HANGTOWN RACE and 51 FIFTY CHARITY EVENT

I’ve been doing a little practicing at some of the tracks around my house but it was time to get a race in.  This week was the Hangtown Outdoor Motocross race and they have an amateur day that lets riders like me race on the same track that the pros race on.  Most of the kids that I raced with also raced the day before in the 85cc class, but I only got to ride on the track once the morning of the race.  I really liked the track, they brought in some different dirt and changed up several sections.

My Dad had to work so my Mom was the mechanic for the day.  Dad worked all night getting everything ready on the bikes so everything should be ready to go for the race.  We got one 15 minute practice first thing in the morning and then it was time to line up and race.  We had to pick a number and that was the gate we had to start from.  My gate pick was in a really good spot, but the line going out was really bad.  My Mom and I packed the gate, but we didn’t do as good of a job as my Dad usually does.  When the gate dropped I took off really good but my bike did a huge wheelie and went sideways.  I tried to hold on the gas the best I could but I had to give up a little to get the bike back under control.  I ended up starting the race pretty far away from all the other riders.

I was able to battle past some of the riders but the leader got out to far and I wasn’t able to get close enough to even try to battle with him.  I finished the first moto in 2nd place.  After the race my Mom and I watched some of the other races and then we got ready for race number two.

The second race we got the second gate pick and I picked a better gate.  In the second race I again got off the line good but my stock bike was not nearly as fast as some of the other mod bikes and I was in the back again.  (I was trying to work in my new stock bike for some big races we have coming up)

The second race was a lot like the first race and I went from last to 2nd place.

The trophy was really cool because they put my name on it and a picture of me.

The next day we went back to Hangtown to watch the pro race.  It was really fun watching the pro’s ride on the track and see what lines they were taking.  I was able to compare how I rode in my race to how they were racing.  We had to leave the race a little early because my sister Hailey was going to prom with some of the special needs kids that she teaches and my parents were going to the 51 Fifty Energy Drink fundraiser casino night.  I wasn’t allowed to go because it was for adults only but my Mom took a lot of pictures of the place for me and it looked really cool.

They had lots of cars and bikes outside under the tent and inside they had cars in the middle of the casino tables and dirt bikes in the middle of tables.

My Dad and my Grandpa wanted to make me jealous and they took pictures with some of the 51 Fifty girls.  Mom and Dad also took a picture in front of the 51 Fifty picture banner.

It was not good that I couldn’t go to the 51 Fifty Energy casino night, because it looked really fun.  I’m glad a lot of people went to the event because it raised a lot of money for a lot of different charities.  The Carlos Vieira Foundation helps raise money for many different people:  Race for Autism, Race to be Drug Free, Gloves not Drugs, etc.

Go to www.carlosvieirafoundation.org to learn more about how you can help these charities.

…..and I continue to race and ride.

PRODUCT REVIEW: DIRT SCOOTER

A few weeks ago at the track, Americore started selling their new dirt scooters…..they are so cool!

They are better than the old scooters that we used to use because they have big tires so we can ride them in rocks and dirt.  When I rode the old scooters I would fall if I hit a little rock on the sidewalk, and now we were able to ride these in the dirt.

The tires are really big and it is fun to jump on them and do tricks.

Americore also makes a personalized front plate for the scooters.  When we had them all laying outside the trailers, it was easy for everyone to find which one was theirs.  I love anything with my number on it….the front plate rocks!

I also want to give a special respect to Heath Cunha who passed away February 17, 2013 at the age of 42.  Although I didn’t know Heath, I know several members of the Cunha family…they are an amazing family and we are very sorry for the loss of their Brother, Uncle, Husband, Father, and Friend.

For more information and to get your dirt scooter:

Like them on Facebook at

AMERICORE SMX DIRT SCOOTER

and

call (209) 632-5679

WHILE I WAS OUT….

While I was out with my arm I took time to rest my body and work on my dirt bikes.

