Well spring is in the air and my winter project is almost done.

I just started riding back in july of 2001. Let me tell you that riding has been a god scent to me. It has kept me out of trouble and also has gotten me closer to my family. Every sunday i would go down to my local riding area. (Thomaston dam) and ride around. My mom and dad would also tag along even though they dont have bikes. Riding there and around my house has been the most fun thing i have ever done in my life. Being in the fresh air and with my friends is awsome. wish i could do it more. I have tried mostly every sport out there except for football. With riding it incorporates about every sport there is into one. You have to be coordinated like baseball and all the other sports. There is also quite a bit of teamwork involved. Like if you fall down somewhere you know there will be someone there to help you up. Its great. It gives you pretty much give you a full body workout..not quite as much as swimming but it definetly builds up your muscles.

To sum it all up.. I am very greatful i am in the dirt bike community now. And to make it even better my dad might be getting one this year wooohoooo

This sport is great for the entire family.

My boys are grown and on their own, but we still plan most of our time around getting together to go riding every chance we can.

Actually, it's probably one of the better things I'll read all day.

I was on I.M. with friends last night. Navy pilot and his wife. I was sending them several good-quality photos from our last race last year, along with some pictures of some of the riding partners and their kids, etc. I asked if they were boring and my friend's wife said, "No. I am enjoying these." I explained to her that the off-road motorcycle community was a very close, supportive family. Much like (and probably even moreso) the mountain bike community. It was this pilot, one of my best friends who talked me into enough nerve to race mountain bikes back in the early 90's down in Mississippi. His wife also rides in equestrian events. So they both know all about the competition and the friendships that develope and the sense of family among the people involved.

You hit it on the head. The guys who do nothing but race are probably missing out on more than they know. There's far more to this sport than competition, although that is a huge aspect. Do whatever it takes to get your dad involved and keep it positive! If that works out, your mom will get sucked in before she knows what's happening! And above all IF YOU"RE NOT HAVING FUN, YOU"RE NOT DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! FIX IT! If you do this while keeping it low key, riding can be a hoot!