Monday Morning Coffee

By Billy Rainford

Monday Morning with Bigwave

Good Monday Morning…I think. Anyone know what day it is? Wow, that was a busy one! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is currently enjoying what I always thought was the best week of the year – the week between Christmas and New Year’s. School is out, everyone is home, and you get to play with the new toys you got for Christmas.

We were all the way up in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, for Christmas again this year. I have spent almost every December 25th in the small gold mining town throughout my life. Nothing says ‘Merry Christmas’ like waking up to -40 degrees C and 6 feet of snow! My dad emigrated from Liverpool, England, to KL when he was only 17 years old. The stories he tells of getting acclimated to the northern town’s way of life could keep a roomful of people entertained for months.

Basically, this marked his 60th Christmastime spent up there. He’s pretty sure it also marked the first time he’s ever seen it without snow. Seriously, this place is one of the last in Canada you’d expect to see green grass at the end of December. As we drove past the area affectionately known as ‘The Slimes,’ you could tell people had still been riding dirt bike in the spot where Kirkland Lake used to actually be. It’s now been replaced by the tailings of the gold mines – slimes.

Some of you out in Manitoba and Saskatchewan may not feel as sympathetic to our lack of snow situation as I did. My older cousin made the drive to KL from Winnipeg and said he did the 19-hour drive white-knuckling the steering wheel in the driving snow. He may be somewhere north of Lake Superior doing the same thing as you read this now. Good luck, Rick.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what Randy Quaid has been up to lately? Apparently, he’s been cruising around Ontario decorating houses (Google it, Bowker!)…Oh, and I know it was Clark who actually did the decorating.

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This house is around the corner from Emily’s dad’s place in Burlington. You can even go into their backyard and look at more! It’s a tribute to their son who passed away and loved motorcycles.

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And this Griswold-style house is up in Kirkland Lake. It’s amazing how much of a crowd both of these homes attracted.

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As we passed through North Bay, we took a detour to show Emily the house I was born in. It’s right around the corner from this landmark restaurant. My dad actually financed or helped build the very first Tim Horton’s restaurant that was in this location, so the story goes. You can still see where it was on the inside.

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Have you ever played this ‘game?’ Basically, each colour is either a delicious flavour or else it’s dog food, skunk spray, dirty diapers, or barf. It wasn’t a whole lot of fun.I haven’t eaten that much barf since university!


From: www.prootocross.com

2016 AMA Pro Numbers

The AMA has released pro numbers for the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and supercross seasons. The full list from #1-99 is below, but first, here’s a few notes on the process itself and the most notable number changes for 2016 and beyond.

  • Riders who earn a championship will race the #1 plate when competing in that class the following year. For the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Ryan Dungey will have the #1 plate in the 450 Class, while Jeremy Martin will retain the #1 in the 250 Class for a second straight year.
  • Riders who earn a national championship are able to choose a single-digit career number. No new single-digit numbers were awarded this season, but several new numbers will now be available for use in future years. More on this later.
  • Riders who finish in the top ten in combined points for both motocross and supercross are eligible to choose a double-digit career number. Only two riders earned new career numbers this year, and they both elected to keep the numbers they ran this past season: Jason Anderson (#21) and Joey Savatgy (#37).
  • Riders who finish outside the top ten in combined points and do not already have a career number are ranked in order and then assigned the lowest available double-digit number. Jessy Nelson was the highest-ranking rider without a career number and opted to take #13. Because of superstitions associated with that number, the AMA gives riders the option to pass on #13 and take the next available number instead, something that many riders have historically done. The last rider to wear #13 was Blake Wharton in 2013.
  • Any rider with a career number must earn at least 25 points next season to keep that number, although exceptions are granted for injury. Riders who lost their career numbers this year were Ryan Villopoto (#2), Ivan Tedesco (#9) and Michael Byrne (#26).

On to the full list below. Riders with a career number are denoted with an asterisk; those with an already-existing career number are italicized, while riders with new career numbers for 2015 are listed in bold.

1 (450MX): Ryan Dungey
1 (450SX): Ryan Dungey
1 (250MX): Jeremy Martin
1 (250SX West): Cooper Webb
1 (250SX East): Marvin Musquin
3*: Eli Tomac
4*: Blake Baggett
5*: Ryan Dungey
6*: Jeremy Martin
7*: James Stewart
10*: Justin Brayton
11*: Kyle Chisholm
12*: Jake Weimer

13: Jessy Nelson
14*: Cole Seely
15*: Dean Wilson
16*: Zach Osborne
17*: Cooper Webb
18*: David Millsaps
19*: Justin Bogle
20*: Broc Tickle

21**: Jason Anderson
22*: Chad Reed
23: Aaron Plessinger
24*: Brett Metcalfe
25*: Marvin Musquin

