Desert dirt bike racing, a family sport
We are all very familiar and are inundated with sports every day. We see them on TV, internet and our local high schools and colleges. These events entertain us on a daily basis, and we become part of the masses cheering for our team or our athlete. One sport that many people may be unfamiliar with is desert racing on dirt bikes.
A desert dirt bike race is a marked course through desert terrain. The catch is that the rider cannot pre-ride the course like they can in motocross. They do not know what lies ahead except for various desert obstacles. These races are approximately 100 miles in length for the bigger bikes and around 40 for the mini bikes. Even pee wee 50cc bikes run around 1 mile to 2 miles. Even here in Utah we have two National races that get no attention except in the racing community.
One thing I have learned about desert dirt bikers is that they are passionate about what they do. This is generally a family activity. When the weekend comes approaching a race, big rigs as well as single vehicles swarm an area on the desert known as the pit area. Families gather together for a weekend of racing, but more importantly a time well spent with family and friends. The racing community is a big family in itself. People mingle and reminisce about family and past races. Everyone is willing to help each other with their bike setups, or just lend a hand setting up camp.
I have learned over the past few years being exposed to this sport that these people are unique. They love riding! They live for riding! They dream riding! They spend working hours waiting for the whistle to blow so they can go riding. I see Facebook posts of riders texting that they will be riding on a certain day Desert dirt bike racing participant getting air performing a “No Footer” on October 25th. and ask if anybody wants to go. They develop a camaraderie with fellow dirt bikers, and they develop friends for life.
In a time when life is tough for kids, families are bonded by desert racing. Through racing fathers and mothers teach their children the value of life, friendship and family. They support each other whether they have a good or bad day racing. What matters most is that they are together.
Even though desert racers are competitive, they will be the first to stop when another has fallen or is hurt. More important than winning is the fact that they are doing what they love. They are riding. They are riding with their family and friends. They are enjoying the adrenaline and release of tension that everyday life gives us.
Thanks desert dirt bikers for letting me take photos of you and being a part of your family.