Helmet Cam

Sean wanted to try out the new helmet cam. Hopefully, future posts come out a little better. None the less, it still kind of fun.

Kory Cook Benefit Bellflower 10.10.09

Sean and his buddy Spencer raced at the Kory Cook Benefit in Bellflower on Saturday. Sean 2nd Spencer 3rd in the 9 Novice class. Racing in an age group 1 year older, Sean just didn't quite have the leg speed to catch the 1st place rider. After the first round, he came in saying "that kid looks like a 10 year old". I must admit he did. Sean was right there until about 3/4 down the first straight and stayed a bike length behind the remainder. He has a really strong gate and just needs consistent races to build up his pedal speed or cadence. It was cool to watch Spensor at his first race, overcoming the jitters, etc. I finally got out on the track as well on my 24". First time ever on a BMX track. Didn't race, just practiced. It was great fun chasing Sean and a pretty good workout as well. Something that I recommend all parents do, especially if your kids are in sports that you never participated in. Jump in! For those of us that are competitive and sometimes critical, It will give you a renewed appreciation. Especially when you have to work overtime to catch the little man : )>. Today we are going to the beach.....skim boarding..hmmm - I think I will just hold my toungue.

Bellflower Benefit Race - October 10, 2009

Bellflower Benefit Race - There is a benefit race in Bellflower on Saturday, October 10. The benefit is for the Cook family. The dad past away recently. He and his son were regular's at the Orange Y and Bellflower tracks, http://www.bellflowerbmx.com/. Sean and I and maybe Jessi will be going. I can take as many as three other kids with me if anyone wants to come along. We will be leaving around 9:00AM and probably be back by 1:30. Next week there are Nationals in Lancaster. Most of the local tracks will be closed. I do not think we are going to make the Nationals this time but I checked and the Whittier Narrows track is open for racing and practice on Saturday http://www.whittiernarrowsbmx.com/. I believe we are going to check it out. Once again, if your child wants to come, there is always room in our truck. It is fun to go to other tracks and this one just opened in June 2009 so it's probably pretty nice

BMX National's - Olympic Training Center Chula Vista

At first I thought - Chula Vista? Land must be cheap. While that may be, the Olympic training center is an awesome place. Sean and I went to the Nationals. Sean raced - a little bit more on that to follow. The track is awesome, bigger, faster and better groomed than that what we are used to. It is the 4th track Sean has raced on. First, a shout out to Morning Ride - John took the time to give Sean's wheels a "truing". Second we met a new family, the Spot's. They are from the central valley. Their son, Brodie is a 7 expert, fast and sponsored by Clayborn. They are a class act, very helpful and we look forward to hopefully furthering a friendship with them. Sean's day was good and bad. Only being his 2nd race since May combined with no practice on this monstrous track, the nerves over took him. He didn't transfer in the 2 rounds needed to qualify. We talked about 2 lessons learned - 1. NEVER GIVE UP - Fight to the finish. He crashed in the second round going for it to pass 2nd place to qualify. 2. Everyone rides the same track and it is just another race. What a great day. I am going to organize a trip in the near future as they will be racing there regularly. You all come to the next one.

Bellflower and Etnies Aug 22-23

Had a great weekend racing at Bellflower and Etnies this past weekend. Jessi and Sean both took 2nd place at Bellflower and we introduced a new rider to Etnies Skate Park on Sunday. I was really excited to see Jessi hang it out there and beat the other boys. Both she and Sean had points races. I could tell it gave her a new level of confidence. With a little more practice there will be some male humilation in the 11 year old novice class. Without acting like an overly competitive dad, Sean should have taken 1st on Saturday. I'll just leave it at that. Overall, not a bad first weekend back after the swim season. On Sunday we introduced Spencer (one of Sean's local "buds") to Etnies. Sean took dad's challenge and dropped into the 1/4 pipe, rode the flow and street course and Spencer tested the waters on the street course. Most importantly, they had a lot of fun. It's always more fun with your bro's along. Sean was really excited that he took the challenge and earned a pair of Odessy Camelion Pedals. Thanks for reading. Come and race with us this weekend.

