Sarah Smile

Washougal Fans

2008-08-28T09:22:00.002-06:00

Part of my "job" as a racer is to always be cheery and approachable to fans. Even after a bad moto when all I want to do is hide away and not talk to anyone its not always possible. Washougal, which almost always falls on my birthday has never gone well for me. It is what it is. This year was no different and after my moto all I wanted to do was take a few minutes for myself and reflect, maybe sulk a little before moving on and preparing for my next race. As I was sitting there silently chewing myself out for missing the podium by one spot in the second moto, "no one cares who gets 4th, its not good enough, they only care about top three." This is something I have learned from my years of racing, noticing that when you win everyone in the industry is your friend but if you are not up there on the podium people who loved you all year look the other way when they walk by you in the pits. Its really sad and unfortunately adds that much pressure on you to perform.

So as I am sitting there mad at myself for letting everyone down I am interrupted by a line of people asking for pictures and autographs. I do my best to put a smile on my face and try not to roll my eyes when they tell me "good job" its hard for me to believe when I feel I did such a "bad" job. Its not that I am being a poor sport or a spoiled brat, I give credit to all the girls that beat me and offer up no excuses, they were just better than me that day. That's what drives a person to be a better racer. If you are content with 4th place you will never do better than that. But today I didn't have time to sit back and be "incontinent" I had to get up and respect my fans. And soon I was in a better mood, I obviously couldn't have done THAT bad if all of these people, girls and boys, women and men of all ages think I did so great.

My mood was already improving when I met Paige and Emma, pictured above. I have such a soft spot for little kids as it is but these two were particularly sweet. After signing Paige's hat and taking a picture with her, her younger sister didn't want to be left out so she came at me holding the sleeve of her pink sweater. I gave her parents a glance, making sure it was ok, signing a hat or T-shirt is one thing I didn't want to ruin her cute little pink sweater. They gave me a nod and I signed "GIRLS RULE!" and my name. Then as her mom took a picture she gave me what I needed, a hug. I work so hard throughout the year and it can be so discouraging, especially when I went to the race by myself, just meeting my mechanic a friend of a friend, that day. I had no one there with me to lean on. So while Emma was just being a sweet little girl who wanted to thank me with a hug, I need to thank her for brightening my day letting me know that 4th place isn't that bad.

X Games

2008-08-05T00:17:00.004-06:00

So there has been a lot of big questions about the women racing X Games. Was it exciting? Of course, was it scary as hell? Most definitely! I know a couple of the girls had more practice on a real supercross track than the rest of us, I personally had three days. That's about two months and 27 days shy of what the average guy spends before Anaheim one. I also only practiced on a ramp that was set up at 65 feet but when I got there they informed us it would be left at 75. Now 10 feet might not seem like a big deal but on a stock bike it was all I could do to get over it. And after having my "little sister" Ashley get banged up practicing before the event and then pulling over in practice just in time to see Alisa Nix break and dislocate both her wrists I was a nervous wreck! I felt completely out of my element, which I am sure it was obvious to see by observing me.

I know Tarah and Jessica were riding super well, but it just too big of a risk for me to take. I have never been good at jumping, and I am not saying I wont ever improve, I did surprise myself actually when I was practicing but when it came to the race it just wasn't worth it to me. I have trained my whole life to race motocross and I didn't want to throw it all away at a race I only got to spend a week preparing for. I loved riding supercross but just was not ready for a race. All along we were told that they were there to accommodate us, yet when only three out of nine of us were comfortable with the ramp they made us do it anyways, and didn't even seem to care when two people got hurt. I don't know about you but watching girls get hurt just so they can be on national television is not my idea of fun. Simply put it is a made for TV event that cares more about ratings than the safety of their riders. X games? I wont be back.

Glasses?!?!?!?!?!?!

2008-07-16T15:55:00.002-06:00

Well I’ve had an interesting last couple of days. On Monday I was getting into my truck when I saw my younger brother Ben’s glasses sitting on the dash. Both of my brothers wear glasses but only for driving, Ben drove my truck last and just left them in there when he was done. For some reason ever since I was a kid I have always loved putting on other people’s glasses just to see what I look like in them. Only this time when I did I was shocked, I could actually see all the different leaf’s and shades of green in the trees instead of just a green blur. Surprised I left them on while I drove 2 miles down the road to the store and couldn’t believe how much easier it was to read the road signs! My heart kept sinking further and further into my chest when it became clear to me I might need glasses myself. I have been so fortunate so far to not need glasses, like I said both of my brothers wear glasses as do both of my parents. Most everybody in my family wears glasses actually, on my mothers side there are 13 grandchildren and I am the 2nd oldest and the 2nd to last one to get glasses. The only one left without them is my 5 year old cousin Taylor.

As much as I would like to deny something is actually wrong with me, being able to see or not is not something to put off so first thing Tuesday I went to the eye doctor to get an appointment. Five minutes later I was sitting in front of the eye chart, and in another 30 I was watching an instructional video on how to put in contacts. Now most everyone has something that really grosses them out. For most people its blood, but for me it’s when people touch their eye balls. I can’t even look when kids turn their eye lids inside out, and to this day still throw a fit when someone tries to put eye drops in my eyes. When I saw the lady on the video putting in her contacts I got the heebie jeebies so much I had to turn away. If I couldn’t even watch someone else do it I knew I was in trouble.

I spent a good 45 minutes and had 2 different helpers (one had to leave because she was getting too impatient with me) trying to get those darn things in. Trying to teach my eyes not to blink when my finger is going in them is like trying to get my body to sit down going through a whoop section. It’s just unnatural. Finally I got them in, ordered a pair of glasses (not the ones in my picture that was just for fun) and drove home amazed at all of the beautiful scenery I could now see. I couldn’t wait to get on my bike. There have been times when I am riding when my eyes have been fuzzy but not wanting to get glasses I just ignored it. Since I can see fine up close its far away that I have trouble with I was anxious to see how much it would help to actually see the corner I was going into ahead of time instead of when I was actually in it. Everything was so much sharper and clearer it was amazing! And while its still going to take me awhile to get used to putting my fingers in my eyes I am really looking forward to racing with my new eyes. Of course now I am sure people will call me 4 eyes, I am not sure if I would rather have a nickname that makes fun of my vision or my big butt? Of course now that I can see myself in the mirror I understand why they call me White Chocolate….

FCA Camp, again

2008-07-16T13:02:00.006-06:00

Once again I went to FCA camp, this time in Illinois. And once again I had a blast. A week straight of riding, hanging out with good christian friends, kicking butt at karaoke and most of all hearing the Word. It really doesn't get any better, that's why I keep going back. Check out some of the fun we had.

When you are running a camp with kids ages 5-19 you have to make sure they stay busy at all times, during the day it's easy because they are riding non stop but at night its harder. In comes FCA Idol where each "huddle" has to come up and sing karaoke. Here Allison, Chelsea, myself, Jessica and Abby are doing our routine to Taylor Swifts "Picture to burn." We didn't have the Karaoke version of the song so we had to memorise all of the words along with this sweet dance.
Can you believe we got beat by these guys????!!!! No talent, heck I knew more words to their song than they did (I did the exact same song "these boots are made for walking" at the Indiana camp) and yet all they did was show more skin and they win. I guess its the same every where you go, even church camp! hahahaha

There was a serious side to camp, at 1o o'clock Thursday night I was baptized in a pond by the light of a pick up truck. I was baptized before at 2 months old but as Steve Hudson helped me realise it was time to make the decision my own, not my parents.

On Tuesday night we had tornado warnings and spent an hour in the bathroom (the only concrete building with no windows) listening to the rain. Fortunately we were all safe, unfortunately the track didn't fair so well. So Wednesday morning to kill time we had a shaving cream fight. Here I am trying to work a can into Kevin Windham's hair while Steve Hudson (aka Santa) makes my head look like a sundae.

Razor anyone? I really don't know what to say about this picture...except see Tom standing there in the back? He doesn't stay that clean very much longer. All the kids really enjoyed how Steve and Kevin were such good sports.
The game was actually called "2 to do the do" where you were supposed to pair up with someone and see how crazy you can make the other persons hair. Of course it just turned into a shaving cream fight but eventually they decided I would look best with a Mohawk. Do you agree?After the shaving cream fight we went swimming and someone thought it would be a good idea to have a belly flop contest. The problem with me is as soon as I hear the word "contest" I'm all in. This would have been a winning flop except huddle leaders and instructors weren't allowed to win, so this was all for pride. Stupid I know.

