We rolled out of Gypsum before school let out, heading toward Rock Springs, WY. It’s about a four-hour drive, but it never really feels that long. Once you cross into Wyoming, everything opens up — big sky, non stop wind and long stretches of open road. This weekend was special as it’s not only my favorite race but it’s also my 18th birthday.
I went up with my best friend Kolt, Danny and my older brother, Hunter — the same guy I used to chase around the trails when I was a little kid. That part makes it different. This weekend wasn’t just another race. It’s kind of full circle. The same people who were there when I started are still here when things are getting serious. These guys know how much I want to get better and win. Their support makes it possible.
But these weekends aren’t just about motos. They’re about the whole journey. We drove up with our Chevy HD 2500 loaded down, AirTopper packed tight with gear underneath so the weather can do whatever it wants. Wyoming wind doesn’t mess around. Cold mornings, dust in the afternoon, maybe snow if it feels like it. Having everything protected and organized makes it simple — roll in, unload, go. Many of the miles are on rural dirt roads. Keeping all the gear secured and covered is important.
When we get there the vibe changes a bit! Time for some fun. Unload the gear, turn up the Turtle Box, tune bikes. We help each other, checking sag, tire pressure, making sure they are ready to rip. It’s awesome to see a lot of familiar faces there, catching up in between unloading. It’s competitive, but it’s still our chance to visit a bit before we line up at the gate. We grabbed pizza after practice, laughed about sketchy moments and talked about the weekend ahead.
When the gate drops on race days however, it gets serious. The 250 B, 450 B, Schoolboy and pit-bike classes are stacked. Everyone is fast and very capable to win. Starts are everything. If you hesitate, you’re buried. Every lap is tight and technical. You have to be smart with your passes and since it’s a tight track, be ready for anything.
This weekend, it all lined up. Good starts. Clean laps. No wasted movement.
In the end I was able to sweep every one of my classes. Every moto. No reason to celebrate though, it’s just one weekend of racing and these guys are quick. Definitely need to train even harder as I know they will be doing the same.
I appreciate these moments with my friends and family. They certainly don’t last forever. When it was all over we loaded up and drove back home. The whole way enjoying the trip we had but looking forward to next month’s race back at the same spot. It’s a series and my goal is to keep this week’s results going.
Big thanks to my sponsors — Flated, my new sponsor SUN Motorsports, Factory Minis, For the Love of Moto, and C6 Tree and Lawn Solutions — for backing me up and helping make weekends like this possible. I’m pumped for what’s next.
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