I did a lot of activities with my family, like I told you last week we went to the car races, the movies and some family functions.  My sister wanted to go see the Croods and my Mom and I went to see Jurassic Park 3D and we were the only people in the whole theater which was totally cool.

I played a lot of Xbox

I got a lot of physical therapy.

I visited some of my friends that also got hurt riding their dirt bikes, and some of my friends came over and spent the night a few times.  When my cast came off and the weather got hot, my friends and I were able to play in the water in the back yard.

My Dad went through the dirt bikes and got everything ready to go.  We sent out my suspension to get re-done (more information on that later.)  I also got some new gear that I couldn’t wait to use.

I got really bored and was missing my dirt bike.

Now it is time to get back on my dirt bike and start riding again.

See you at the track…….

MY NIGHT AT THE CAR RACES

Since I am still hurt I can’t ride my dirt bike, but with only one arm I can’t do many things.  This last weekend my family went to Stockton 99 Raceway.  The 51 Fifty Energy Drink car and all the guys were at the track racing so I knew I would have fun cheering them on.  On the way to the track my sister Hailey and I rocked out to music.

When we got to the track I saw the 51 Fifty girls and we took some pictures.

The races were really fun and we saw a lot of different kids of cars race.  I was excited for the main event to watch and cheer on the 51 Fifty team.  Carlos qualified 5th and was in second place in the beginning of the race.  His car was a little loose and he fell back to 5th.  The 6th place car was also loose and he bumped Carlos in turn 1 and 2 and in turn 3 and 4 he pushed him again but this time Carlos went into the wall.  Part of the car broke and he was not able to continue in the race.  I was sad he wasn’t able to finish, but the racing was still really good and fun to watch.

After the race was over I went into the pits to see everyone on the team.

It was really fun to see everyone on the team.  I don’t get a chance to see the guys very often because I am usually racing or practicing, but when I am hurt I get to say Hi to everyone.

The tool box the guys use is really cool, but it has an awesome sticker on the side of it.  I love this sticker!

It was nice seeing everyone, good luck at the next race!

If you guys like all kinds of racing, make sure you find out when they will be at a track near you and stop by and say Hi.

My interview with JOSH HILL number 75

I had a chance to interview JOSH HILL a few months ago.  He was in a hurry so I was only able to ask a couple of questions, but he was really nice!

Josh was born July 30, 1989 and grew up in Oregon.  Josh turned pro in 2006 and since has moved to Murrieta, California.  He is one of the few racers to be pulled straight out of the amateur ranks and into a factory motocross ride at the age of 19.  In 2006 Factory Yamaha signed Josh to a factory contract.  In 2008 Josh achieved his childhood dreams by winning the Minneapolis Supercross.  Josh has continue to progress over the years winning several championships, but has also been set back by many injuries.   Currently Josh rides for RCH/Suzuki team.  When I spoke with Josh he was out with a hand injury and was anxious to get back on the bike.

….AND MY INTERVIEW WITH JOSH HILL #75

71:  How did you first get started riding your dirt bike?

75:  I was like 3 years old and my Dad, or my Grandpa bought me my first dirt bike when I was 3.  I just rode it in the back yard and then started racing.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get where you are?

75:  Just have fun man and do it.  As long as you can just keep having fun and every day it will get a little better.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

75:  My first pro ride was with factory Yamaha.  I won Loretta Lynn’s a few times and got seen and the picked me up when I was 16 years old.  My first pro race was Millville in 2006.

71:  Do you have any Tattoos?

75:  No I don’t, I don’t have any tattoos

71:  Do you have any pets?

75:  I have a black lab up in Oregon and her name is Mocha.  She is a big old funny black lab.

71:  Where you home schooled?

75:  Yes I was home schooled

71:  Thank you

75:  Right on Bud, no problem!

MY HOUSE IS NOW CALLED “CROSS MEDICAL CENTER”

Last week I went to practice on Wednesday at Club Moto and I rode good, but I felt a little off.  On the way home my stomach was really upset and I got sick.  I got sick several more times that night and was not feeling very good the next few days.