Hare Scramble

2008-06-23T13:57:00.004-06:00

They look dorky but I was glad I had these on!
My bike got a little muddy...
wet, muddy, sweaty and tired, not a good look for me:(

Ok I know I have been making fun of my brother for getting into woods riding, not because I don't like woods riding, mostly because you always make fun of what you don't know. Well that and his gas tank looks REALLY stupid. But since he shattered his femur a few years ago, taking two years to recover he has been a little reluctant to jump again. And while he finally started jumping and riding a motocross track fast again, in the mean time he found a love for riding in the woods, where there are no jumps. And he finally put to use the 74 acres in our back yard that besides a mile long sandy whooped out motocross track is mostly woods. Right now we have a trail system that takes about 9 minutes if you ride the entire track with it, but he keeps adding more everyday. After riding it a couple of times, and getting a camel back and bark busters he finally convinced me to go to a hare scramble with him.

We both signed up for the Z class which is the next class down from expert, and runs for 2 hours. Now we are both super competitive, though I think he is more competitive when it comes to me than anyone else. He has been finishing 2nd most of the time this year behind a guy that catches up and passes all of the expert guys from a minute back. Sandbagger. Anyways I knew my brother was going to beat me going into the race, I never get to ride woods and there wasn't any motocross on this particular track, 9 miles of straight woods. But it sure didn't stop me from trying.

We started dead engine with a flag. Terry being on a 250 two stroke definitely had the advantage, and it seemed so did every body else because I only beat like two people. Somehow I got behind my brother and followed him through the first set of woods, I had no idea what I was doing I just know I hated having to ride as slow as the people in front of me and found a sweet cheater line to get around him and the guy in front of him. The great thing about woods is what would be cheating in moto isn't cheating in a hare scramble. The trails were very hard to pass on and the first lap (which took just over a half an hour) I was screaming and yelling at the slow guys to move over, especially the guys who weren't even in my class. Of course non of them even listened, however later in the race when I was getting lapped I made sure to stay out of the way. You know the whole treat others as you wish to be treated thing that I thought EVERYONE had to learn in first grade but I guess not. Anyways I was able to get around some guys and when we came through the check point the first lap my dad was going crazy jumping up and down because I was in 2nd and Terry right behind me in 3rd. We were keeping a pretty good pace and I thought we were going to keep it up the entire race...boy was I wrong!

The first lap we went through it was a little bit muddy but not bad. It has been raining pretty much non stop for the last two weeks though so the mud holes had no bottom to them and with each bike that went through they just got deeper and deeper. I was caught behind a slower rider in a different class who just refused to let me by so when I saw the mud hole up a head I jumped at the opportunity to take a different line and blow by him. Except I didn't know the line I took was up to my gas tank and ran straight into tree roots that were up past my front tire. I was buried. Coming from a moto back ground my first reaction was to get all frustrated and scream and look around for someone to help me. Except I was in the middle of the woods and the only people around were other riders who sure weren't going to stop for me, not even Terry who later told me he laughed when he saw me sitting there. So i realized the only thing I could do was to calm down and get my bike out myself. I surprised myself at being stronger than I had thought when I got my bike out of the first hole. Unfortunately though my gloves were soaking wet and my hands kept falling off the handlebars from there on out. I was so tempted to throw them off but all I could think was the blisters I would get and how I have to race in Colorado next weekend. So they stayed on my hands, but not on my bars.

The track (or trail or loop or whatever you want to call it) had changed drastically from the first lap and while I didn't get stuck in every mud hole, I did get stuck in quite a few. When I had to pull over for gas (I might wear a camel back but I still refuse to use a big tank!) I chatted with my dad a little while, I really was in no hurry I had already spent so much time digging my bike out. The last lap was the worst of them all, so many spots were impassable. People waiting for other people to dig their bikes out just so they could take their turn to get stuck (I wasn't the only one!) By the end some guys were actually helping me, and I later gave my jersey to one of the boys who stopped to help. Other guys would just call out to me "come on Sarah" as they went by me. I was super bummed when I showed up at the riders meeting and people right away knew who I was. I knew I wasn't going to be that great and having people recognize me while I'm stuck in the mud has got to be one of the most embarrassing moments ever. Not to mention frustrating. To make matters worse it started raining on the last lap so not only was I tired, sweaty and muddy but now I was wet and cold too. I have never been so happy to see the checkered flag as I was yesterday and lean my bike up against a tree. After pulling it out of the mud so much there was no way I could lift it on the stand.

Even though I was pretty much hating life the 2nd half of the race it was one of those things that afterwards you are happy you did it. Sore and tired my brother and I had a whole bunch to talk about on the way home. I was bragging about the sweet pass I made on him and all he did was grab his trophy (he ended up sixth after getting stuck several times, and I ended up a miserable 12th) and stick it in my face. We may get along better than when we were kids but you can still tell we are brother and sister. He told me he was laughing at me when I got stuck in the mud the first time. Then later he told me he liked another one of my cheater lines on the first lap. Three guys were piled up after one guy crashed in a tight turn so I just banzaied through the woods. I replied "oh you saw that? I was hoping you got stuck behind them. Hahaha.

Though it was miserable at the time every one I met told me not to be discouraged because it wasn't a typical hare scramble and they aren't normally that bad. I think I might try another. If anything its always good practice for Steel City. It's always muddy there! :)

FCA Camp

2008-06-19T10:46:00.002-06:00

Jessica and Emily
The drummer of the worship band was so impressed with my singing he wanted my autograph!!!!
Isaac kisses my boot after we kicked his butt in Karaoke
Cara, Lauren, Kellie and me, you leave your daughters in our care:)

OK I have talked about going to this camp before, but I just can't stress enough how fun this camp is! For those of you wondering why I fell off of the face of the earth right after Freestone its because I flew directly from Texas to Southern Indiana to do my fourth FCA camp. Those of you who haven't heard its a Christian based motocross camp. Kids come to learn how to ride their dirt bikes and get taught by Nathan Ramsey, Kelly Smith, James Polvolny, myself and a bunch of local pros from the area, who were on hand this year. It's a lot of work standing out in the hot sun all day, then doing bible study, worship and chapel at night, then kicking every bodies butt at karaoke, staying up late talking in the dorms only to wake up at 6 the next morning to work out and do it all over again. I am still drained a week later but I wouldn't miss this camp for anything. There really is nothing better than spending time with fellow Christians who all have a love for our sport. And the friendships I have made at these camps I'm sure will be lifelong. I love kids and I am fortunate enough to have the kind of personality to match the maturity level of those around me, and really I enjoy being able to act like a 12-17 year old girl again hahaha. From practicing our "FCA Idol" routine, practicing kart wheels, doing our hair and make up, putting fake worms in each others beds (I still say I'm innocent, and there was no reason to toilet paper my bunk bed!!!) breaking out to go get Dairy Queen, to talking about riding, boys and more importantly God and what he has done for us and where we want to go in our lives. You can't say we are an up tight church camp that doesn't allow any one to have any fun. The best part is though that some of these kids have never even been to church before. They come to the camp just to ride their bike and by the end of the week they commit their lives to Christ. It's just the best feeling to know that everyone that works at the camp plays a small role in that. And just being there to witness it brings tears to my eyes. There are two more camps this summer, one in Illinois and one in Ohio. I am going to do everything I can to get to them, I really hope that you will do the same:)

Freestone

2008-06-19T09:55:00.002-06:00

OK I know it has been almost 2 weeks since my race in Texas but I have been a little busy, and my computer was broken. Is that enough excuses? Freestone went well, despite it being 108 degrees out! I think that global warming is only affecting Texas since I spent my entire winter in California and I can only remember 3 or 4 really hot days, and now its June in Michigan and we have yet to hit 60. But Texas, Texas was hot! I didn't even complain that our Sunday moto got moved from 2:40 in the afternoon to 10:40 in the morning. Riding with a bruised sternum it has been hurting me to breathe too hard, so I find myself holding my breath a lot, which is not good to do in that sort of heat. Anyways moto one didn't go that well. I had a decent start but honestly it was just one of those days when nothing seems to flow. I salvaged a third but was very disapointed with my riding. Sunday I felt much better on the bike, unfortunately I had to come from behind, but a bobble from Patterson put me into second, and second place in the points. I have some time off to heal now, and Colorado our next stop in the series happens to be one of my favorite tracks so I am looking forward to racing there. And I'll try to update this a little faster next time:)

Hangtown

2008-06-04T22:07:00.002-06:00

So Hangtown the first race of the WMA just got done. I have only been waiting for this race since the end of last years season at Steel City. All winter long I was training hard and felt ready to race. Unfortunately this last month of preparation didn't go as planned with a concussion a few weeks ago and a bruised sternum, I suddenly found myself wishing I had more time to heal up. Of course wishes rarely come true, so instead I just wanted to get through the first two weekends (back to back, getting ready for Texas now) on the podium, and come Colorado hopefully I will be 100%. Round one went pretty good according to my new plan and I went 2-5 for 3rd overall. It felt so good to be racing again:)

Going home

2008-06-03T22:32:00.002-06:00

Sorry I know it has been awhile, but I have had a pretty busy week.