Swim's Over

Swim season is over. We will be racing again, possibly this weekend. Hope to see you all out there.

Orange Y May 22

I have got to start remembering to take the camera again. MaxAir was in full force last night at Orange Y. Ryan and Pierce did not make it but the Leech's and DuCharme's were there with the exception of Jessi and Melissa being sick and at home watching movies. We were all supposed to go to Glenn Helen for the outdoor AMA National Motocross races (Sat) but that ain't happening unfortunately. Well back to the races. Big daddy DuCharme and Shane took 3rd as did Sean. I am so focused on Sean and Jessi when they are racing that I sometimes miss the others. I did pick up Shane's race. He's looking good. In the main a kid clipped his back wheel coming out of the second berm and went down pretty hard but he's alright. Sean is coming off the gate really fast and looking smooth. He just needs to stay on top of the gear a little more. I bumped his freewheel up a tooth and that is helping somewhat. His determination is back where it needs to be as he had a little set back moving up to the 8 year old class. He just needs to race and build his leg endurance and fitness up. He is a fit kid, being on the swim team, but racing bmx is like an 800 yard sprint for 45 seconds. Orange Y on Sunday and possibly Bellflower on Monday night. Peddle on BMXer's.

Slow Down

We have had to back off a little on racing due to Jessi being in volleyball, me being volunteered to coach and dolphins swim team starting for Sean and Jessi. We won't be able to make Orange Y on Friday due to a school function but plan on being in Bellflower (double points race) on Saturday and Orange Y on Sunday. Oh yea, Sean and I went to the ABA Nationals in Bakersfield a couple of weeks ago. Wow, racing and track was awesome and the event was HUGE. I'll post following Sunday. Keep on spinnin.

April 25th - Bellflower

Bellflower today. Sean raced a points only race and got firs place. A points race means that points are added for each moto. There are no qualifying motos as there are only 3 riders. The racer with the lowest number of cumulative points in three motos (2 motos and the main instead of 3 qualifying motos and the main) wins. Sean got first in each of the three motos. Sean did not get a good start in the main and was neck in neck with the 2nd place rider (Dane). Dane rode high on the berm pushing Sean to the outside. As they approached the 2nd berm Sean went inside and nudged Dane to the outside; giving him a friendly little elbow just like the Jammer taught him to do. Sean was 2 or 3 bike lengths ahead going into the 3rd berm. Dane decided that he might take a little cut and rode under the markers. Dane's track cutting didn't help his cause. I spent quite a bit of time talking with his dad, Marcus we had a good laugh watching the two battle it out. Quite a fun race. Jessi had a talent show on Friday night so we didn't ride Orange Y. Ryan and Peirce were in Orange Friday but I didn't hear how they did. Hope to see you all at Orange Y on Sunday and don't forget the Nationals in Bakersfield May 1-3. We are going up on Saturday, staying at a hotel and watching on Sunday. It will be our first experience and plan next year to be racing; maybe even dad.

Sean's BMX Birthday Bash

We had Sean's birthday party at Orange Y on Sunday, April 19. We had the track all to ourselves. It was a great time with about 20 kids, most of whom were new to the track, railing berms and motoing through the rhythm section. We hopefully got some new recruits as Cole, Chase, Joey, Carter, Spencer, Tommy and others all expressed interest in returning and at least practicing. We were blessed with no severe injuries; just ripped pants here and a few bumps, bruises and scratches there. Two hours in the hot sun pretty much wore the kids out. Jessi and Sean elected to by-pass the Sunday night race but both Pierce and Ryan (Both on their new race bikes) placed 1st and 2nd respectively. I will upload a photo(s) of the b-day bash soon.

Until then, C-YA!

