A life less ordinary
It’s ok to live a life that others will never understand – and get your kids riding
‘I wanted to start racing as I’m very competitive’
‘Racing encourages them to overcome challenges’
Going racing every weekend as a family is exactly how I envisaged life before actually having kids. The prerequisite financial ruin and seismic stress levels almost vanish when we load the van on a Friday. My eldest, Ezra, was riding the very same Yamaha PW50 that I learned to ride on 35 years ago before he’d even mastered how to ride a bicycle. Those original PWs are probably the only bikes that’ll survive a nuclear explosion; prod tyres, check oil and fuel, and it’ll start within a few kicks every time. It wasn’t long before we had to upgrade and the inevitable racing ensued.
“It’s fun, I like getting muddy and it’s a great way to exercise,” says Ezra. “My dad used to race MX and I grew up watching him race, so that inspired my dream to become an MXGP rider. As soon as I got on a PW50, it felt right. I loved just messing around in fields and learning how to drift, but as soon as we got a proper race bike, I wanted to start racing as I’m very competitive and competition makes you faster.” Like me, it’s the competition aspect that makes the sport fun for Ezra. Riding around in a comfort zone soon becomes boring. Development and speed soon stagnate. He lives for lining up on the start gate.
Rex showed no interest until a year ago and, like Ezra, we didn’t push him. But he suddenly went from wearing the gear and posing, to wanting to jump on a bike and ride. He’s now the last to stop riding.
“I was a bit scared at first because I didn’t want to crash,” says Rex. “But watching Ezra race made me want to have a go! I feel lucky because none of my friends at school are into motorbikes and I have a lot more to talk about on a Monday morning!”
As everyone, their dog and circuit signage will tell you, motorsport is dangerous and you cannot hide from the obvious risks involved, but you can’t live life in constant fear either. Do they fully appreciate the danger at their age? Probably not, but they’re living lives that most kids dream of. Having spent 15 years in the luxurious BSB paddock, the switch back to motocross was a bit of a shock – especially for my wife, who struggled with the rigger boots, hiviz jackets and hovering over manky portaloos. But the best thing about motocross is its cost-effective nature. Once the bike is paid for, you can go racing for £50 which covers entries and fuel, plus tyres lasts for months! Despite a rocky start, my wife was soon embroiled in the sport. “Racing encourages them to overcome challenges, learn persistence, dedication and patience that they can apply to other situations,” says Jo. “They also learn how to lose and how to be a winner. This isn’t generally supported in the education system where everyone gets a certificate for participating. That’s not real life.
“They’re also physically stronger and fitter than most of their friends, and it increases social interaction with adults and peers with a common interest, and where riding bikes isn’t unusual or perceived as irresponsible, but as a serious sport.”
Lots of people ask when the boys will switch to road racing, and the simple answer is, ‘if and when they want to.’ We’ve never pushed them and never will – but we will do anything possible to provide them with the best opportunities.