26: Alex Martin
27*: Nick Wey
28: Weston Peick
29*: Andrew Short
30: Shane McElrath
31: RJ Hampshire
32: Matthew Bisceglia
33*: Josh Grant
34: Phillip Nicoletti
35: Chris Alldredge
36: Justin Hill
37**: Joey Savatgy
38: Christian Craig
39: Jordon Smith
40: Kyle Peters
41*: Trey Canard
42: Mitchell Oldenburg
43: Fredrik Noren
44: Adam Cianciarulo
45: Kyle Cunningham
46: Luke Renzland
47: Thomas Hahn
48: Anthony Rodriquez
49: Martin Davalos
50: Malcolm Stewart
51*: Justin Barcia
52: Ben Lamay
53: Tyler Bowers
54: Wil Hahn
55: Vince Friese
56: Jackson Richardson
57: Josh Hansen
58: James Decotis
59: Jace Owen
60: Matthew Lemoine
61: Gannon Audette
62: Justin Starling
63: Jesse Wentland
64: Dakota Alix
65: Zachary Bell
66: Arnaud Tonus
67: Killian Rusk
68: Cole Martinez
69: Colt Nichols
70: Tony Archer
71: Kyle Partridge
72: Hayden Mellross
73: Nick Gaines
74: Ryan Sipes
75*: Josh Hill
76: Scott Champion
77: Zackery Freeberg
78: Daniel Baker
79: Nicholas Schmidt
80: Zachary Williams
81: Jason Brooks
82: Trevor Reis
83: Daniel Herrlein
84: Jimmy Albertson
85: Michael Leib
86: AJ Catanzaro
87: Austin Politelli
88: Ronnie Stewart
89: Marshal Weltin
90: John Short
91: Brandon Scharer
92: Ryan Breece
93: Colton Facciotti
94*: Ken Roczen
95: Dustin Pipes
96: Noah McConahy
97: Tevin Tapia
98: Darian Sanayei
99: Heath Harrison
377*: Christophe Pourcel
800*: Mike Alessi

127: Cole Thompson

 


Want to work for YP.com Nuclear Blast KTM?

(December 23, 2015) – If you are a hard working, dedicated individual looking to get into the moto industry…YP.com Nuclear Blast KTM has the short cut you’ve been waiting for! The team is looking for a couple more qualified individuals to complete its Race Day Operations crew to help with all jobs for the 250 West rounds of the 2016 Monster Energy Supercross Series.

Some of the jobs successful candidates will be required to perform are:
-Set up and tear down pit canopies, skirting, backdrops etc.
-Wash bikes
-Direct support to mechanics during practice and night program
-Set up and maintain hospitality area
-Help sponsors onsite with promotional items
-Maintain professional pit presence

All positions are unpaid internships. Ideal candidates will be either local to the west region races or have the ability to show up for each round without the team’s assistance.

If interested, please contact YP.com Nuclear Blast KTM:
chris@mediaaxe.com


Head over to the site and up the validity of the latest poll!

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In case you missed it…

Catching Up with…Ryan Lockhart

By Billy Rainford


#47 Ryan Lockhart has always been one of the most generous Pro riders with his time; whenever we need something, he is quick to help us out. With that in mind, when we had to miss his edition of the Frid’Eh Update a couple weeks ago because we were at the Mini O’s, we knew we had to catch up with him before the end of the year.

Ryan, like always, agreed to answer a bunch of questions for Week #52 – the final week of the year. On this Christmas Day, here’s an interview with one of the most popular Pro riders to ever throw a leg over a bike in Canada.

Ryan Lockhart 2008

We had to miss the Frid’Eh Update #47 this fall. Here’s what 2015 #47 Ryan Lockhart is up to these days and what his future plans are. – Bigwave photo

Direct Motocross: Hello, Ryan. Of all the weeks to skip the Frid’Eh Update, we missed #47 while we were down at the Mini O’s. Let’s get people caught up with what’s going on in your life. How did you 2015 National races go?

Hey, Billy. Thanks for giving me a little love since I thought you skipped over me on purpose (Laughs). How did the Nationals go? Well, it was nothing spectacular, that’s for sure, but the three rounds that I did had some highs, for sure. I actually surprised myself in 2014 with my results for the little amount of effort that I put in, so I thought to myself, “if I just train a little harder I will be in the top 10.” Well, I was way wrong!

Kamloops moto 1 I had a great start and put myself in great position, but coming into turn 2 someone crashed and collected me with them. I came all the way from last to 11th at the end. I was pumped. I charged hard and had good speed. The problem, though, I was so finished after the first moto, it was so hot that day and track was rough that in the 2nd moto it was all I could do not to pull off.

