P86
Feature
THE HANDS-ON APPROACH TO GROWING THE SPORT
G
etting butts in seats. It a major
priority for the motorcycle
industry amid sagging sales
and declining participation. The de-
bate rolls on regarding how to present
an accessible point of entry to two
wheels, which isn't exactly a simple
task given that motorcycling, especial-
ly motocross, is not easily approach-
able for an "outsider."
So how does someone who wants
to ride dirt bikes get a foot in the door,
whether it's a first-time rider, some-
one returning to the sport, or wanting
to get their child involved? And how
do we welcome the casual participant
to take the next step toward becom-
ing a more serious one? These are
the million-dollar questions, and
fortunately there are several organiza-
tions that are working toward opening
doors to new riders.
A day at the now-defunct Milestone
Raceway in Riverside, California
recently offered several prime ex-
amples of getting new riders behind
bars: Jason Raines' Yamaha Off-Road
Demo Program, Malcolm Smith's Kids
Learn To Ride Day, hosted in con-
junction with USMCA (United States
Motorcycle Coaching Association)
and Stacyc Demo. We were there
to see their efforts unfold in helping
riders find their way onto two wheels
as well as inviting existing riders to
continue their progress in motocross.
With everything from Stacyc stability
bikes to Yamaha YZ450F motocross-
ers on hand, the tools were there to
keep the wheels turning on the cycle
of addiction for riders of all levels.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN TURNER
CYCLE OF
ADDICTION
YAMAHA DEMOS AND USMCA HELP MALCOLM
SMITH MOTORSPORTS GET NEW AND RETURNING
RIDERS OUT ON THE TRACK
