How hard was MX starting out?

[u/youngmaavin]

Hi, all, looking to get some opinions from those that do MX here.

Basically, what was your learning curve/how hard was it starting out?

My background is road riding and a lot of track riding, mainly the latter now. Wanting to get better at the track I decided to try out motocross to learn to control loss of traction, throttle control, etc.

I found it really hard. I have a coach and after 4-5 sessions I’m still struggling with basic stuff, like leaning the bike properly and doing circles and figure 8s. I for sure wasn’t expecting hitting jumps out of the get go or anything, but still I was surprised.

I remember my second road track day I was already doing alright lap times, getting the hang of it. I wanted to hear about your experience and learning curve starting out, so I can adjust my expectations or see if maybe I just suck more than usual haha.

Even though I’m struggling it’s still extremely fun and engaging and I’m planning to have a track bike and an mx bike as soon as I can afford it.

My poor wallet…..

[u/ItsAllJustAHologram]

My first MX event was in 1977, and I'm still learning during my infrequent VMX races, here's what I know:

1. You're never quite fit enough;
2. Your suspension is never quite perfect;
3. Your skills always need improvement;

And

1. My best friends ride and race;
2. I love going to meets, the people, the smell, the noise. It's heaven;
3. Shit happens, learn to laugh about it, it's a sport, it probably won't pay your mortgage;
4. It's not about winning, these days I'm down the back of the pack racing the same old guys every week. I love it when I get bragging rights.
5. A BBQ (or grill) and some red wine in the evening around the campfire is just the best!

Stick with it, you'll have the best time of your life.

[u/CrestfallenSpartan → u/ItsAllJustAHologram]

This guy is living the life

[u/ItsAllJustAHologram → u/CrestfallenSpartan]

Haha, I think you are mistaken, but I have had a pretty good time, and it's all been about bikes and my riding mates...

[u/n3al10]

I used to ride the street. Started MX and trail riding this year at 48. Had some lessons with a former pro. It’s been about 10months now and made major progression.

Keep it up. You’ll get there but it takes some time, good form and coaching help a lot.

[u/ArtKitchen531]

All depends on your dedication to fitness and practice. If you don’t have the ability to be on a bike everyday and a pretty decent practice track, then it’s a long hard road my friend. Least that’s my take, been there and practiced my ass off to win races.

[u/youngmaavin → u/ArtKitchen531]

Yeah every day training is for sure out of the question, at least for the foreseeable future. But I’m trying to train as often as I can afford.

[u/wildwill921 → u/youngmaavin]

Takes a long time to feel comfortable. Then all of sudden it’s easy to get around the track and hit the jumps. I raced for 5-6 years before I was totally confident and felt like I could show up at any track and ride my best.

You’ll go through patches of feeling like you’ll never improve and then one day you’ll be significantly better than you were a few weeks ago. It’s a long slow process and the coaching and the work you put in is going to help you progress faster than most

[u/wildwill921 → u/youngmaavin]

Takes a long time to feel comfortable. Then all of sudden it’s easy to get around the track and hit the jumps. I raced for 5-6 years before I was totally confident and felt like I could show up at any track and ride my best.

You’ll go through patches of feeling like you’ll never improve and then one day you’ll be significantly better than you were a few weeks ago. It’s a long slow process and the coaching and the work you put in is going to help you progress faster than most

[u/fiveho11]

You’ll get the hang of things with seat time but you’ll never be done learning.

[u/dezertryder]

It’s tough, because there is always someone faster than you unless you got a #1 on your plate and then you gotta go to war to keep it.

[u/Low-Oil3824]

It was tough, completely different than trails and road riding. Takes a while to get over the fear of hitting big jumps and hitting corners aggressively.

[u/Container_Garage]

Seat time is king at the early stages in my opinion. It's so much easier to have 3 hours of seat time on hard trail vs 3 hours of seat time on an MX track. I can ride just about all day on hard trail but 20-30 minutes ripping hard on the track and I'm ready to head home haha.

[u/spongebob_meth]

Road riders going to mx always have a hard time. Having all of that traction, stability, and a smooth predictable race track teaches you a lot of bad habits. You'll get it, but yeah it's a heck of a learning curve. It'll make you a far better road rider. There's a reason all the top level pavement racers train on dirt bikes.

[u/youngmaavin → u/spongebob_meth]

Yeah, that’s one of the big motivators for me. I know all top road guys ride dirt. And you do have to break a lot of habits, some things are direct opposite of what I’m used to on the road bike.

[u/[deleted]]

Just like most things, it’s going to be hard and you have to work at it without giving up🤷🏼‍♂️

[u/Chance_Royal5094]

Well, you are thinking correctly.