Nanaimo was just whatever. Usually, on lap one with a mid-pack start with the most painful roost hitting me, I ask myself what I’m doing. I have been asking myself that same question since 2000. Then, in Calgary, I just felt uncomfortable and sketchy, so I decided that I would call it a day and that would be my last Pro National. I wasn’t doing it for results anymore – I was doing it to prove that at 31, and working,  I could still be competitive, and to me, putting myself through that just isn’t worth it anymore.

Was there ever a chance you were going to head east?

There was ZERO chance of heading East.

I know doing the whole series is out of the question for you with work and all, but do you think you could have been a top 10 rider in the end?

I think there was a real good chance of me being a top 10 guy if I did the whole series that last two years. It was tempting, but then reality takes over and I need to realize those days are over. I have been there and done that. Would I like to go back 10 years and change how I did it? Yes, I believe I’m better on the bike now than I ever was.

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Ryan will race some local races in 2016, but has no plans for the 2016 Pro Nationals. – Bigwave photo

What do you think of the level of competition these days?

Competition is really high. I mean, let’s face it, there is no such thing as slow guys anymore. The bikes are so much better than they used to be and fairly easy to ride, in my option. There are more and more training facilities that are affordable for people to go to. I always look back and wonder how or if a place like a GPF or MTF would have changed or helped my career when I was 15-20 years of age. I like how those places have structure etc.. It’s good for the youth in this sport.

Back when you were younger, what was your experience south of the border at AMA Nationals and Supercros?

I didn’t do a lot of nationals. The only one I did was Steel City in 2005 in the little bike class. I went 29-24 or something that day. Supercross, on the other hand, I did a lot of. In 2006, I did almost the whole series in the 450 class with the help of Rick Sheren. What an experience. I also did a lot of AX south of the border.

What was your best race down south and what happened?

Probably the first round I went to in ’06. I skipped A1 since I was doing an arenacross or something that weekend. I kid you not, I pretty much went to Phoenix with maybe 1-2 days of SX riding on pretty much a stock RMZ450 and terrible suspension. We had to race during the day to qualify for the night show. I pulled the holeshot and got 2nd in my day quli and made it to the night show – that was a big deal for me.

Another one was either St Louis or Indy. I was in a transfer position in my semi for the main and on the last lap a guy that I was lapping crossed over through a rhythm and I went down. It sucked but was a good ride for me. I didn’t make the main. Also in ’06, I pulled the holeshot in the night show qualifier and got so scared that I cut from one side of the track to the other and cleaned Chad Reed out and dragged his bike for about 50 feet before I realized what happened. Oops.

Looking back over your career, do you have any advice for young riders who are hoping to go Pro in the future and be successful?

Practice with a purpose is what I wish I did more of when I was younger. I thought for many years that I was doing all the right things and putting in the work. Well, I wasn’t even close. I probably rode 100+ Canadian nationals and I can say now that I was never prepared like I should have been giving the opportunities that I had. So kids, when you go to the track to ride and train, have a plan and set your goals where they are realistic to meet. Reaching goals feels good and builds confidence.

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“To be honest, my mind was in other places since my son was expected to be born right in the middle of the series and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to make it to all the rounds. 6 podiums, 3 dash for cash wins exceeded my expectations. I finished 2nd in Open and 4th in Lights and, man, that feels good to still be able to compete with the kids out there.” – Bigwave photo

You retired from Pro racing a few years ago. It didn’t really stick. What keeps you coming back?

Well, that day that I said I was done from Pro racing was a dark time for me. In the winter of 2009, I destroyed my knee training in Cali and everything that followed was a nightmare. I was 26 and was really struggling with what was going to be my next move in life. I had no money, no job and all I really knew what to do was race. My knee was in such bad shape for years and never really healed. And after a few years off the bike, I tried to jump back into it. Not being in shape, I was trying too hard and my knee was still so sore and infected. It just wasn’t fun anymore so I quit. Well, that only lasted for a few months and I got my knee fixed right and things in my personal life started to get better. I landed the job my Matrix and Atlas, I was making some money, and was back racing with no pressure at all. It’s really crazy how your mind set can affect everything you do in your life.

You still have the speed to compete indoors, too. How did the 2015 Future West Arenacross Series go for you?

Arenacross was really good for me this year. I rode a lot leading up to arenacross and was feeling good. To be honest, my mind was in other places since my son was expected to be born right in the middle of the series and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to make it to all the rounds. 6 podiums, 3 dash for cash wins exceeded my expectations. I finished 2nd in Open and 4th in Lights and, man, that feels good to still be able to compete with the kids out there.

And now you’re a father? How has this changed your life?