On Thursday my sister Hailey had surgery to get her tonsils removed.  On Friday she was bleeding really bad and had to go back into the hospital and have emergency surgery.  On Friday she was in a lot of pain, because she had two surgeries and they put stitches in her throat, but she was doing better. (This picture was taken before the first surgery…she was not as happy after.)

I was also feeling better and I was excited to race the Mammoth qualifier race at Oatfield.  (Remember a few weeks ago I raced the Mammoth qualifier at Comp Edge and my bike broke in the open class during the second race and I didn’t get to finish so I didn’t qualify in that class)

My Dad and I went to the race by ourselves because my Mom had to stay home with my sister Hailey.  Saturday practice went well and I was excited to race on Sunday.  In the first race (65 Open) I got up to second place and was pushing on the leader but was not able to make a pass and finished the race in 2nd place.  In the second race (65 age) I got off the gate well, but the bike next to me hit me and I had to slow down a little so I didn’t fall.  I was able to fight back to third place and stayed close to the second place rider but I made a few mistakes and was not able to make a pass, I finished the race in 3rd place.

The third race of the day was the second 65 open race and everything started off good, I got a good start I was in second place right behind the leader and my suspension was not working very well.  On the second lap my back tire kicked me and I tried to save it but ended up crashing.  I ran to my bike to try to finish the race and when I picked up my bike I realized that my right arm had no strength and a sharp pain.  I got back on my bike and tried to ride, but it was really hard to hold on and every jump and bump on the track was hurting.  I definitely did not ride my best, but I tried really hard to finish the race the best I could.  I was able to finish the race in seventh place which gave me a 5th place overall finish, luckily I was able to qualify for the Mammoth race.

When I got back to the van, I realized that something was really wrong with my arm.  My Dad checked me out and we decided that I needed to go to the hospital to get my arm looked at.  I did not stay to race the last race, but I already qualified for that class at Comp Edge.  The doctor said that I dis-located my shoulder and broke my humerus up by my shoulder.

My arm is not too bad during the day as long as it doesn’t move, but at night it is really hard for me to sleep.  My Mom is taking care of my sister and I and it is like a hospital at my house.

Im going to heal up my shoulder and my arm and my Dad is going to go through my bikes and when I am all better, we will be ready to go!

PRODUCT REVIEW – MOTO EFX GRAPHICS …….AND VAN WRAP

My bikes always look great thanks to Moto Efx graphics, but this week they got crazy with my moto van.  I went to get my van wrapped and it was so cool to see it change from a basic black van to a custom CROSS71 – moto van.

Not only does the van look amazing driving down the road, but you have to see it in person.  The van has several different ghost pictures in the background that really pops out in the sun.

The best part of the whole thing is that it has me on all three sides.  :-)

It has ghost skulls in the background, some ghost MotoEfx logos, and it looks like I am jumping in motion.  In this picture you can see part of the ghost skull and me in motion.

If you have your own designs and logos or if you are looking for something new and different, Moto Efx will give you what you are looking for.  I like that the dirt bike kits they do look different and really stand out on the track.  Moto Efx likes to create new and different graphics with crazy designs and colors.

Make sure you contact Moto Efx for information on your dirt bike kits and vehicle wraps.

MOTO EFX

• Phone: 209-649-5394
• www.motoeffects.com
• www.wrappedgraphics.com

Thank you Carlos with 51 Fifty Energy Drink and Larry from Moto Efx for the awesome bikes and now the awesome moto van!

LORETTA LYNN AREA QUALIFIER RACE NUMBER 2

This last weekend I raced in LA for the second Loretta Lynn area qualifier.

During the week my Mom had work and my sister Hailey was not feeling well so I didn’t get to go to the Friday practice at Comp Edge.  Friday night we drove to LA and on Saturday morning it was time to race.  On Saturday morning we got to the track and I got ready to race in the 7-9 stock class and it was super windy and cold.  Even though I didn’t get to practice the day before, I was excited to race and feeling very good.  My first start was not very well, I did a huge wheelie off the start but was able to save it and only lose a few spots.  It took me a little to get through traffic and I was able to win the race.  The second race I started much better and was also able to come in first for a 1st place overall finish.