Wednesday May 21st, at 4:00 am my alarm went off and I groggily drove to the Ontario airport. I haven’t been home in five months and I was extremely excited. So excited I didn’t sleep at all which made for a long day of travel. Even longer is the fact that I live in the middle of no where, and to fly into Pellston, the small airport by my house it would have cost me over $1500 so I had to fly into Grand Rapids. So on top of the time change and my two layovers, when I got to Michigan at 7:00 pm my mom and I still had a four hour drive ahead of us! You know its love when your mother will spend eight hours of her day driving just to see you.

Ever since I left back in December I have had a fear that my then five month old Great Dane puppy would totally forget me. It would just break my heart, and I was hoping that he would at least remember my voice from the couple of times my mom has put the phone up to his ear and let me talk to him (maybe I shouldn’t admit that? Hahaha). Thankfully when I walked into my house Frankie woke up and came to greet me before my dad or brothers did. I bent down, though not very far since he is up to 119 lbs now and he just put his head in my lap and hugged me for ten minutes, till he got tired and went back to sleep. I was so happy my baby remembered me. The next day was a busy one with meeting the new baby donkeys, visiting with my family who came to visit and of course breaking in my bike and packing.

6:00 am Friday morning (that would be 3:00 California time) I got up to leave for Canada. My dad and I drove up to Sault Ste Marie where we met up with my friend Jessi’s dad and from there left for Montreal. I spent my second full day of travel in a week mostly sleeping. Saturday was just practiced and learning the track. Did I mention that in Montreal that French is the native language? So just signing up was a challenge, not to mention figuring out when we were supposed to ride because I couldn’t understand the announcer. Sitting in the staging area way too early I looked around for someone to ask what was going on. Happy to hear the man behind me speaking English my smile soon faded when I realized mini parents aren’t just in the States as I heard a father telling his 65 rider why everyone is so much better than him. I would like to see him hold the gas on off of those rutted jumps and charge into the corners. That’s why retired pros will always find jobs training kids because honestly parents, if you can’t get on a bike and show your kid how to do it, they aren’t going to listen or respect your opinion. Yelling at them and putting them down really isn’t going do anything but make them resent riding.

Anyways…Race day the track looked so good, to my joy they over watered it making practice a mud fest, with super deep ruts. Just the way I like it. The first moto I started off in third and just kind of paced Jacqueline Ross in 2nd and Heidi Cooke in first. A couple laps in J Ro passed for the lead and I passed for 2nd. After a NCE (near crash experience) in practice off of one of the many chopped out rutted jump faces I admit I was being a wimp off of the jumps and was losing time there. But luckily I made up for it on the rest of the track and passed for the lead with three laps to go. It must have been an exciting race to watch, because it was for the three of us. The second moto I finally pulled a holeshot and got out to a comfortable lead. Then to my horror when I went to lap a girl on the outside of a sweeper she looked right at me and pinned it into me! She proceeded by cutting me off on the face of the next jump so I couldn’t do it. I went from having a comfortable lead to getting passed!!! I passed Ross back right away but rode so tight after that just expecting every lapper was out to get me. As they say negative thoughts lead to negative actions and with 2 laps to go I tipped over in a corner trying to get around a lapper who was in “my line.” I of course blamed it on the first girl, saying if she wouldn’t have held me up I would have passed the other girl before that corner…Of course as much as it sucks that’s racing. I finished third, or as the announcer says “turd” and got 2nd overall.

The drive home was longer than normal, and I don’t just mean because of the typical tension after throwing away a win. It actually took us longer, like a lot longer, to get home. The alternator on the expedition went out, and it took us one battery, 2 alternators and my dad telling the car mechanic what was wrong, to fix it. Once again I didn’t get home until 11pm, Monday night a full 31 hours after leaving the track. That left me only a few hours to sleep wake up early to go to the chiropractor get my back and ribs put back into place and leave for the airport. I didn’t land back in California until 1 am, and woke up early the next day to test my race bike and get ready for Hangtown. Oh yes I have been busy, and haven’t spent much time in front of this evil computer.

It was great being home if only for a day though. I have missed my family very much, and just the fresh air of northern Michigan. And of course my sand track! So many things change when you leave for 5 months, not just the size of my dog, but the size of my little brother (he lost weight) and my older brother’s gas tank! Yeah somehow in the time I was gone my brother Terry went from motocrosser to hare scrambler, which means of course the over sized tank. I was almost embarrassed to see his bike with bark busters and a desert tank next to mine in the garage. Those two hour, half trail half moto races sound like a lot of fun, and as much as I’d love to try one someday I told Terry I would rather take my chances at losing time by stopping than using one of those hideous things.

Good times

2008-05-19T20:51:00.007-06:00

Last weekend my best friend Jessi came to visit. With her living in Alberta (that's western Canada for all of you geographically challenged) and me moving between Michigan, California and anywhere else the wind might take me, its sometimes hard to spend any quality time together. Most of the time we meet up at a race somewhere but even that is tough because we are both a little preoccupied. It has been 2 years since we have gone on a trip together, just the two of us when we went to France where we rode double on this scooter in dresses on the freeway going 98 mph (150 kilometers per hour!) just to keep up with our friends in a car!

It was so nice to finally just get to hang out again. And the best part was one of my friends who knew I was in need of a day off sent us on some sort of scavenger hunt, giving us directions to different destinations but we didn't know what we were doing until we got there. First we went to Venice beach, it was too cold to go in the water but we got to walk around and see all of the weirdos. Like this guy in the american flag speedo. Then we went to a spa for massages and ended it with lots of shopping!!!! We stayed at a hotel right next to the beach and went out to sushi for dinner but instead of going out to the many clubs and bars in the area like most girls our age would, after such a long day we were in bed by 10. Anyways it was just the weekend I needed, but I miss her already. Luckily I am flying home this week to race a Canadian national so I will see her again soon!

Meet Martin

2008-05-19T20:31:00.003-06:00

OK I know its a little sad that my last two blogs have been about baby donkeys. But they are just so cute. This little guy Martin was born on Saturday. Just check out those big ears! He's adorable but his mother, Grace is a real ass! hahahaha

Check out my cute little ass!

2008-04-27T13:48:00.002-06:00

Hahahaha I'm sorry but when you have donkeys that joke never gets old. It was really confusing when we got our first one back when I was 13 and she was named Sarah. Then it was like "Sarah is out of her pen again, go put her away" or "Sarah is getting really fat she is going to have her baby any day" or my brothers could just call me an ass and get away with it because they would say they were talking about the donkey. Yes asses are great to have as pets and not just for their names, they are cute too. Just this week we added another member to our ever growing ass family on the Whitmore farm. This cute little ass doesn't have a name yet. Any suggestions?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-22T22:47:00.003-06:00

Guess who just turned 50? That's right my daddy. Last year when my mom turned 50 (she robbed the cradle) I bought her all the embarrassing "50 year old" and "over the hill" stuff I could find. Including a singing and dancing hamster that drives my animals nuts, and she hated it just as I expected. So I figured the only way to really bug my dad (that is the reason parents have kids right? to bug them?) is to just publicly announce that he just turned half of a century old.

Now my dad was born 50 years ago today on Earth day, even though I doubt that was a holiday back then since he IS older than dirt hahaha. But we can't forget my mother just celebrated her 51st on April Fools day. Now my dad and I always have our picture taken together, even though we haven't raced yet this year on the Suzuki. So forgive me for having an outdated picture up, but it's one of my favorites. However my mom runs every time I pull my camera out. I searched my entire lap top for a photo of her and this one of her delivering a baby ass is the only one I could find. I have said it time and time again, I am a hick. Now maybe after seeing this picture people will start to believe me. Don't make me post the ENTIRE birthing process. Next time mom please just smile pretty for the camera.