New Bike, New Class & Two Brothers Battle

Last night at Orange Y had all kinds of excitement. Jessi broke in her new race bike, Sean entered into a new class (8 Year Olds) and Ryan and Pierce took 2nd & 3rd in the 7 novice class. The two twins fought it out to the finish with Ryan barely beating Pierce by a half bike length at the finish. Jessi rode a points only race and got third with a big smile on her face. She's a trooper and improves every race. Sean had an off night and crashed pretty good - that's racing. One of the things I did not anticipate when we got started was the lessons in mental toughness that our kids are learning. The races happen quickly and your rider really needs to bounce back or they will beat themselves. It's a great lesson in helpful verses hindering thoughts. It is also really cool to see how quickly the child forgets that devastating event. Who's learning here - makes you wonder. Two more pieces of excitement; all surrounding Sean at the moment. The BIG BMX Birthday Bash on Sunday and converting to clip in pedals. Clipping in helps with power and is the next phase a racer gets to when they learn to balance at the starting gate. Fun stuff - sorry no pics as the camera battery was not charged. Thanks for reading!

Sean's 8th Birthday

Time flies. Today is Sean's birthday. I am taking he and Jessie to Bellflower to race and back home for a family celebration. We thought it would be better to have his birthday party on a non-Easter weekend. Next week he and 19 or so other little bmx'rs will be enjoying a couple of hours of open practice at Orange-Y. We also hope to recruit a few more riders for the team.

Happy Easter!

MaxAir - Quad Fun Ride In the CA Desert

That's right. On Thursday, April 9, we took off into the CA desert to ride quads and have fun for a day. Tianna, Jessi and Sean rode the hills, tracks and trails for the day. Mike J. rode with them. As for MaxAir Dad - I'm still recovering from ACL/Meniscus surgery and won't be back on the scooter or quad for several months. However, I find pleasure in watching my kids challenge themselves and seeing their smiles. It was a great day weather wise and kicking back. Maddie, "MadDog" MaxAir Team mascot, beloved canine and fastest most agile animal on four legs in our community was there to dig dead carcass and roll in anything undesirable as well as lounge with her maseter. Hope you enjoy the photos. Come join us next time!

Orange Y -Sunday

I know we stated that we were going to race in Bellflower on Saturday but they were closed due to a National in Oregon. Orange Y was cranking tonight. Sean and Pierce raced the 7 novice, transferred in the first moto and did very well overall. Sean 1st and Pierce 2nd. Now, we think "Hot Wheels" or Jessi as you may know her may have caught the bug. Tonight was her first race where she competed in the 11 novice class and placed 3rd. Quite an accomplishment considering she was the only girl in her field. Of course her BFF - and our "other daughter" Tianna was with us rooting for her the entire time. Fun was had by all at In and Out afterward.

Racing This Weekend

We will be going to Bellflower on Saturday and Orange Y on Sunday. Practice runs from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM with racing immediately after at Bellflower and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM followed by racing at Orange. Weather is going to be nearly perfect. Come join us or for more information go to:

http://www.bellflowerbmx.com/

http://www.orangeybmx.com/

Contact Information

You can reach me at:

webmaster@maxairbmx.com

BMX Rider Clinics

Sean and I went to the Orange Y Gate Start clinic this evening from 5:30 - 7:30. This is the 3rd clinic that Sean has been to. They range from $20 - $25 depending upon the track and who puts them on. They are well worth the money. I don't know about your child but mine don't necessarily take "coaching" instruction from me as a positive. They like dad to be dad and someone else to help them. I am exaggerating a little here but I have never raced BMX and really have not quite learned race"form" or teaching balancing, pumping, jumping, etc. In addition to accelerating their skill base, I feel it is a good investment from a safety point of view. The 3 clinics Sean has gone to have proven to be very useful and he always comes out a little better rider and with much more confidence. The coaches are extremely good with the kids and some use older more experienced racers (Experts and Pros) to assist. Check out your local track calender and consider attending. You'll be glad you did.

Useful Websites

Following are some useful websites.


http://www.ababmx.com/

http://www.socalskateparks.com/

http://www.svbmx.com/bmxtracks.htm

http://www.danscomp.com/

Interested in going racing - What to do?