After the race we went back to the hotel with some friends and we ate pizza and watch supercross.  After supercross I got to go in the hot tub and pool with my friends.  My Mom thought I was crazy because it was super cold outside, but the water wasn’t too bad.  After the pool it was time for bed because we had to turn our clocks back and loose an hour of sleep.

Sunday morning It was time to race the 7-11 mod class.  I still didn’t have a mod bike and had to race with my stock bike, but I was excited to see if I could battle with the older kids.  In the first race I got a bad start and had to battle through traffic.  By the time I was able to make my way to the fourth place spot, the top three riders were out just a little.  I was pushing to try to catch them and I slid out in a turn.  I was able to get back up pretty fast and didn’t lose any spots but I lost a little ground on the leaders.  By the end of the race I was catching the third place spot but I wasn’t able to get close enough to make a pass.  I finished the first race in 4th place.

In the second race I came out of the gate well but again got pushed between a couple of bikes.  I was able to make my way to third place and worked to get around him.  I finally got around the third and second place rider and tried to catch up to the leader.  I was riding well, but I let the leader get out too far in the beginning of the race and I wasn’t able to get close enough to catch him in the end.  I was able to finish the race in second place and finished the race with an overall 2nd place finish for the day.

HOLLISTER LORETTA LYNN AREA QUALIFIER

This weekend my family went to Hollister to race the Northwest Area Qualifier.  A lot of people came out for the race and we watches a lot of good races all weekend.   The track got really rough and very rutted, but it was really fun.  My classes had some good gates and I had fun playing with my friends off the track and racing them on the track.

My parents and my sister Hailey always give me a pep-talk right before the race starts.

My first day of racing was the 65cc 7-9 Stock class.   In the first race I got out of the gate a little slow but I was able to stay up and keep the lead for a 1st place win in the first race.  In the second race I got a better start and I got out to the front.  I was out in the lead and I hit a rutt and flew across the track and I hit a tree.  I was a little shaken after the crash, but I was able to get up and get back going.  I was in eighth place and I was able to battle back to 3rd place.  I finished the class with an overall 1st place finish.

The second day I raced 65cc 7-11 Mod class.  In both races there was a lot of really good battles.  I finished the first race in 2nd and the second race in 3rd with a 3rd place overall finish.

The plaques for the race were the coolest ever!  THEY HAVE A PICTURE OF ME ON THEM…. The picture on the plaque is from the start of the 65cc race from last year Loretta’s race when I got the hole shot.  It was pretty cool.

1st and 3rd overall finishes in the first Loretta Lynn area qualifier

 

A GOOD WEEKEND WITH A LOT OF BAD LUCK

This last weekend we went to LA to race a Road To Mammoth qualifier race at Comp Edge.  All weekend long I didn’t have very good luck, but I kept riding really hard and I never gave up.  Not very good results for the amount of effort I put in, but that happens sometimes.  Let me tell you what happened…..

Let me start by saying that the weather was horrible.  It was extremely cold and the wind was blowing so hard it was difficult to even walk.  Everyone was wearing layers and layers of clothes and it felt like we were in the snow.  The wind kept changing directions so it was a little difficult to go over the jumps.  Sometimes the wind would be at your back and help you clear a jump and sometimes it blew sideways and when you went into the air it tried to blow you off the side of the track.

Saturday we got to the track to practice and the first part of the day is open practice, which in LA means that all bikes get to practice on the track at the same time.  The track was really muddy in some spots, but I was getting the feel for the track.  After a few laps I started picking up my speed and clearing all the jumps.  I jumped the finish line jump and came up a little short and cased the landing.  When I landed the bike kicked me over and the bike and I went flying and landed at the bottom of the jump.  I was pretty hurt and I knew I was in a bad spot so I started to crawl off the track.  The flagger at the top of the jump didn’t see my crash and he didn’t put up the yellow flag to tell the other riders I was down on the bottom of the jump.  The fourth big bike was in the air coming over the jump and when he landed he had nowhere to go and totally ran me over.  After the bike ran me over, the guys bike, him and I were flipping.  My elbow pad was thrown away from me and my helmet even broke.  I was so sore on the entire right side of my body it was hard for me to even walk.