Anyways picking on my parents wasn't my main reason for this post. I want to tell them both that I miss them very much. And thank them for everything they have ever done for me. From my dad driving me around the country and working on my bikes. To my mom teaching me that it's OK for a girl to dive right in and get dirty, obviously she doesn't have a problem with this. I wouldn't be the great, wonderful person (hahaha sarcasm of course) that I am today without their love and support. My brothers too. Thank you guys, I love you very much. Happy Birthday and give Frankie a hug for me:)

Don't count me out just yet!!!

2008-04-15T17:36:00.003-06:00

So I heard on TV the other day that they are expecting people to start living to 150 years old. If so that means I have almost another 130 years left on this planet, that's a lot of time. So I just wanted to clear something up. I am only TWENTY THREE years old! I do not plan on quiting any time soon. I swear just this week I had three people ask me when I was going to retire, apparently they think I'm getting too old to race. Heck the way I look at it I haven't even reached my prime yet, guys are racing well into their 30's so why can't I? Sure it's a lot easier for guys to start a family and continue racing, they don't have to sit out for 9 months. I am sure that someday I will like to have a family and everything, I do love kids. But I can assure you its not going to be for a VERY long time. So please stop asking me when I am going to retire because it's not going to be for awhile yet. And please stop making me feel like TWENTY THREE is old because it's NOT! If John Dowd can race til he's 40 so can I. That still gives me 110 years to adopt kids (after all I have put my body through child birth isn't likely).

Men's Journal

2008-04-10T20:27:00.003-06:00

Check it out! A couple of months ago I got an email from the people at Men's Journal saying they were doing a feature on women in action sports who still have a feminine side. Needless to say I was flattered and jumped at the opportunity to be in such a well known magazine. It's so cool having your own hair and make up people along with a stylist. I just wanted to mention there was a stylist there so you guys won't think those green pants are my own, nor did I think that wearing my boots with them made me look "hot" like they said. It wasn't my idea so please don't make fun of me. Just go out and buy the May issue and check out why I am one of the seven featured "Action Figures." hahaha

Knott's Berry Farm

2008-04-10T20:02:00.002-06:00

You can't ride every single day, every once in awhile you need a little break. So Tuesday while my bike was in the shop getting parts swapped I went with my friends, the Jung family to Knott's Berry Farm. I haven't been on a roller coaster in ages, but contrary to what the picture looks like I really am not that afraid of them. After going sky diving, and well, driving in a car or riding a bike when I am in control roller coasters are a piece of cake. How ever I find them to be a lot more fun if you scream your head off the entire way. Here Ashley (front along side me) and Lauren (back) look like they are doing the wave and having about just as much fun as if they were doing one.

I tried not screaming a couple of times, and actually sang once to show them I could remain calm and collective (they both wished they were Deaf) but I didn't have nearly as much fun as I had in this picture. Its all about making yourself scared to have a better time. That's why you watch scary movies in the dark and not during the day. If you think I look scared here just watch "SAW" with me, then you'll really see me scream.

Road Trip!!!!

2008-04-02T14:40:00.003-06:00

Like I said this last week was a long one. My brothers called me a couple of months ago because they are huge into mixed matial arts and there was a Strike Force fight in San Jose California. I asked someone who told me San Jose was only a couple of hours from Temecula where I am staying now. So my brothers got their tickets and we started planning for them to come out and visit me. A week before they left I was running with my roommate Christy when she told me San Jose was in fact not two hours away but more like seven or eight! By this time it would have cost my brothers too much to change their flights so we drove up seven hours Saturday watched the fight and turned around and drove back down so they could catch their Sunday morning flight out of LAX. Did I mention Terry only drove about an hour and a half, and Ben didn't drive at all? I am STILL tired!

Pictured above is the lovely California scenery on our road trip. Terry in his new Shift gear, we at least got to go riding friday morning. The three of us in the stands, we were in the fourth row, really good seats! Ben with "the Punk" one of his favorite fighters. And the main event Frank Shamrock verses Cung Le, which ended after Cung broke Franks arm with multiple kicks.

Happy Easter!

2008-04-02T14:16:00.003-06:00

OK I know its a little late, but in my defense I've had a really long week, and its better late than never right? I had a great Easter with my California family, we went to church which was held outside at a football field because so many people came. Back home in Michigan it usually snows on Easter so I was not expecting to get a sun burn! After listening to another great message from Pastor Gary we went back to open our Easter baskets (yes at 23 I still got an Easter basket YAY!) and then spent the entire day relaxing watching movies and playing rock band. I even had an adopted Grandma for the day who cooked an amazing meal and in true Grandma fashion slapped me (just a light slap on the leg don't worry) during church when she found out I have tattoos. Thanks Marc, Kelle, Sidney and Grandma for taking in an orphan and making me feel at home. Its not easy being away from my family (I miss you guys so much!) especially on holidays, but you guys made it that much easier:)

Paint balling

2008-04-02T13:42:00.002-06:00

My sponsors and California adopted family "the Hauser's" have picked up a new hobby, paint balling and invited me to come along last week. I have only gone a couple of times, the last time being for my friend Mitch's 21st birthday party four years ago, so I was a little out of practice. I was definitely at a disadvantage with my rented gun (everyone else had $400 + guns) poor night vision, and my lack of camo gear, but I had a blast and even got the hang of it and shot quiet a few people by the end of the night. Kelle (aka Private Benjamin) and I were the only girls there, and laughed about how things are way more fun when there's a chance you will get hurt. The biggest disappointment of the night? My damn tough skin! The last time I had a real good bruise was over a year ago when I had shoulder surgery and before that was probably when I broke my ankle. The next day while everyone was comparing welts and bruises, all I had was one tiny little red circle on my butt cheek so I couldn't even show anyone! And trust me I got shot over ten times and it still hurt, but while every other girl in the world would be excited not to be covered in bruises all of the time I am strange and actually like battle wounds. Though maybe I should change my thinking because someone once told me I should quit racing because "chicks dig scars but guys don't." I might not have any bruises from paint balling but I have plenty of scars so guys will just have to get used to a girl who would rather get shot with paint than paint her nails!

MXGirls ride day

2008-03-04T09:45:00.002-07:00

OK if you are a female in the southern California area and you weren't at Milestone on Sunday you were missing out. It was a great opportunity to get out and meet other girls in our sport. And while we didn't discriminate and let the boys come too it was such a change to see the tracks crowded with the majority of the riders having ponytails. I am sure a lot of girls were at a track for the first time and they had lessons for beginners and more advanced riders as well. Even though the weather didn't cooperate with the strong gusty winds it couldn't stop a bunch of girls from having a good time on their dirt bikes. Here I am with a girl I have been giving lessons to for a year now, Lauren Jung (right) and her sister Ashley. Both have come a long way in their riding. Good Job girls!

Changing my oil

2008-03-01T10:33:00.003-07:00

So the other day it was getting time to change the oil on my bike, I have done it many times before but it never gets any easier. I have said it before I just hate bike work, but let me explain its not that I think I'm too good for it, or that its a man's job. I have seen my friend Kaili change the tire on a car with five guys all watching in awe, none of them offering to help but simply amazed that she knew what she was doing. My friend Jessi also does most of her own maintenance to her bikes and never complains. The difference with me is even though I have been taught how to work on my bike and I should know what I'm doing, I'm just no good at it. Tools feel more foreign in my hands than eating soup with chop sticks. Not only did I drop the socket wrench in the (half full) drain bucket upon loosening the bolt, but I also over tightened the bolt, causing the hole to crack and now I have a slow leak. Note the oil stain on the garage floor. How in the world its possible for me to over tighten a bolt I do not know? I guess all this working out is paying off. So for all of you guys AND girls who are able to work on your bikes without breaking things my hats off to you. Though the good Lord gave me many talents, mechanic just isn't one of them.

Elsinore

2008-02-27T17:30:00.004-07:00

Pulling up to Elsinore today I saw the bulldozer working on the driveway, removing some of the mud trying to make it drivable. Right away I should have known what the track would be like, I mean come on the track is built on a dried up lake bed it obviously holds water pretty good. I was the first person there so I got the privilege of breaking the line for everyone else, all the while with a huge smile on my face. Though I love riding in mud its something I don't do that often anymore. I am never in Michigan when the snow melts anymore, back in the day when we couldn't ride for four months as soon as the dirt road we lived on started to melt my dad would let my brother and I do cirlces in it as long as we racked out the ruts afterwards. Desperate times call for desperate measures. The best part of riding in the mud back then or at any race I go to now is as soon as I pull off the track I could just hand my bike to my dad. I always hang out for a little while looking like I care but really I just want him to spray off my boots. Today as I loaded my bike I knew that the garden hose was not going to do the trick and I headed straight for the car wash before the mud had a chance to dry and cake itself on. I spent all of my quarters and one dollar bills trying to get it clean and it still didn't do the trick. Though I had a lot of fun and it was well worth it I have to say it, Daddy I wish you were here.