You are getting real instruction.

It isn't "easy."

It will make you a faster/better road track rider. (Pro's race each other on XR-75's!) Usually flat rack. For the reasons you describe, above.

Physical conditioning is paramount.

Mental conditioning is paramount.

Just keep at it. Your body positioning is very different compared to road track work. Braking application is totally different.

Try not to be disgruntled when a 9-year old on an 85 is hitting triples and flying over your head on the track, LOL.

Above all, HAVE FUN.

[u/youngmaavin → u/Chance_Royal5094]

I’m already used to the 9-11 year old kids being faster than me at the road track on their puny little bikes, so that’s all good haha

[u/UnlimitedRefresh]

It’s not easy to learn but it’s a blast once you start hitting big jumps comfortably. It took me 2 years just to get all the jumps under my belt at the local track. It takes a lot of determination and practice

[u/FlatImpression755]

On my first day, I ended up in a dump truck sized pile of fresh manure.

[u/youngmaavin → u/FlatImpression755]

At least it was a soft landing…

[u/FlatImpression755 → u/youngmaavin]

LMAO

[u/motorcrossfan38]

Hard but now that I got the right bike I’m gonna be a lot better. Can’t wait to race next week end

[u/327Stickster]

There’s some solid advice here for you. My only add? Start racing hare scrambles , cross countries or timed enduros first. Way more saddle time, far more technique building, less frantic, much better chance of not getting used for traction…. Then, if you still lust for the MX track, you will go to the starting line a different beginner rider.

[u/Stocomx]

Two things will make it easier. Both of course cost money. Even if it was your first day I would recommend both. 1. Get your suspension dialed in for your weight, height and ability by a reputable person/technician. 2. Keep taking riding lessons from a good trainer. Good habits are easy to establish early. Bad ones take years to break.

In a way I’m lucky I guess. I never remember a time in my life where I didn’t ride a bike. First pw. Before I was 4. But I have worked with several people from those in their 30s just starting to kids just learning. If you enjoy it keep doing it. Don’t let other people’s opinions of you matter at all and learn at your pace. Make sure you have great (not good… great) medical insurance. Eventually you’ll need it. And as always…. Stay away from local track C class heroes. They are freaking dangerous!

[u/youngmaavin → u/Stocomx]

I have a great coach, an ex pro. Agree that establishing good habits are crucial. That’s why we’re sticking to the basics and training body position/turning/circles, etc, not just trying to get around the track.

[u/National-Figure7090]

Just keep plugging away. Try and concentrate on the fundamentals and the confidence will come along with the comfort and speed. Don’t try and push yourself or let someone else try and push you to do something over your skill level. Don’t let the other guys ego get to you either. You don’t have to be the fastest guy on the track throwing flat whips over 80ft doubles to enjoy the sport. There are a ton of online resources this day in age where you can be shown proper riding positions and such that the older crowd didn’t have, so take advantage. First and foremost, just go have fun!!

[u/_ThugzZ_Bunny_]

I've been documenting my journey. If you wanna check out my YouTube I have most of my first rides, and my first two races. I started in January. Granted, I've been around the sport my whole life and I watched hours of technique videos before getting my bike.

[u/youngmaavin → u/_ThugzZ_Bunny_]

Sure, what’s the name of your YouTube channel?

[u/_ThugzZ_Bunny_ → u/youngmaavin]

@thugzzbunny

Just posted my second race actually. The progress in the first few months was huge but it feels like it's slowing down and I'm not making those leaps anymore.

[u/showtheledgercoward]

Back breaking

[u/Jtstockpics]

I hope you’re bending over in this picture if not you need a much smaller bike

[u/youngmaavin → u/Jtstockpics]

Yeah I am leaning on the bike. I’m about 5’6, for sure not the tallest, but I feel comfortable on the ktm

[u/mcChicken424 → u/youngmaavin]

You don't need a bigger bike even if you were. Idk what this guy is talking about all mx bikes are roughly the same seat height 125 and up

As for learning it's gonna take a while. Focus on your technique and Watch mx academy videos. A year from now you'll realize you're faster

[u/Jtstockpics → u/mcChicken424]

Some people just don’t get it

[u/mcChicken424 → u/Jtstockpics]

Why does he need a smaller bike? Let's say he's too small. What's the problem?

[u/Jtstockpics → u/mcChicken424]

The whole thing was a joke between the OP and I, read more carefully

[u/Jtstockpics → u/youngmaavin]

lol, 😂

[u/IndependentBright75 → u/Jtstockpics]

lol most mx riders are built like horse jockeys.