “what the heck are you doing?”

So I slam on the brakes, sliding near where I know a huge stump exists, praying to God all mighty I don’t get hurt, or hurt anyone else, I finally come to a stop.


Then I found out, there was a plan to allow Shannon cross the line first. What a wonderful idea. Just would have been nice to know ahead of time… that’s all.






No wonder why it got easier

[Macho393]

you gurls made me have man sweat in my eyes on that one!

[RMZracer212]

I got to join you in the after the table wreck, I was on the RMZ going into the hole. I think I was in front of you and you flew over my head going into the water.

[Grieby54]

Originally Posted by RMZracer212

I got to join you in the after the table wreck, I was on the RMZ going into the hole. I think I was in front of you and you flew over my head going into the water.

Dude... I don't even remember what happened. All I remember is flying over the table and seeing Miles (number 711) on the ground in front of me. The next thing I hazily remember is Miles running over to me to ask if I was ok. I don't know if I responded or not, I think I just gave him a confused look and looked around for my bike. I got it up after a bit of work, then started it.

Were you in first or what? I think I was in third, and I know Miles was right ahead of me. So I'm not entirely sure I have my positions right, but we were the pair of Hondas in the heap.

[Motodad393]

Thanks for the comments Sam! sup It was good to see your dad again. He is a good man. Your a very fortunate to have parents of such high caliber. On the other hand - you are the one making the choices that direct your life and you too are doing a good job. Keep it up and stay focused.

I hope you and Miles are not too sore after your "get-off." I am glad I did not see them. I still hate to see crashes of young people, or anyone for that matter. I am looking forward to seeing my two favorite "Aggies" again soon.

Thanks again for all you do.

[Jkt 393]

This was my first year to attend a GMB memorial and my first race. I still have a smile on my face.... as does my family. We had a wonderful time and cannot wait for next year.
We got to Splendora 10 am Saturday morning and found out about the hard rains the night before and that the track would be closed for prep all day. So we headed to 3P's and had a wonderful time there all day, stayed in The Woodlands sat. night and got back to Splendora about 8am Sunday.
The riders meeting sure makes you think about some things, It was tough at times that is for sure. The auction was fun, I came away with a awesome helmet signed by Sara... speaking of Sara, what a great girl! Both my kids fell for her right away, we look forward to seeing her at the Houston SX.
I rode the 30+ class and finished 7th and 8th.... didnt matter how I finished though, I was happy to just finish and to be supporting such a great event.
The highlight of my weekend was meeting Mr. Berg, what a inspiration he is, I have the utmost respect for you Mr. Berg.

My family and I took alot away from GMBVI and very much look forward to VII, hope to see you all there.

John Anderson & Family

I'd like to share a few pics I have but not sure how....

[char393]

John, check your PM's.

[RMZracer212]

I think I was runnin around 5th out of everyone, I was riding damn good. Then down I went, I was PISSED!

[crfjedi393]

I ran down there and helped pull the yellow bike's front wheel back up on the track. When I saw the first rider go down, I was pretty sure somebody was about to get hurt. I'm just glad it turned out as well as it did.

[Grieby54]

Originally Posted by crfjedi393

I ran down there and helped pull the yellow bike's front wheel back up on the track. When I saw the first rider go down, I was pretty sure somebody was about to get hurt. I'm just glad it turned out as well as it did.

Could you describe to me what happened? I don't remember all of it...

[Miles711]

Originally Posted by RMZracer212

I think I was runnin around 5th out of everyone, I was riding damn good. Then down I went, I was PISSED!

Man I think we all were. I was going through the rhythm section and right at the table the rider in front of me saw the muddy face of the table on the right and swung over to the left. I was headed for the middle of the table and changed lines on the face to avoid a collision. I almost hit that blue barrel and then swapped and high sided on the landing (trying to stay on the track). I remember seeing you there when I got up, but had no idea how you or Sam got there. Were you right behind me going over the table as well, or were you the first of us three to hit the dirt? It all happened pretty fast, I just remember thinking "The bike is going down hard, I'm getting tha' hell outta here!" and tuck/tumbling towards the ditch after it high sided.

Its a bummer that we all went down, because we all had good starts!

My bike was done for the day, so I sat out the next couple of moto's. Sam was nice enough to let me run the final TT moto on his bike. I had a close call in that moto that made me realize how tired I was so I decided to just chill behind some guy for the rest of the race.

All in all it was a great weekend! It was good to see everyone again. I wish I could have gotten more than 3/4 of a lap out there on my new pink bike though...

[Miles711]

Originally Posted by Grieby54

Could you describe to me what happened? I don't remember all of it...

+1 its all a little fuzzy. My mom kept asking question after question about it and all I could say was "I dunno, it happened pretty fast"

[crfjedi393]

From atop the triple step-up, I saw the lead bike get squirrelly and just flop over. Second rider had almost no time to react and basically grabbed so much brake that he went down HARD. Had it not been so muddy I think there would have been a broken bone or two. I left my cameras with the flaggers and took off so I didn't see how things played out when the third bike came over. Everyone was up but the Suzuki was sitting at an impossible angle with it's front wheel about two feet down in the ditch. The med guys were there by then and he's the only one I helped. I guess that was RMZracer212. Sam, I'm thinking you were the second bike over. You really went down HARD on one side. I think it was your left. Wouldn't it have been nice if I had just stood there with my camera running so you could have it all to watch? As it turned out, I wish I would have but I was pretty sure my help would be needed. It looked bad.

[mxmama393]

You know Jedi.... I notice allot of times when I am holding a video camera, if things start looking like it needs my attention, I always turn the camera off. Its like a reflex.

I have even taken time to turn a camera off, before going to check on a situation... when I should have just dropped that sucker and ran!
I don't know why I do that. Many times I missed interesting footage cause of this weird reflex. I have even turned it off in the middle of a crash!

I'm not saying you do the same thing, but reading your post just reminded me of what I do.

I got to learn how to keep it rolling!

[Grieby54]

Between the two red bikes, just laying on the ground

Finally getting up




Theeeerrreeee we go. I was hurtin' in that first pic.

[Keetoman393]

I remember seeing that and wondering who all was involved. Miles, I think it was your mom that ran by me and was asking how to get out there to see about her son. Glad everyone was OK after that! I kept waiting for someone to jump the table top and land right on you guys. The flagger wasn't doing a very good job of getting people to move to the other side. Cool pictures!

[Miles711]

Yup, that's my momma for you!

She refuses to acknowledge that I actually leave the ground while riding. Its to scary of a concept for her... so naturally she freaked when she saw me go down.

[RMZracer212]

Hey I see me in the hole, ya miles I guess that was you that came flying over my head into the water. I had no where to go had to dodge the first bike in the whole, and thought I could save it till the front end fell in. And thank you jedi for your help getting the bike out, I was not shure who it was. Ya my second moto start was not as good, but still fought my way up to the guys in my class and went down on the last lap trying to pass for the lead.