During an especially rainy weekend in East Texas last March HH editors, Becky and Cara Mae, experienced their very first MSF DirtBike School. This wasn’t your run of the mill class however, this course was dedicated to females-only instructed by women‘s motocross pioneer, Tami Rice. This hands-on, one-day training class focused on basic skills for the inexperienced rider including responsible riding practices, the importance of wearing proper safety gear (the heart of every MSF course) and environmental awareness -- stressing riders leave a good impression by protecting and preserving the areas they venture, also what MSF refers to as Tread LightlyÒ.  

To add further excitement to the weekend, the course was held on the very same grounds where one of the biggest Vintage MX events in the nation was underway: Diamond Don’s Riverport National Vintage Motocross. The grounds were a buzz with the sights and sounds of motocross bikes and the families who came out in droves to help celebrate the races. As part of the entertainment during the infamous Friday night party, the producers of the show, Motocross Files (Speed Channel), were on-hand to provide commentary about the making of an episode with motocross legends, Brad Lackey and Danny Laporte, whom both just happened to be in the audience that evening and were also participating in the weekend races.  

The mud, the crawfish and the motocross royalty – a perfect environment which helped inspire these two (nearly middle-aged) mothers learn the in’s and out’s of off-road motoring. Here’s each editors take on their class experience:

Dirt bikes: Not just for teenage girls… but it helps to be in shape like one. by Becky Shimek If you’ve never tried it, you are missing out – what a blast! Tami Rice rolled out the muddy red carpet for Helmet Hair by not only suiting us up in Girlyz Clothing Co. gear,  but also coordinated for Kawasaki to lend us two out-of-the-wrapper KLX 110s.    Ok, who knew they were meant for children… not a problem on my 5’2 frame,   but at 5’7, Cara Mae found it  a bit awkward achieving proper riding form, nonetheless she did prevail brilliantly. After an overview of the rules and regulations, which Tami delivered in a light and humorous tone, I was more than ready to straddle my iron horse pony. But topping off   at two-gears, this little pony would be merely trotting for the day. Doesn’t sound wildly exciting, but the entire point of the dirt bike class was to teach proper riding techniques that would ensure smooth riding through rough terrain   or on a motocross track. Our track? A muddy flat field with safety cones strategically placed. Not too intimidating  for this gal with a MSF highway certificate under her belt.   How quickly I was disproved. As the day progressed, so too did the challenge of each exercise. The position of the body as it relates and maneuvers through the straight a ways. The hairpin turns while negotiating the mud-filled crevasses (my personal favorite). By day’s end, every muscle in my body ached. My thighs quivered from practicing a crouched position over the bike, which was unnatural to me as a street rider, but  became second nature after much repetition. But I took it all in stride. I knew it was a special moment… and for Pete’s sake, that’s Tami Rice yelling at me to lift my exterior. I walked away from the day pondering what it would have been like to grow up as a young girl having a shot at motocross racing – a sport that received little exposure for females when I was  coming of age in the 70s and 80s.  But it gives me new respect  for the young ladies who take full advantage of their opportunities today, and for the women my age who have already discovered the thrill of off-road adventure. They can now add this gal to that list.

Dirt Biking 101:         A new beginning into the motocross unknown by Cara Mae McGuire   Opportunity rides, go for it! HH cordially invited to a beginners dirt riding class by none other than internationally acclaimed  pro and vintage racer, Tami Rice. One does come to a crossroads  in her life where there are decisions to be made - for me it was to ride or not to ride. How funny that at this time fate made the decision for me, how could I deny? Tami’s invite was just the push I needed to make the choice to ride again. By joining a group of beginner gals, I was set to decide if I still had what it takes. Discreetly for a year or so, I have been dealing with the post-traumatic effects of a motorcycle accident and grieving the lost feeling of riding my own all at the same time. Some of you may know the feeling. My love for motorcycles never ended. To me, they personify art in itself: rider and machine –      a trait you can’t really capture with anything else. Being optimistic, still feeling the awe and intrigue of riding, thoughts of motorcycles and dirt began to feel safe to me, without the worry of street and traffic situations. I have a great respect and draw towards nature and the epiphany hit: what else could be a better way to delve deeper into nature than by dirt bike. Yes, there is still hope for me yet. Tami’s class was fast and furious, as one might imagine for a one-time intro course completed in almost four hours. No time to dwell on the past when basking  in the tutelage of this sharp lady. At first I didn’t think I could do it, but as the bike and I warmed up to each other I was starting to feel comfortable again. The Kawasaki KLX 110 loaner was a wee bit small for my size, so I took it as a sign that less was more for me right now. Throughout the class nary a   basic was missed - bike controls, body positioning, cornering, obstacle maneuvering and a lot more were touched on and practiced.  The women’s class  was a mix of beginner motocross racers to newbies (me) to the naturally gifted, you know who   you are. So I didn’t feel so bad,    I was there to learn with my own secret agenda. By the end of the course, I was finally feeling confident enough that the choice had been made. Cara Mae is getting herself a dirt bike, but in just the right size! Tami was inspiring, funny and patient with us all, no matter how slow or how fast we were… eeek- sorry Tami about the near-miss. I look forward to learning more about the craft from her in the future, sooner than later.