Practice makes perfect

2008-02-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Its true practice does make perfect. And not to pick on California anymore than I need to (someone commented me that if I do it too much I will get thrown out) but if you guys out here want to be good in mud then stop cancelling races every time it rains! Yesterday was the second weekend in a row I woke up early excited to go get muddy only to find out the race was cancelled:( Now I'm not a fan of the clean up either (but hey I dont like washing my bike no matter what the conditions) and I have been known to pass up a practice day or two in the rain. But racing is different, and there really is nothing better than racing in mud. I know its still months away but I hear a lot of people out here talking about qualifying for Loretta's this year so all I have to say is if you are planning on going you better start riding in the mud because it ALWAYS rains at the ranch. See you there, I'll be the one smiling when the skies turn grey.

More rain!!!

2008-01-29T00:23:00.000-07:00

OK I am so sorry I haven't updated in awhile, since I have actually started getting phone calls asking when I am going to post something new I figured I better get on it. The thing is not much has been going on, I have been riding almost everyday, up until this recent rain storm that has lasted a full week. Now as you all know I am not afraid of a little rain, I thrive on it. But theres not much I can do when all of the tracks in southern California shut down. Now I could crack some jokes right now about Californians not knowing how to drive or ride in the rain, but I am beginning to like it here, and besides I will take rain over snow any day so who's complaining? Its just that its been a week now and I'm getting a little anxious to get back on my Suzuki (which, by the way, I absolutely LOVE) so it can stop at any time.

According to the weather its not supposed to let up until the end of the week so it looks like its going to be another muddy Supercross at Anaheim 3. Speaking of Supercross I am getting a little annoyed at all of the "main event" board and "30 second" board girls. Not to mention every energy drink company is in some huge competition to see who can have the most scantily clad girls on display. Its bad enough when these girls are getting paid to dress like this but then there are fans walking around wearing less than what I wear to the beach (of course I would actually have to go to the beach first, I never have the time). At the nationals in the summer time ladies I can totally see where you are coming from because trust me if I didn't have to wear 15 lbs of gear and look professional at all times I wouldn't. But at Anaheim 2 I had on a hooded sweatshirt with a down jacket over top, and I'm from the arctic, I am used to the cold. I have no idea why these girls want to freeze all night long just to have some drunks in the stands make rude comments to them. Then yesterday when I watched San Fransisco on TV I was actually ashamed at how the girls were portrayed. Lets not forget this is a family sport, I see a lot of female faces and little kids in the stands who do not want to see some girl shaking her ass. And for someone who has never watched a Supercross before and their remote just happened to land on it, what are they thinking? I get so many emails from girls and boys alike, asking me for advice on convincing their mothers to let them ride and race motocross. To me its a no brainer, I have spent almost every weekend as a teenager at the race track with my parents instead of running around drinking and getting into trouble like a normal teen. Up until recently the motocross track has been a great place to be with your family. Now my number one advice would be "don't let your mom watch Supercross on TV."

Guys, come on, can't it just be about the racing again, not the show? And girls? If you are starving for attention that badly get it the real way, go out and write a book, invent something, find a cure for cancer or learn how to jump a Supercross triple. Stop showing off those fake boobs, you are better than that...I am sorry if this came off as a little too strong, but I am sure that most of you girls who read this feel the same way.

Riding with TJ

2008-01-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

While I have spent so much time riding in California these past few years, my older brother Terry (TJ) has never had the chance to make it out until now. He is only visiting for about a week, but it has been fun showing him around to some of the tracks out here. Of course with all of the rain we have been getting most of the tracks have been closed. But we had a blast today at Starwest. Look at the picture, even though he is on a different bike and weighs about 100 lbs more than me we have the same style. I'm glad the family resemblance shows up with our helmets on not off:)

Rampage!

2008-01-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

I started going to the Pontiac supercross back in 1993, with my dad and brother. Back then I was big into collecting autographs. I remember one year everyone had already gone back to their hotels after the race except for Guy Cooper who was still signing under the Suzuki box van. Guy was my favorite rider and the only autograph I even cared to really get. All the way home I remember thinking what that said about his character for staying later than anyone else, and it made me like him that much more.

I wish I could say that I still have that poster on my wall, but its been long gone. However a couple of years ago I made a trade off with his nephew, my jersey (to serve as a birthday present for his girlfriend) in exchange for Guys. That jersey is still on my wall and will never go down.

Now when I go to a supercross I know most of the riders from growing up with them and racing amateur nationals together. I am no longer a "fan" of anyone, I just cheer for my friends. The last time I can remember getting my picture taken with anyone as a fan was with Jeff Emig back in '98 (though talking to him still makes me nervous to this day). I have signed more autographs than I have ever received and I know what its like to get asked for pictures. I thought I was done getting nervous at supercrosses, that is until this weekend.

Richardson's RV is sponsored by Throwdown, a big company in the UFC, who Rampage (my favorite fighter) also happens to fight for. I heard he was going to be at Anahiem 1 and I waited all night to finally meet him. He was kind enough to talk to me a little while, saying he has one of "those bikes, like they raced tonight, I don't know what it is I'm not good with numbers, but its a big one" but said he needs something smaller because its too much for him. Which I laughed at, if all 125 lbs of me can handle a 450 I'm sure that he could too. I was shocked that he never cursed once in our conversation, if you have ever seen one of his interviews most of it is BLEEPED out. He also said he couldn't put me in a head lock because I am a girl, but he let me put him in one, though my arms would barely fit around his neck! Anyways I just wanted to say thank you to Rampage for making me nervous and reminding me what its like to be a fan again.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

I know its not possible for me to send everyone a Christmas card, so for those of you I missed this was the picture on my card this year. Cheesy I know but I just couldn't resist. I just hope everyone knows it was meant as a joke, I admit to being a dork but I'm not THAT bad.
Anyways I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, I know I sure did. I just love everything about this time of year, of course it goes by way too fast! So I will leave you with 10 of my favorite things that I only have to wait 364 days for them to come again!

10. I have an excuse to go shopping!
9. It is the only time of year I like snow.
8. Christmas lights.
7. All of the yummy food and cookies!
6. Decorating the tree.
5. Getting dressed up Christmas eve to go to Church, where I always read the lessons every year.
4. Grandma's apple pie!
3. Being with my family, so many aunts, uncles and cousins I only see a few times a year.
2. Of course everyone loves getting presents, but I prefer to be the giver. I love giving presents.
1. And my favorite thing about the holiday season is the 10 pm candle light church service. Everyone holding candles and singing Silent Night brings tears to my eyes every year, without it it wouldn't be Christmas.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! PS. I am leaving the cold for sunny California on Saturday so finally I will be blogging about riding again!

The Cheboygan Tribune

2007-12-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

I must say I love the small town I grew up in. I hope to spend at least my summer months here for the rest of my life. But there are certain things about small towns that really get to me. A couple of years ago after winning my 4th title at Loretta Lynn's my mother called the news paper in town to ask if they wanted to run a story on it. In a town of 5,000 people, one of those people winning a national title in ANYTHING is news. Well the sports editor didn't really think so and we went back and forth on the phone and email. First he said he wanted to meet in person but I was leaving the country for three weeks the next day so he wanted me to call him when I got back which I did. He replied in an email saying that even if he went through with the story he wasn't sure it would ever go to print because it was football season. My reply might have been over the top, but I was furious. It went something like..."I am aware its football season and once attending Cheboygan High myself I understand that you can't get any where in this town unless you participate in school sports. Just answer me when was the last time any of our teams made it to nationals, let alone won them?" Then I told him, "as for all the members of this community who keep asking my why I haven't been in the news paper yet I will just tell them to read my column in Racer X, or they can read about me in the Detroit Freepress or the New Jersey Star Ledger who have both done stories on me earlier this summer. Or they could even watch the Disney movie 'Moto Kids' or MTV's True Life." Needless to say this was followed by another reply from him saying I was the cockiest person he had ever met in his life and all of my success has gone to my head.

