Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126654
==---------------- MXers, believes that the woods offer options for increasing riding skills. The beginning of every riding day started with a follow-the-Ieader trail ride, over terrain many motocrossers wouldn't think of traversing. "You need to know how to do this stuH," explained Bailey after a number of students had trouble getting up outofastream bed. ''It'sthe ameasa muddy track on a rainy day; there are lines all over the place on an uphill, but which is the right one? Riding out of this stream will help you cope with problems like that. You have to look for maximum traction, and thaI might not be where everyone else has gone'" Not being like everyone else eemed to be the key to the school. Every day had a preferred schedule organized by Bailey and Spencer, which began with a three mile run at 7:30. Most athletes would feel that was enough of a warm-up, but Spencer was adamant concerning post-run tretching exercises. "Flexibility training should be a big part of every racer's program," said Spencer. "Flexible riders are less prone to injury when they fall, they ride more fluidly, and conserve more energy than a rider who is tight and fights his bike." After stretching out, a traditional game of "Killer Ball," which is similar to soccer, is played. By the time Gary's wife, Darleen, put food on the table for breakfast, a serious workout was complete. Spencer also demonstrated the proper taping techniques for motocross, something he claimed everyone should know about. "Most of Team Honda' riders tape their ankles before a race," said Spencer. "Danny (Chandler) tapes both his ankles, and his knees, because he has a habit of dragging his feet and ends up twisting his joints. Preventative taping i just as important as taping injuries." Supercross promoter Mike Goodwin £lew in [rom California for the school, and was the first to volunteer for faping. He had fractured a small bone in his left wrist in a racing accident, and needed the support of a properly restrained wrist. While Spencer helped students progress in his area of study, Bailey pushed ahead in his area of expertise. With David at his side to assist, Gary proceeded to prove that staying loose on the bike, up near the tank, was the key to handling most any situation. He jumped ravines, climbed hill and blasted berms, always encouraging students to follow his lines apd style. David interjected his relevant thoughts while yet another Bailey rode along with the students. Mitchell, now 8. is already showing top form and speed on his Honda CR60, and had many students shaking their heads when he cleared the8-foot long tabletop jump on David's practice track. David's track was the site of serious motocross practice. Not designed for beginner level riders, the course consisted of many areas that needed to be double-jumped, and other areas where finesse. then speed was theonly answer for fast lap ti meso ") had a farmer come over with his bulldozer and build this thing," said David. ") think he thought ) was crazy when 1l0Id him what I wanted. This track is one of the nicest additions I could ever have added to this place." David's "place" is a 40 acre spread next to his parents' which includes a private lake and putting greens. He recently acquired it through an auction, and is constantly imprOVing things until "it'll really feel like home.. ' Hard work was nostrangeraround the Bailey/ pencer chool. After students were bunked in for the night (in the new building Bailey receotly had constructed) Gary and school assi tant Mark Edward, wrenched on bikes, then did other shop work. free time is work time, indoors or out. Darleen pent most of her lime .oning out phone messages, handling business deals for David (he's now into a six figure income) and gelling the next meal ready for the school. When bedtime came and the "lights out" call was given, everyone was "You might think you're fast the way you are, but...you might want to try it ready for some shuteye. Don't get the feeling everyone the way I'm showing it to you," said Bailey about his school. marched around the Bailey/Spencer School like it was pan of military The graduates of the special four-day school have reason to smile - they're closer to the winner's circle champagne. training. Everyone had fun the night the Bailey's took the group into town for a steak dinner, and everyone felt really great when a rider would complete a section he was having trou ble with. Bailey's Supercro s video films on the big screen TV finished up one of the nights, and on another occasion Spencer presented a sl ide show which dealt with the lifestyles of factory riders on the road-personal hygiene, meals away from home, exercise and overall attitude. Spencer also took the group into town for a demonslration on the proper use of NaUtilus weight training equipment. When Bailey and Spencer rompleted the school by handing -out diplomas, they agreed their efforts had been beneficial and that they'd like to do it again. Gary planned to start running and work on his lJ1ttining schedule, while Spencer, ho rode the entire school, wanted to keep working on the new riding schwls he had built. Bailey and Spencer proved to be a dynamic duo. Motocross today is too advanced, too competitive, to be as simple as a bike and a rider. A lifestyle built around the sport has be_come the only path to success, and the Bailey/Spencer School brought 25 riders closer to champagne and winner's circle kisses. • ............ .- ~~~~ _- .