| Archive for amadistrict4.myfastforum.org AMA District 4 Motocross Members |
| kal |
Wyatt Barto #529I am not sure how many people from D4 knew Wyatt, but he passed away over the weekend. We met him a few times and man was he a fast 50 and 65 rider. Moto Graph-x is printing stickers for people in his memory and below is the viewing information.Kramer Funeral Home in Annville on Friday at 5-8 and the funeral will be Saturday at 10. Address for Kramer's is 618 East main St Annville, PA 17003. http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=270060&st=0 for stickers send a SASE to: Moto.Graph.X 1007 Rebecca Dr Litiz, PA 17543 Times like this just tear me up. Parents should not have to bury their children and we are really debating Matthews racing future with so many young kids getting seriously hurt or killed. This same weekend Brandon Mays was also seriously hurt (although it appears he will make a full recovery) breaking your neck, back and bruising your heart (2nd hand info, apologize if not totally accurate) is not something I want to see my kids go through. As much as I love this sport, it seems that too many kids are getting seriously injured. I am not sure if it is because of the internet that more people hear about it or what, but it is really making me doubt letting him race anymore. I know not many people post on this site, but I would like to know others opinions on this. In the past year, it seems that I have heard or seen a lot of kids dieing or getting hurt bad. Maybe I need to stay of the message boards so I don't hear about so many of these. Kal Harrington |
| BKehoe05 |
To race or not to raceI felt that this is a worthwhile post to offer my .02.I just started racing MX a year ago and having never done it before it tends to be somewhat overwhelming. My wife has and still does constantly remind me that if I get injured, it will not only affect me but also my wife and kids. With that in the back of my mind I continue to ride and race. I don't race because I have to or because I have dreams of going PRO. I just race for the love of racing and riding in this new discipline I have discovered. Unfortunately, what many forget, my wife included is that people are often injured or worse yet, killed because of conditions beyond their control. It does not matter that a child is more likely to be killed in a car accident then on an mx track. The difference is that people dying or being paralyzed in a car accident is more or less common place and accepted in today's world. In meek retrospect someone being paralyzed or killed on an mx track really is not normal and that is because percentage-wise there are a lot less quad/dirtbike/snowmobile riders than there are "car riders". As more people enter this sport, either experienced or unexperienced, there will be more accidents. Its the nature of mankind. Take the proper measures to ensure that your children are properly and safely equipped to race. If racing is what they love and what they want to do then you shouldn't feel obligated to pull them from racing and crush their dreams. My 8 year old wants to race this year and I am going to do everything possible to make sure his dream comes true and the same will go for my 1 1/2 year old daughter. If she wants to race then I will make sure that she does. But you can bet money that I will make sure they have the latest and greatest in protective riding gear. One last thought...... I could quit racing today and go hop in my pickup tomorrow and drive head on into another truck and perish. Will I stop driving my truck? Not a chance. God has a will and whether people want to believe it or not you can't cheat death but you can make your own destiny and I would rather die doing what I love at 25 then sitting in my chair talking about what I should have done with my life at 85 like my grandfather. |
| kal |
Wyatt Barto #529I truly agree with everything you stated above, and believe me it has been runnig through my head for a while. I grew racing and have been involved in this sport one way or another for more than 23 years (man I am getting old). When the Leatt brace came out, I had to get one for my son because of the same reasons above, if I didn't and something happened because I felt $400 was too much, I would be able to live with myself, but it is tuff seeing things like this and then saying "OK Matthew ready to go to the races".Kal |
| Dirtman812 |
kal,
this may help, nothing we or our kids do is safe. but our sport at least is done as a family, and i don't mean immeadiate. i understand the risks as i'm sure you do.we all need to watch out for everyone, espeacially kids. the probability of getting hurt is reduced by more people standing at the fence watching, other than not.most people will not tell anyone they are over their head for fear of stepping on someones toes.people that have seen stuff should talk to their neighbor. steve 812 |
| perrymx50 |
Hey Kal, Perry here. I know what you are going through. Everytime I hear of someone getting hurt I wonder about it too. But I also tell myself that we do something that alot of people don't, won't or can't understand. Maybe that is why we love it so much. Personally I have been riding for over 30 years. Here is what I tell alot of the kids at the schools I do. Live to ride another day!!!! Don't ride above your present skill level. Speed comes in different stages with good riding technique. Don't take a chance at something today that your not comfortable or 100% sure you can do. 6-8 weeks from now you can start over after removing your cast or practice good technique and do it next week.
Hope this helps ease your thoughts. |
| greywolf |
As I showed Mike E. last year motocross is still one of the the safest youth sports overall. Last year alone over two dozen kids passed away due to accidents in football across the country, over a dozen in basketball and 29 in equestrian sports. They were all doing what they loved!
When I pass I just pray that I have that chance. |