I don't think that is true, I know all I do is ride a motorcycle, its nothing to really brag about but being told there was no room in the news paper because they had to run football scores really got me going. How ever a few weeks later in the sports section there was a small article that he put together off of information he found in my bio on the WMA website. That was that and we haven't talked since. I had almost forgotten this whole incident until last weekend when I took my puppy Frankie to the book store in town to get his picture taken with Santa Claus. Being the proud mommy that I am I have to say every one loved him because he is the cutest dog out there. Great Danes aren't very popular up here, and most of the dogs in that day were little ankle bitters. Needles to say Frankie being the ham that he is made everyone fall in love (he's so good at this my DAD actually even likes him! My dad is NOT an animal person). And after getting our picture they asked me to sign a release to allow them to use the picture in the paper. I gladly signed thinking how cute he would look. But this Friday when my Father picked up the paper and there was Frankie all 5 months and 70 lbs of him on Santa's lap all I could think of was the last time I was in our news paper and the trouble I had to go through. The moral of this story? Apparently in a small town winning a national championship isn't news, but my puppy sitting on Santa's lap? Alert the press!!!!!

Snow shoeing

2007-12-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

I must say my family is getting aggravated with all of my complaining. I came home from California three weeks ago to two feet of snow and I haven't been very happy about it! Snow may be pretty but when you grow up with an over protective father who doesn't want you to do any winter sports like snowmobiling or snowboarding because they are too dangerous, pretty is about its only quality. Just the other day my mother who has taken up snow shoeing asked me to join her. I have heard that snow shoeing is a great pass time (I got yelled at earlier for calling it "the worst sport in the world'" I guess its not a sport) and a very good work out. I must have been doing something wrong then because even though I tried making it harder by breaking my own trail and going up and down the jumps on my track I never warmed up, and didn't even come close to breaking a sweat. I must admit it was nice to do something outside, but as far as a workout goes the hardest part was when my dogs would step on my shoes and trip me. Here in this picture all three of them Frankie, Endo and our beagle Buddy are all tackling me. Yes I am actually in this picture. But I have decided from now on if I want fresh air I will just go wrestle with them without the snowshoes for them to trip me with and as for a work out I will just stick to the gym, where there is HEAT!

First colors

2007-12-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who wished me luck. As you can tell by looking at the picture I did in fact pass my belt test. I haven't been this nervous (besides before my half marathon) since I don't even know when. I know it was silly of me to be so nervous going in but you must remember my whole life has been about motorcycles. I took dance in fourth grade, and I was terrible at it. Besides that I ran track in high school but I never really competed in anything else. I have really enjoyed branching out to new things this fall, and mostly doing it with my brothers. Ben is so passionate about martial arts (he reminds me a lot of myself only with MX) that its hard not to fall in love with it too. And it has been great for Terry and I to have our very own Sensai living with us. In fact while Terry and I were being tested in Karate Ben sat up front with professor Gary and every thing we did wrong he would tell Ben "you need to work on Sarah, she is dropping her arms." as if it were Ben's fault. Of course it goes both ways too, he also complimented Ben that some of my kicks are at a black belt level, and I look just like him when I kick. Ben was glad to take credit for this. Which he deserves because while I have only been training for my belt since this summer, Ben has been showing me kicks and punches
for years now.

So even though in the world of martial arts I have only just won my first race in the C class, and it really isn't anything to brag about, I'm happy with my accomplishments so far. My training will obviously dwindle this winter when I am in California riding, but I still have a month of training and bonding at home with my brothers. Nothing brings you closer together than a kick to the face and a bloody mouth.

(I think Ben is trying to point out where he has hit me with about 40 hook kicks, I need to learn how to dodge better!)

Ben

2007-12-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

There really is no point of this blog other than I have this really funny picture of my brother who came home from working in the woods and passed out on the couch with our dog Endo, still wearing his snow suite! This is for all those hook kicks to the side of my head you gave me!

Sparring with my brothers

2007-11-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning I laid in bed for a moment and as I have done after many a crash made a mental check of everything that hurt. Starting with my feet, the knuckle under my big toe is swollen and bruised. I have several lumps and bruises on my left shin, and skin scraped off of my knees. Not to mention the size 12 foot print on my butt! I cant even touch the right side of my rib cage it is so sore. Then again I can barely touch the keys right now to type this because my fingers are bruised. To top it all off I have a head ache.

But whats that you ask? How did I crash when I am at home in Michigan in the snow? Although I feel like I did three cart wheels followed by getting planted by my bike I haven't ridden since last week. I did however get the crap beaten out of me by my brothers. Now before all of you guys out there freak out on my brothers for hitting a girl let me explain that I asked for it, well kind of. Five years ago my younger (no longer little) brother Ben who long ago gave up racing after he had to learn how to shift a 60, found his calling in martial arts. He is now a black belt in 2 different forms of Karate, Arnis (stick fighting) and going for his black belt in Japanese Ju Jitsu in February. He is pretty much a bad ass. A couple of years ago my older brother Terry started training with him as well. This spring and summer I started going to the gym with them to work out and some how found myself in the dojo along side of them.

With the way the world is today I believe every girl should take some sort of self defense classes. I am still just starting out but with as much as I travel alone I feel better about myself already. In Ju Jitsu I learn all about defending myself from attacks and escaping from different grabs, all of these moves end with them on the ground and me stomping on their face and groin before running away. This isn't for messing around, and hopefully I never have to use it. In Karate I learn about striking, how to kick and punch properly. I have been told my punches are coming along pretty good after my guy friends make remarks about women belonging in the kitchen and not the track.

I have my very first belt test on Monday and I am getting pretty nervous. Luckily for me I have two brothers to get me ready for it so this last week we have been working extra hard. Last night however to break up the monotony of punching and kicking at a bag we decided to play a game of round robin. Most of the time when we spar we bring out the mats and ground spar, more like wrestling except instead of pinning each other you have to submit them with an arm or leg bar, choke, or something else of that matter. As much as I enjoy that I prefer when we stand up spar. I mean my entire childhood there have been times I have wanted to punch my brothers as hard as I can in the face, and now they let me do it. In fact if I really get them good they smile and tell me good job! Just imagine if my parents would have given us boxing gloves when we were little and told us to go at it we probably would have gotten along a lot better.

So last night after about a minute into my first round with Terry when he punched me straight in the eye (unfortunately it wasn't black this morning) I decided to put on some head gear. The rules: no kicking between the legs or the inside of the thigh, sometimes after making contact your foot will slide up the leg to the groin, ending the round fast. No take downs since we were fighting on a wood floor, and of course we weren't going all out to try and kill each other. But that didn't mean we didn't get a few good hits in.

Though Terry wasn't going all out a kick from him (all 240 lbs) would send me flying across the room. He also learned that kicking me in the liver will send me to my knees gasping for air. Another lesson? Don't taunt me repeatedly then leave your face wide open. Ben is the reason for my bruises though it was mostly my fault. First I went to do a leg kick only I'm still bad with my aim and he saw it coming and bent his leg, toes straight to his knee cap hurt me way more than it did him. Then I went to grab one of his kicks only with my fingers out and watched as they bent backwards. Ben also followed Terry's lead knowing my ribs were sore and gave me a few good punches. He just wanted to show my that I left them open, as terry would hit me on the head of I didn't protect that. I know this may sound weird to many of you, what kind of girl likes
getting punched and kicked by her brothers? The same type of girl that at three years old didn't like sitting and watching her father and older brother ride motorcycles. I cant stand not joining in on the fun, and growing up with only boys I wasn't allowed to be a wimp. I still have along ways to go when it comes to fighting, but fortunately I have some good teachers who aren't afraid to let me know when I let my guard down. As with riding you only get faster if you train with faster people. So I figure taking a beating from them will only make me better, and besides when they do let me get a good hit in there's no better feeling. OK well its time to train again, wish me luck for my test on Monday:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T14:18:00.001-07:00

I hope every one had a happy Thanksgiving. I know I did even though I wasn't able to make it home my roommates and I made the best of it. Kelly and I mashed an entire bag of potatoes, had stuffing, gravy, carrots, green bean casserole, the juiciest turkey I have ever had (wasn't burnt or dry I was shocked!) and pictured here is my baby...apple pie! I started peeling the apples at 9:00 am and then started prepping the turkey right after. It was an all day affair (I'm not sure how Grandma's and mothers do it?) but it was completely worth it. I was surprised that something I cooked could actually taste so good. Though no one went up for seconds, because we all filled our plates so full on the first trip we couldn't move. All in all it was a great Thanksgiving. Just don't tell anyone I can cook now, I don't want any one to get any ideas that I'm going to start doing this all the time. The saddest thing is right now I am sitting in the airport on my way home and I wont be able to eat the left overs...However I already talked to my Grandma and she saved some of hers for me. The other downfall to the week is though I am glad to be going home to see my family I should be in Texas right now for the WMA cup. But with just picking my new Suzuki up last week there was just no time to get it ready for this weekend. Its a bummer I wont be able to go down, the Cycle Ranch track is great. So good luck Lauren, April, Ashley and everyone else. I will see you next time.