What an awesome feeling to be a dad! It really gives life a whole new meaning. Time is hard to come by, which is a struggle sometimes, but it’s all worth it. I can’t wait for him to be old enough for him and dad to go to the track together and spend time together. If he has no interest in riding or racing I will be fine with that but if he does I will be all in and provide him with the tools to be successful, just like my parents did.

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Ryan has seen almost every side of the motocross game. – Bigwave photo

It’s Christmas. What are you up to? What did you ask for?

I have some time off from work which will be nice to spend some time at home with Randi and Meston. I probably should wash my bikes from the last arenacross as well (Laughs). I asked for a PS4 since I can’t wait for the new MXGP Game to come out in March.

We’re getting very close to the start of the 2016 SX season. Who is your pick for top 5 in the SX class?

Eli Tomac, Ryan Dungey, Ken Roczen, Trey Canard, and Cole Seely.

Let’s talk about your 9-5. Can you tell us what your job entails?

I work for both Matrix and Atlas. We are one company but with separate identities. My fancy title is ‘Brand Manager.’ I take care of a lot of the dealer sales in Canada, along with two other ex-racers. Marco Dubé and Doug Dehaan are independent sales reps for us as well. I also look after rider support, event support etc. for Canada.

On the Atlas side of things, I also take care of some or our U.S. Amateurs and Pros. Working here is awesome since my boss is my best friend, Brad Mclean, and Brady Sheren being a great friend as well. The whole program works well for me here since I can still tie a lot of my racing into my job. For me, it doesn’t get much better than that.

What are your racing plans for 2016?

2016 will be similar to last year, minus the Pro nationals. I will do lots of local stuff along with the Western Amateur National and Walton. I will do arenacross again as well. I really want to start hitting some vet races in the U.S., once I get a little older but for now I will just focus on the races that are a little closer to home.

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“I really look forward to Walton every year. A lot of people poke fun at me, saying I take it too seriously but I love the feeling of winning there and being confident. I hope I can add some more Walton titles.” – Bigwave photo

Walton TransCan predictions for yourself?

I really look forward to Walton every year. I enjoy the challenge of getting ready and showing up and feeling confident. It’s vet racing but each year the competition gets better. A lot of people poke fun at me, saying I take it too seriously but I love the feeling of winning there and being confident. I hope I can add some more Walton titles.

OK, Ryan. We really apologize for missing your Update this year. What else would you like to say here while you have all of our undivided attention?

Well, I thank you guys for doing this with me and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2016. Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. Happy Holidays and who would you like to thank?

Maple Ridge Motorsports, Kawasaki Canada, Atlas, Matrix, 100%, Next, Mobius, Fox, Shift, MB1 Suspension, Reklus, Mongoose Machine, Dunlop, FMF, Troy Smith, Jay Moore, Chris Buckrell, and big thanks to my fiancé Randi and my parents.


I’ll leave you this Monday with a story that had me laughing hysterically at myself yesterday morning. Seriously, if there was a camera rolling, it would have been my retirement YouTube video, for sure.

So, we were visiting Emily’s dad and step-mom in Burlington after driving home from Kirkland Lake. They live in a fancy area along Lake Ontario and it was time for my shower. Emily gave me the briefest explanation on how the hi-tech thing worked and off I went.

OK, it has shower heads and nozzles everywhere so I studied them and the controls for another minute or so. She said not to touch the top thing at the front so I figured that changed it from the ‘rain water’ top faucet – the one I wanted. OK, I step inside, stand out of the way and turn on the hot water…the nob on the left. Boom! The lower-back-level faucet came to life and hit me hard from behind me. Ahhh, it’s all hot water (I thought) so I ran forward and cranked the right nob (Cold water, right?). Bang! The next faucet fires the hardest stream of water directly in my face from the angled faucet head on the front right! What the hell is going on??!!

Now I’m running around in this damn shower thinking I’m getting burned from all angles! Once I realized the temperature was actually perfect, I figure out the three taps in the front of the shower were for the different shower heads around the stall. I turned the two off and cranked the middle one, which was, indeed, the rain shower directly overhead.

I tell you, if I could show you how amazingly funny it all was, in hindsight, I would. I still laugh about it now as I type this. Hey, if you can’t laugh at yourself…


I hope everyone has a great week. Like I said, this can be argued as the best week of the year…even though the amount of moto has drastically dropped in this area. We’re expecting our first winter storm here in SWO and there have even been warnings issued for later this afternoon and through the night. I may actually get to use my new boots!

Did you give or receive anything that you’d like to share with us? Send us the best gift you either gave or received and we’ll share it with everyone here on the site.

Another reason this is a great week is we get to have some fun with our annual ‘DMX Moto Awards.’ Have a fun category you’d like to see awarded? Send your ideas to me at billy@directmotocross.com and we’ll see what we can do. I’m off to get another cup of coffee…

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This is a tiring time of year for everyone! See you at the races…