My riding experience.

When I first got interested in this race I was sure I was going to be the only new guy, the one unprepared guy on an old bike in a sea of professionals and factory teams.  I don't know where that stigma came from, but in my research and reaching out to prior racers I found this was not the case.  I was an amateur, budget racer, that was just looking for a finish, not the win.  I made a lot of assumptions that seemed to put this out of my reach, which ended up not being the case. 

Assumptions such as: I need to be a pro level rider.  I need to have a huge budget and a fleet of chase vehicles.  I need the newest bike with all the best parts.  In reality, if you have a few bucks, a desire, some mechanical ability, and a good attitude you can probably make this happen. 

So to tackle the assumption that I needed to be a pro level rider.  This is not happening for me, period.  So this excuse was crushed once I came to the conclusion if I waited for this I would never make it.  I just ride as much as I can and try to ride different disciplines.  

I have been fun riding since I was a teenager out int he Utah desert.  It wasn't until I was in my late 20s that I started taking on races and competitions.  Each year I do a handful of motocross, desert, vintage motocross, and have done a few stints into street/supermoto bikes here and there.  I believe they all teach you good riding skills and have aspects that transfer from one discipline to another.  Unless I tried these different riding styles I would never have made these connections from one style to the other. 

I am far from an expert level rider, novice to intermediate depending on the type of riding and organization.  I do feel I am consistent thought.  I do not go out twist the throttle and get over my head.  I typically ride to my ability and calculate the risks and pick my lines carefully.  From talking to folks who have done these long races luck, good prep, fitness, and mental attitude go a LONG way into completing the event.   

Being in southern California I am very fortunate to be in the middle of dirt bike heaven.  Thanks to organizations like District 37, District 38, CALVMX, and Pala Raceway, I wouldn't have nearly as many experiences or met some incredible folks who all have good advice or tips to help me become a better rider.

 The point of this whole rant to to get those guys out there who are on the fence or think they need to have the best of the best, be the best, and have tons of money to really look into this event and do some research.  Its a huge event, but thanks to the Best in the Desert Organization it is still doable for the grassroots guys.