HELP!

2007-11-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

I am not going to be able to make it home for Thanksgiving, which means I am going to have to try and cook myself! As I just said the kitchen is the last place I belong besides a garage and I have been looking online for easy recipes, if anyone knows of any I would be very grateful...so would my roommates:)

Bike work SUCKS!

2007-11-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Its true that when it comes to some things like never having to work on my bike I am very spoiled. My father being a mechanic, and a little shall we say "old fashioned" never made me work on my bikes growing up. My job was always to buy the groceries and get the motor home ready while him and my brother got the bikes and trailer ready. When I was about 13 once I washed my own bike but forgot to get under the fenders and did such a poor job my dad had to redo it. I haven't had to wash my bike since.

Now being spoiled is fun while it lasts but lets face it my dad cant be every where with me and its not always possible to sucker other guys into doing bike work. When I used to stay in Georgia I would bake brownies and cookies in exchange for an air filter (the worst job on earth!). But this morning I had to take my suspension off to take to Enzo and there wasn't any body around to bake for. Now suspension is a pretty easy job. I have actually taken off a few sets in my day, but today was just not going my way. First I found out that the head of Suzuki bolts are more shallow than on a Yamaha's. My favorite tool in the world is a T-handle because its about the only one I know how to use. But every time I would try to use one it would fall off threatening to strip the bolt. Not to mention I think whoever put my bike together used a gallon of lock tight and a torque wrench on every bolt. I had to use a wrench and hit it with a hammer to get every last one loose. Its funny I have so much patience for certain things and usually keep my cool very well. But bike work is not one of those things. I would rather pick up a pitch fork and shovel out my horse barns than pick up a tool. It took me nearly two hours today just to take my suspension off, and I never would have finished if I hadn't of asked my next door neighbor who was just standing outside in his yard smoking a cigarette. I actually didn't even expect him to help me considering my roommate shot his kids pet bunny with her bow and arrow. That's how desperate I was! Luckily he agreed and after struggling for almost five minutes he finally got it loose. At least I never have to worry about losing a bolt on this bike!

I know I sound ridiculous right now, I always say that girls can do anything boys can do. And its still true, I bet there are tons of girls who make awesome mechanics, I am just not one of them. A garage to me is just like a kitchen I just don't belong there, no matter what David Knight tells me. He joked this weekend saying I should enter the last man standing, and the only way I would finish is if they put a sink at the end of each lap so I could be the first one back to do the dishes! Too bad if I do too many dishes it softens up my callouses. I guess I'm just going to have to stick the one place I do belong, the track. Now I just need to find a man who doesn't mind cooking and working on bikes...

Endurocross

2007-11-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday my roommates and I made the trip from Southern California to Las Vegas to check out the Endurocross. It was my first time attending and all I have to say is who ever came up with the idea has got to be the coolest person on earth. Just imagine how exciting supercrosses would be if they threw in a couple of rock corners and log or tire jumps? To see my long time favorite John Dowd struggle and not even qualify just astonished me. If he has trouble making it around how in the world would I even make it a lap? But that's the thing, while it doesn't look the least bit easy, it looks extremely fun. And next year my goal is to make it a lap around. If any one wants to help me train for it just let me know, I'm going to need all the help I can get!

Suzuki?!?!

2007-11-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Don't worry your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. That's me leaning over a Suzuki! I have been getting some questioning looks this past week at tracks all around southern California. I just signed with them last week and picked up my first bike today (the bike in the picture is borrowed). Its a very big change for me, considering I have been riding Yamaha's since '94 and have been riding for Yamaha since '99. It is still odd to look down and see a yellow fender underneath me. But besides the look of it, the feel of it is great. I felt comfortable on it right away and am excited to get my bike set up for me with suspension and handlebars. I of course want to thank Yamaha for all they have done for me through out the years, and now Suzuki for giving me this opportunity. So now that its official (I mean as soon as you blog something it HAS to be true right?) maybe I wont be getting weird looks anymore...

Hug your Grandma!

2007-11-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

I got a very sad phone call two days ago, I knew something was wrong when my older brother sent me a text asking me to call home and when I did my father asked if I was driving or not. I knew he was going to tell me something that I wanted to hear. My Grandma Rose Mary had just passed away.

I'm still in shock I guess and don't really even know what to say. She suffered from a couple of strokes several years back and was put in a nursing home, the same one I used to visit with her and my Grandma Marcia during the summer months, volunteering to help the residents play bingo. I remember my first visit back after she started living there and wondered how she felt, for so many years she pointed out numbers on the cards for patients who had trouble. And now I had to help her because she couldn't see very well out of her left eye since the stroke.

Not too long after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and it may seem like a terrible thing to say but I have some of my favorite memories of her from this time. Only because she needed to be driven to a different hospital 45 minutes away for her radiation and when everyone else in my family had to work I got to take her. We got to spend a lot of time together on those trips and even though her body was failing her she was still alot of fun. My Grandma loved racing, she attended almost all of my races when I was younger, at one point she had six grandchildren and a great grand daughter all racing. She couldn't have been more proud. While most people in the home had a couple of pictures of their families up on the wall, her wall was covered with my pictures from magazines and trophies. One particular trophy was from Glen Helen in '04, when I went to say good bye before I left for California she told me not to come back unless I had a first place trophy for her...I sure wish she would have said that more often. Anyways one of my favorite stories of her was when I drove her to her radiation therapy. She was in a wheel chair by this time and the radiation unit was in the basement of the hospital. The hallways were big and very empty and I just remember running through the hallways pushing her making dirt bike noises, sliding through the turns, both of us laughing hysterically. Any other grandmother in the world would have yelled at me to slow down but she was loving every minute of it, even joining in on the brrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaps!

I could go on with these stories forever, and it really does make me feel better to think of all the great times we have shared. I am very sad but I know she is with my Grandpa now who passed away 21 years ago. If she has taught me anything its that true love can exist. After all this time she never took off her ring and even on her worst days if I asked her a question about my Grandpa (I was only two when he passed) her face would just light up and she would tell me stories like how he used to go watch her play soft ball because back then girls played in skirts (can you imagine if they made WMA riders wear skirts hahaha) and he liked watching her slide into home. I'm going to miss those stories.

She was the first person close to me that I have lost, all of my other grandparents I was too young to really remember. Because she kept going strong so long after her strokes I kind of took it for granted that she would live forever. So if you are reading this please do me a favor, go hug your grandparents, and parents, siblings, everyone you care for, life's too short not to.

13.1

2007-10-29T14:37:00.000-06:00

As I sat on the ferry to Mackinaw Island I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous, it was only two hours before the start of my first running race (track in high school doesn’t count). It automatically made me think back to my first motocross race. Of course only being 8 at the time I don’t remember much about it. But I do remember being extremely nervous and feeling like I might pee my pants, and just thinking about that day brings back the butterflies. I have been nervous for plenty of races since then but I haven’t felt that roller coaster drop of nervousness in my stomach since those early days. Thinking about my new challenge ahead of me though just for a second I thought I felt a tingling in my stomach. But on second thought it must have been motion sickness from the boat rocking back and forth on the waves.

Like I said I have never participated in anything like this before, but my older brother Terry did a couple of 5Ks before so knew a little about sign up and the whole process. We got our numbers and then waited for everything to start. My younger brother Ben and Krystal (Terry’s girlfriend) were going to run the 5.7 mile, while Terry and I did the half marathon (13.1 miles). Unlike a motocross race where I can sit inside my motor home in between motos to keep warm, here we had to stand outside. As I said the race was held on Mackinaw Island where they don’t allow any motorized vehicles, the only transportation being bicycles, horses or like today feet. And I know I have been complaining about the weather in Northern Michigan lately but today was the worst yet. I heard it was only 36 degrees out and did I mention it was raining? I am a major wimp when it comes to cold and I am not afraid to admit it. I was actually shaking I was shivering so much before the race and didn’t know how others were dressed in shorts and short sleeves. I had on long spandex pants with wind breakers on over top and a long sleeve under armor shirt with a super thick running jacket on over top of that and a head band to keep my ears warm. I have seen people ski in less, but I still couldn’t get warm.