This is the jump I fell on in practice.

My parents wanted to go home and let me rest my injuries, but I really wanted to stay and keep riding.  I went out for the rest of the practices throughout the day and I did OK, but I wasn’t feeling 100%.  I was excited to get back to the hotel and take a bath to get warm and rest my muscles.  I knew that I would be ready to race the next morning.

When we got back to the hotel I had fun because a lot of my friends from the track were staying at the hotel also.  The hotel has a banquet room and we all hung out in there and watched Supercross together.  Ryan ordered pizzas for everyone and they were the biggest pizzas I had ever seen.  After supercross was over it was time to go up to my room and soak in the bath.

The next morning the wind got worse and it was time to go racing.  In the first race I had a really bad start. (The start is on cement instead of dirt and I was a little off on my clutch) I ended up going sideways out of the gate and had to let off the gas to get straightened out, so I was in about last place coming up to the first turn.  I was able to pass a lot of bikes in the first couple of turns and by the time I came out of the back I was in third place.  I was riding hard to catch the front guys, but they had really good starts and I had a lot of work to do to reel them in.  I was starting to get a little closer to second place and I was trying some new lines on the track to try to find some more speed and I went down.  I took a handle bar to my leg that gave me a really bad charlie horse, but I got back on my bike and kept racing.  I was able to finish the race in third place which wasn’t bad for the start I had and that I went down.

The second race of the day started just like the first, I was still off on my clutch and the bike went sideways again.  I again was able to race into third place and in the five laps of the race I was gaining on leaders but didn’t have enough laps to catch them.  I again finished the race in third place.  I knew I had to get a better start in the next race and I talked to my Dad about what I should change to do it.  The kids that I was racing are fast and I can’t let them get so far out infront of me if I want any chance of trying to pass them.

The third race of the day I was on the line and I was ready to go.  I got out of the gate much better and I was in third place by the first turn.  I was able to pass into second place and I was chasing down the leader.  On the second lap I was gaining on the leader and I felt something was wrong with my bike.  I knew it didn’t have as much power all of a sudden, I came over the finish line jump and I knew my bike didn’t have the power to hit it.  I tried to keep riding the best I could, but about two turns later my motor locked up.  I was so disappointed that I wasn’t able to finish the race, I was having so much fun battling.  Instead of a good finish I ended up with a DNF.

In the fourth race of the day I was going to have to race the fast kids on thier mod bikes with my stock bike.  I knew that it was going to be hard but that I could do it if I got off the line good and I rode really hard.  I did get off the line really good and by the second turn I was in third place.  I again was chasing down the second place guy and I was staying close with him when the pipe on my bike broke off.  Once the pipe came off my bike I had no power and it slowed the bike down a lot.  After my pipe came off I knew I wouldn’t be able to catch the leaders and I tried hard not to lose any positions.  I was not able to clear the two big jumps on the track, but I did push my bike to get everything else I could and tried to keep my speed up as much as possible.  I was able to finish the race in third place.

I rode really hard all weekend and I did really well, but I didn’t have the finishes to show for it.  With the DNF in the one class I didn’t qualify in that class and I will have to race at another qualifying event and in the other class I got 3rd place overall.

My Dad and Mom were very proud of me for pushing hard all weekend and the were happy that I never gave up….. It still would have been nice to have a win.  lol

Monday night my Dad let me take my motor apart to see what we needed to do to fix it.  It was cool to see all the parts that are inside the motor and I had fun taking it apart with my Dad.

LET’S HOPE I CAN PUT IT BACK TOGETHER.  

ANOTHER ADVENTURE FOR THE CROSS FAMILY

On Friday my parents, my sister Hailey, and I loaded in the van and headed to LA to do some practicing…… See how our trip ended with this…….