If you are interested in checking things out a little further and joining us, log on to the American Bicycle Association Website below. You can learn all you need to know about what to wear, where the tracks are, costs and beginning bicycle set up.

Come on - you know you want to!

http://www.ababmx.com/

What's a Novice Rider In For

I think as a parent, anytime we think of "racing" or "jumping" anything with two wheels there is this fear that we are placing our children in a dangerous situation. While bmx can be extreme and there can be injuries, the kids are pretty well protected and simply are having "good ol fashion" fun riding through the jumps, table tops and rythem section. Dad's you can't tell me that you wouldn't like to get out your Schwinn Stingray, go back 20 or 30 years and "rail the berm". It's never too late.

Orange Y Sunday

We had a great weekend racing. Sean raced Friday (Orange Y 4th), Saturday (Bellflower 1st) and Sunday (Orange Y 6th). Jessi was going to race on Sunday but had a school project. On the 29th, Sean, Ryan and Pierce rode at Orange Y. They all rode well, transferred into the main and had fun. There were 2 full motos in the 7 novice class. A moto is basically a race. There are typically 3 qualifying motos and a main. The main determines the placing of the rider. On Sunday, they took 1st, 1st, and 1st/2nd from each of the motos which made for 8 riders in the main. No blood, just banging bars, dirt, sweat and high speeds. All flew through the table tops, jumps, berms and rhythm section; fighting to the finish. Congratulations Ryan on a 4th place finish!

Here's a photo of Sean and Ryan during practice.

Rider Code of Conduct

The MaxAir BMX Team Code of Conduct is intended as a guide for all of our team members. It is important that our image is one of respect so we can attract student leaders and represent our sponsors with a positive image.

1. I will have a winning and thankful attitude at all times.
2. I will live by the golden rule and treat other people how I would like to be treated.
3. I will be respectful to my parents, teachers, siblings, friends and acquantices.
4. I will encourage my team mates and competitors.
5. I will try to maintain a minimum of a "C" average in school and look for help when I am under performing.
6. I will complete my home work and chores as assigned or requested by my teachers and parents.
7. I will not use foul language or profanity.
8. I will not lie, cheat, steal or vandalize public property.
9. I will be a leader, which means I will set a positive example for those around me.
10. I will have fun, race clean and maintain my equipment in good condition.

Becoming a MaxAir BMX team member is easy. Our only expectation is that you try your hardest to always follow the "Code of Conduct". We don't look for perfection but we do have an expectation of excellence and striving to be a community leader. We welcome you to our team and look forward to lot's of fun and exciting times.

Parents

Welcome to the MaxAir BMX Blog. I am assuming you have logged on to this because your son or daughter has "encouraged" you to do so or you have read our letter to parents. Remember that first ride on your bike - what a day. Well, I am a cycling enthusiast still in my 40's. Actually, I love anything with two wheels with or without motors. Anyway, Sean (alias SeanX) has followed in the old fella's footsteps a bit and expressed interest in racing bmx and riding local parks. As of this writing, Jessica (alias "Hot Wheels") hasn't raced yet due to her schedule but she is also excited about racing and wants to help with the website, photo's and editorials. We started riding Etnies in Lake Forest and racing at the local track, Orange Y and along with a friend, Jim DuCharme, thought it would be a good idea to develop a local team as it is always more fun with friends. I encourage you to allow your child to join on in. It can basically be a low budget or expensive as you like and the kids really have a lot of fun. We are still getting organized and will finalize a name, jersey and sponsors shortly. Morning Ride BMX, Lake Forest (in the new shopping center on El Toro behind Fuddruckers) has agreed to sponsor us. The owner and his wife started the company about a year ago. Check them out as I also look at this as a way to get our local businesses some exposure. Sorry for the length. Shoot me an email or call if you have any questions or want to make arrangements to ride.

Please take some time to read our MaxAir BMX Team Mission Statement and Member Code of Conduct.