Now I didn’t go into this race with very high expectations, I just wanted to finish and not get last. If I could beat my brother, that would be pretty awesome too. I mostly just wanted a learning experience and I got it. I knew when I over heard other runners in line for the bathroom before the race talk about running the Chicago marathon that there were some people there a lot more serious about running than me. I have never been much of a runner. I was always an active child running and playing, but I remember the one time a year when we had to run the mile in gym I thought I was going to die. In JR high and High school I ran track but was a sprinter and hurdler. I obviously started running more to train for motocross but usually just ran my block, of course being in the country my block is 2 ½ miles long. It wasn’t until I went to France in ’05 and trained with Pierrick Paget that I started (ok more like forced) to run further and actually enjoy running.

But today there wasn’t much enjoyment, it was cold and wet and because I was shaking so badly I couldn’t warm my muscles up properly and I threw my back out by mile three. It sounds pathetic I know, only old out of shape people are supposed to throw their backs out. But I think I learned something else this weekend, the “shape” of a person doesn’t necessarily determine the shape they are in. Our society puts so much pressure on people to be stick thin and that’s supposed to mean healthy. But I got passed by some ladies who should not have been wearing spandex and I realized size doesn’t mean anything. Now thick, skinny, old or young it didn’t matter I am competitive and I didn’t like getting passed by anyone. But I had to remind myself that though I am in great shape for riding, running is completely different. And most people in my age group are a lot more serious about running and have been training properly for it. If I got any of these people on a track it would be a different story.

However I am glad to say I ran the whole thing, and there were quite a few people walking by the end. And I finished 14th in my age group out of 25, in 2 hours and 16 minutes. Not really that good but I didn’t get last and I did beat Terry so I achieved my goals. Next time I will be more prepared and will know what I am up against. I have been super competitive my whole life, I hate losing and while this is great for racing it has also held me back from trying new things. But I have made a resolution to broaden my horizons, while motocross is my life I should have other interest and hobbies. So I am going to keep on running even if at mile twelve I thought it was the worst thing I have done and hopefully someday I will finish a full marathon. I also have my first belt test next month in Karate and Ju Jitsu, which I am super nervous for. I have been racing for so long that it is kind of exciting to not be a “veteran” anymore and try things out for the first time. But as for right now I am headed to the chiropractor to get my old back put back into place. I can barely walk right now let alone run, ride or throw a round house kick.

(Pictured from left to right, Krystal, Terry, Ben and me)

Fall

2007-10-26T10:44:00.000-06:00

I know many people love this time of year, but not me. First it starts getting colder, I hate cold weather and don't like having to worry about putting on a sweatshirt before I go outside. Then what do you do when you want to run? You have to put on warm clothes at first because its chilly and you don't want to get sick, only to find yourself working up a sweat and peeling off your layers on the trail and now trying to run with a hoodie tied around your waist. I would rather just run in 9o degree weather wearing a T-shirt (I learned a long time ago to never run in my sports bra after I saw the same red truck pass me three times within a mile!) and shorts and sweat it out. Some people swear that fall is the best time to ride (the wimps that can't handle the heat of summer) and although I agree my track is in excellent condition with all the rain, it gets dark too early now and by the time my riding buddies get home from work its too dark to ride. I am stuck riding by myself. Another sad thing about fall to me is my schedule slows down. I know that this may seem like a good thing, and for the first two weeks after steel city it was great. But I haven't been on an air plane in a month now and I'm having a hard time staying in one place for too long. I have rested up and recovered from a hectic race season, now I am ready to go again, I just don't have anywhere I have to be right now. But the biggest problem I have with fall is with it being the off season it is also contract time. Even though I have an agent who handles all of the hard work, it is still a very stressful time for me as it is for a lot of riders. Racing isn't always fun and games, there is a business side to it and it is something I don't necessarily enjoy. Its an awful feeling not knowing what I will be doing next year yet. And I hate to admit that this time of year I am usually a little cranky due to lack of sleep. Unfortunately obsessive worrying is something my father passed down to me, along with his big nose.

So even though people might think that fall colors (a northern thing) are pretty I look at the orange and yellow leaves and think of cold weather and stress. Before long winter, my least favorite season will be here. The only upside to that is I should have all of my contracts signed by then and the new race season is just around the corner.

Happy Anniversary!

2007-10-21T11:22:00.000-06:00

This morning I sat in the same church where my parents were married exactly 29 years ago. I just wanted to say congratulations and thank you for having me (and my brothers) and putting our needs before you own all these years. I couldn't be here without you. Literally:) Love you two, Happy Anniversary.

(oh I would have posted thier wedding picture but I guess digital cameras weren't around back then? Was film even invented at that time? Just kidding.)

Rain rain go away!

2007-10-18T09:34:00.000-06:00

OK I am starting to get mad. Northern Michigan weather has not been cooperating with me. I never was one of those kids that cries during thunder storms, I usually find them more soothing than anything. The pitter patter of rain drops on my roof top puts me into a nice deep sleep where I usually dream of mud races. However when I woke up this morning to the sound of rain I just got aggravated. I haven't seen the sun shine in almost two weeks now, if its not raining it is just plain cold and cloudy. Right now it is only 42 degrees outside, I had planned on running today but yet again I will be confined to the gym. If there is one thing I hate in this world its running on a treadmill. I love running outside, breathing the fresh air and most of all actually going somewhere, seeing new scenery instead of just watching the wall or a TV. Whats even more irritating is I have two big events coming up, most importantly the WMA Cup in Texas over Thanksgiving which has been hard to train for when the weather wont let up. And secondly though weighing a little more on my mind because it is just around the corner, being only 9 days away, is the half marathon I am running with my brothers. I had a whole training schedule planned out that would have me running the full 13 miles two weeks ago. But because it has been so cold I ended up getting sick and in bed for almost a week, then after feeling a little better but still not 100% I am forced to only run when its nice out. I should explain that since getting sick in '04 my immune system is shot, I come down with a cold about once a month and any time I get chilled usually leaves me in bed with a fever. I want to actually be healthy on race day so I have to be careful. I have never ran a half marathon before but I have talked to people who have and said they never ran more than 5 or 6 miles before hand and its just pure determination that allows you to finish. My brother on the other hand disagrees, though its possible he is trying to scare me, telling me I wont finish. We tend to be a little too competitive. As it stands today I have only ran 9 miles. And considering they are calling for tornadoes (not normal for "Normi") I doubt my feet will be hitting anything other than the treadmill today, so you can bet I wont be going far as I hate the feeling of being a hamster in a wheel. Here's praying the rain goes away so I can get back on the bike and on the trail!

Frankie

2007-10-17T14:00:00.000-06:00

As I wrote in my last column I made a bet with my dad if I won Steel City I could get a puppy. Well my dad hates dogs but went ahead and agreed knowing with how my season had been going up to that point the chances of me winning were pretty slim. I think I was more excited about getting a puppy than actually winning. I spent the next month looking on line for the perfect one. A male harlequin great dane, that lives within driving distance because I am too cheap to pay an extra $300 for shipping. And finally I found him, named John Travolta when I bought him I changed it to Frank, or Frankie. That's him next to my mastiff-cross Endo, he is only 3 months old now but by the time he is 6 months he will be bigger than Endo. He is my pride and joy, I will keep you posted on how he is doing and maybe you will get the chance to meet him at a race sometime next summer:)

Get well soon, Christy!

2007-10-17T13:38:00.000-06:00

My friend Christy (pictured here on the left, next to Kelly Yancy) had surgery yesterday, and I just want to wish her a speedy recovery. I live with Christy in California during the winter months when it is too cold in Michigan. She always makes sure I have a place to stay. And as you can see by her shirt in this picture, taken last year at the Glen Helen Prequel, she is one of my biggest supporters! Get well soon! Temperatures are dropping and I expect to be heading west soon. :)

My first time

2007-10-16T14:48:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone! It seems I am a "virgin blogger." I've been writing a column called "Sarah Smile" in Racer X Illustrated for some time, and now I'm going to move over here to Racer X's little family of blogs instead. (Be sure to check out Jason Weigandt's awesome blog, Blogandt, as well as Steve Bruhn's popular weekend journal spot, the Weekend Window. Stay tuned for more Racer X blogs in the near future.)

I'm not very good at this computer stuff, but I will try my best to keep everyone posted on all the latest and greatest things I've been up to. I think it's going to be fun.

For starters, I'm going to be doing a half-marathon soon, so I'll probably post about that. And everyone knows that the off-season is when the "business" of being a pro-racer is at the forefront, and I'll keep you up-to-date on that stuff as well.

Beyond that, I'm not really sure where this thing is going to go, but I'm looking forward to finding out. Oh, and respectful comments are very much welcomed (they'll be moderated by a Racer X editor). If you read my stuff in the magazine, I hope you'll follow me here, and if you're new, I hope you'll stick around!