Saturday I practiced at The Ranch and Sunday I practiced at Comp Edge.  I was able to meet with some friends at both tracks so that made it extra fun.  The weather was totally crazy…..it was freezing cold and the wind was blowing very hard.  It was strange because the wind was only blowing at the tracks, the weather around the tracks was much better.  I think the bad weather was following us.

After practice on Sunday, we left Comp Edge to head home and about two hours into our drive one of our tires EXPLODED.  It was so load I thought the floor of the van fell out.  Luckily my Dad was driving, because I am not sure my Mom would have done as well as him controlling the van.  :-)  We got pulled over to the side of the road, but we were totally in the middle of nowhere.  (In a completely different story…..we have had a problem with the tires we recently bought and have been working with the tire guy to fix it and because of that we had no spare tire – of course)   We called the tow truck to try to find us and started calling tire companies to try to find a place that could fix our tire.  It was already Sunday afternoon and everyplace we called was closed or would be closed by the time the tow truck got us back into town.  We found one place that said the would be able to help us if we could hurry and get to them.

While we were waiting my parents told me that the tow truck wasn’t going to be able to take all of us into town and that we were going to have to ride in the back of the van.  I was so excited to be able to sit in the back with my bikes and I made myself comfortable.  I was really mad when my parents told me they were only joking with me.    I begged them to let me ride in the back of the van, but they wouldn’t let me.  A little after that the tow truck showed up and we were on our way back to the closest town, and made it to the tire store with two minutes before they were supposed to close.  The tire people worked on the van for over an hour and then we were back on the road again.

I felt bad for my Dad because we got home at 1am and Dad got in the truck and went to work without getting any sleep.  My Mom and I got up Monday morning and went to Argyll to practice a little more.

PRODUCT REVIEW: LEATT NECK BRACE AND CHEST PROTECTOR

Throughout this year I will be bringing some of the hottest and coolest products to your attention.  I am going to try to give you the best information about the products as well as the things that work and don’t work for me.  Those of you who know me, know that I don’t like change.  I love what currently works for me and I have a hard time trying new products……with this in mind I will be reviewing new products and giving you my opinions.  These are only my opinions, and even if things don’t work for me…..you will have the information you need to see if they would be a good fit for you.  Hope you enjoy!

The first product review I am doing is actually two things in one.  I am doing both the Leatt Neck Brace and Chest Protector at the same time because ideally these products are designed to work together.  In the past I have used a different kind of Leatt neck brace and a bull riding chest protector, but these new products go together to distribute an impact more evenly throughout your body.  With the way they fit together, a neck impact force is felt in the chest and taken away from the shoulders.

LEATT GPX PRO NECK BRACE

I have chosen the Leatt GPX Pro Neck Brace.  This brace is a fully ventilated carbon-fiber chassis with a completely redesigned, open-cell padding.  It has anodized CNC spring loaded aluminium hinges, alternative load path technology, collarbone cutout, and unique one piece rear support designed to break away in a severe impact.  The GPX Pro brace is advertised to be the lightest, most ventilated and most comfortable brace ever made.

The second I put this neck brace on I could see a complete difference.  The biggest difference is the weight of this brace versus the one I usually use.  This brace is really very light and it was also very comfortable.  I think I really liked it because I couldn’t even feel like I had it on.  Even though it is very light, the metal hinges are really strong and secure I really love everything about this neck brace.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  The GPX Pro and the GPX Pro Light are the same brace with a couple of differences.  The Pro Light has plastic side clasps and the Pro has metal clasps.  The Pro also comes with a very nice carrying case.  At the time of this post Leatt is running a special and the Leatt GPX Pro is being sold at a huge discount and is the same price as the Leatt Pro Light.

LEATT BODY VEST LITE JUNIOR

The second part of this is the Leatt Body Vest Lite Junior.  This chest protector is designed for kids and works with any Leatt brace.  The chest protector has straps on the shoulders to hold the neck brace and the chest protector together, but allows for easy movement.

