motocross
...ach other. It is true that motocross, unlike some traditional sports is very AY aggressive@, still Amuch skill is involved@ (Levinson 644). The truth is that modern motocross is very organized and much like traditional sports. Races Atest the skill and ability of riders@ (Brown 83), exactly how other organized sports operate. Values such as teamwork, pride, and self-discipline can all be seen in motocross. Teams made up of mechanics, pit crews, and riders, all work together for a common goal: to win. When the rider wins the whole team wins and this can be seen in every one of these people. To become a great rider is an immense challenge. Much training and conditioning are required. A common misconception with motocross and most motorcycle racing in general is that it requires no physical effort. In reality, motocross is very physically demanding, Arequiring great endurance and concentration@ (Fourney 357). In fact motocross is one of the most demanding sports. During a typical race which can last for up to thirty minutes (Holder 68), a racer=s heart rate can spike to around two hundred beats per minute and then remain at one hundred seventy five for the remainder of the event (France 1). This in itself proves how physically challenging it can be and also why so much conditioning is needed beforehand to prepare for such a feat. Combined with a rigorous cardio fitness-training program most all motocrossers have a strength-training regimen, which is followed to get their bodies prepared for their tests of endurance at each race. Some may perceive motocross as a bunch of maniacs running around a track killing themselves. When it comes time for race day, nothing could be farther from the truth. Because some riders are at different stages of development and some are faster than others, there are separate classes. These classes are based upon a rider=s skill level and are also determined by the size of bike that he will be riding that particular day. This way racers compete with competition closely around their skill level and this also makes for some good racing for the spectators. When it comes to the tracks themselves much concern can be heeded about the obstacles the riders must encounter. Gap jumps would unquestionably be the most dangerous obstacles to get through. Riders not attempting to clear the jump could bet landed on by others who were able to. This would be a very dangerous situation and obviously a concern. To solve this dilemma most racetracks have tabletop jumps instead of the classic double jump. A tabletop is A a jump across a dirt plateau taking off on the up slope and landing on the down slope@ (Recht C5). Simply put, it is similar to the double jump, having all the features of a double except that the distance between the take off and the landing is filled in leaving no Agap@ to clear. A tabletop is safer because a rider can land wherever he chooses and does not have to worry about coming up short. Also if a faster rider comes up to the obstacle and there are other riders in his way, the faster rider is able to see the hazard beforehand and can choose a different line. As with every sport, injury cannot be prevented entirely. Cuts and bruises are common but, AI see a couple of fractures in an entire seasonY the credit goes to the equipment,@ [for preventing injuries] says EMT Robert Feuchs (Arnold 1). However, great measures are taken to reduce the risk of such injuries. Today, motocross racers have a seemingly unlimited number of choices when it comes to safety equipment. Despite the fairly expensive pricetag, motocross racers know it is in their best interest to have the protection. As with every sport, the head is the primary area to protect from injury. Perhaps the most important form of safely equipment is the helmet. Modern helmets must go through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe enough for use. Helmets carry a rating by independent research facilities such as ASNELL or DOT@ (Fourney 357) and let consumers know they provide much protection. To protect the eyes shatterproof goggles are worn over the helmet therefore completing the package of cranial protection. The next form of safety equipment is the body wear. Specially designed pants, gloves, and jerseys made of polyester and nylon help prevent cuts and bruises to the rider. All of it Amade to provide maximum ventilation (Wilson 155) along with the safety factors. Under it all many of today=s riders take advantage of the various braces available. These braces help to prevent joint injury. Special articulated braces can be custom made to fit around the knees, ankles and wrists. The footwear of choice are boots made of rubber and leather which are stiff to give support to the ankle and protect the lower leg. Combined with adequate ventilation and solid suppor...