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Five reasons why I love vintage off-road racing
Five reasons why I love vintage off-road racing
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Five reasons why I love vintage off-road racing
If I told you that you should try motorcycling, you might think of a cut-throat competition that costs a lot of money.
But what if motorcycling was about having fun with great people and doing it on the cheap?
To me, this is vintage off-road racing. Specifically, I race AHRMA XC, which stands for American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association – Cross Country, which basically means hare climbs old dirt bikes.
Race seasons run from April to October and consist of 10 races in total. Eligible motorcycles are divided into vintage (pre-1975) and post vintage (1975-1999) and there are classes based on engine size or age of the rider, with beginner, intermediate and expert divisions for each class. Trails are typically three to five miles long and offer a wide range of trail conditions, from single-track woods roads, grass trails, and two-track woods roads. All trips are one hour. We usually do about four or five laps, which translates to about 20 gnarly miles.
That's why I love him.
Reason one: It's cheap
Tons of old dirt bikes can be found in good condition for $1.500 or less. We do not race on public roads so no lights or license plates are needed. I paid €700 for my 1972 Triumph, which I raced for three years, after investing a little more time and money to rebuild it. For the current season, I picked up a ready-to-run '175 Yamaha MX74 for €1.500 that another guy raced just last season. Typically, entrance fees are €10 and race entry is €30. These fees usually include free camping, port-o-johns, a concession stand, and a challenging, well-marked course along with all the staff you would expect from a “normal” motorcycle race.
Reason two: great people
As you would expect, older bikes attract some older riders. Not only do these folks know a lot more about these vintage bikes than you could ever imagine, most of them have been racing longer than the rest of us have been walking. I learned so much from my fellow racers, not only about mechanics, but also about racing techniques. The best advice another more experienced pilot gave me was “Don't stall. Do not fall." You'd be surprised how difficult it is to follow these two simple rules! I've seen riders lend tools, parts, and even entire bikes to each other just to make sure someone was able to make it to the starting line. The camaraderie in the pits of an AHRMA race is unparalleled.
Reason three: races are challenging
I've raced both vintage and modern hares and can't say I've noticed a difference in the difficulty of the terrain. These races are not easy, in any case. The main difference is that vintage motorcycles have worse suspension and brakes than modern ones, so you have to adjust your riding style accordingly. There are many parts and upgrades available for classic motorcycles to make them faster or more reliable, but you definitely need to be in tune with your machine. Being a decent mechanic could mean the difference between getting the checkered flag or being towed to the pits.
Reason four: glory
The competition is very real. Your heart will pound as the standard bearer gives you the 10-second warning at the starting line. You'll slam the handlebars as you fight for the holeshot. You'll hear the whine of another rider's front tire on your boot as they try to take an inside line in a tight single-track curve. You'll fight up muddy, slippery hills in a downpour. You'll laugh and high-five your fellow runners after the checkered flag, hoping you've earned a few more points to count towards end-of-year awards. If you do well enough in your class, you will be able to attend the AHRMA Awards Banquet, which includes a nice dinner, celebrity guests, door prizes, a plaque with your name and class, and even a jacket with your name and class embroidered on it. Talk about bragging rights!
Reason Five: Off-Season Plans
Once the racing season is over in the fall, it's time to get to work fixing the bike or scoring another one. Winter is a great time to check out some local swap meets like the annual Potomac Vintage Riders swap meet and bike show near me. It's a great opportunity to catch up with your racing buddies and get some parts to fix your car. Outside of swap meets, everyone usually keeps in touch, helping each other with information and parts to prepare for the next racing season to start over in the spring.
If woodland racing isn't your thing, there are AHRMA events for other motorcycling disciplines, such as road racing, motocross, flat track, and trials. While some events have been canceled or postponed this year, others, like the one I just raced, are still going on. You can maintain social distancing when riding in the woods.
If you're looking for a little more excitement in your two-wheeled world, grab a cheap old dirt bike and head out to your local races. You'll probably have a ridiculous time making new friends and learning a lot along the way.
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