Wearing this chest protector after wearing a bull riding vest was like night and day for me.  This chest protector is way lighter and smaller than what I am used to, it almost felt like I wasn’t wearing anything.  I loved wearing both the neck brace and the chest protector and they were extremely easy to wear when I was riding.  I did have one problem….I crashed during practice and took a handlebar to the chest.  I didn’t feel anything in my chest at all and the chest protector absorbed the impact excellent  but with this chest protector being shorter and harder than the vest I usually wear and the bottom of this brace hurt my gut.  With this brace having harder edges than I am used to, I didn’t like how it felt when I crashed.  I did go back to my old chest protector after the crash….I know that the new one will take some getting used to, I am sure I will like it when I do.

Both of these products are very well made and are so important to our safety when we ride dirt bikes.  Make sure you go to http://www.leatt-brace.com to find the right products that works for you.

When you ride, make sure you are protected!

http://www.leatt-brace.com

RIDE HARD AND BE SAFE WITH LEATT

THIS WEEKS RACE REPORT – OATFIELD

This weekend I raced the AMP/GFI race at Oatfield in Turlock.  We loaded up the trailer on Friday and headed to Oatfield to camp and race for the weekend……my sister Hailey came with us this weekend, and it was very cool that she was there to cheer me on.

When we woke up Saturday morning the track was totally foggy.  When I went out for my first practice my goggles were dripping with water after just one lap.  It was very hard to practice when you couldn’t see very far in front of you.  By the time my second practice came around, the sun came out and I was ready to really start going.  I had a good day of practice and when we were done, I ran around with my friends the rest of the afternoon.

Sunday morning I was the second race of the day and almost the last race of the day.   Some fast kids showed up and I was excited to have some great battles.  In each race I got off the gate good and I had to work the first lap to get out front.  In all 4 races I was able to get out front and take the lead……but,

In the first 65 open race I crashed really hard in the lead and my bike and I flew different directions.  I was able to run to my bike, pick it up, start it, and get back going and finish in 2nd place.  Because I finished the next race in 1st place, I finished the day with a 1st place overall win in the class.

The two 65cc Intermediate races I finished with 1-1 and took a 1st place overall win in that class as well.

My two 1st Place trophies

I had a lot of fun racing and hanging with my family and friends!

On Saturday during practice I filmed the last parts of the TV commercial for MotoVision Goggles.  I saw parts of the footage, and you guys are going to love it!  Tylar and Max from STILLPOINT Productions are doing an amazing job with the video, audio, and pictures.  I had a lot of fun working with them and I can’t wait to show you all the commercial…..it is coming soon!

If you are in need of any production services, make sure you call Tylar and Max

• STILLPOINT Productions
• Website – http://www.stillpointproductions.net
• Email – stillpointproductions@yahoo.com
• 925-784-5719
• 209-914-0380

MEET THE 51 FIFTY ENERGY DRINK SUPERCROSS TEAM

While I was at Oakland Supercross I had a chance to interview some of the members of the 51 Fifty Energy Drink Supercross team.  I have so much fun with everyone on the team they are all super nice guys!  Preston Mull and Preston Tilford both got injured right before the season began but Scott Champion and Chris Plouffe have been doing great this season and getting better finishes each week.

SCOTT CHAMPION  # 78

71:  How did you first get started on a dirt bike?

78:  My Dad bought me a PW50 when I was 4.  That’s how I got started.  He used to race.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

78:  It was in 2008 and I heard of a team that had a hurt rider so I called them.  They told me to come out and they would watch me ride so I did that and they signed a contract with me the next day.

71:  What is something people might be surprised to know about you?

78:  They might be surprised to know that I didn’t really race that much growing up.  I just kinda rode in the desert and had fun riding.  That is something that the kids I’m racing against didn’t do, they were racing every weekend.

71:  Do you have any tattoos?

78:  Yes I have 2 tattoos on my arm.  I got this one, it’s a guardian angel holding a cross.  I also have one up here (pointing to the top of his arm) that me and my Dad and my Grandpa all got and it says “Born a Champion”.

71:  Do you have any pets?

78:  No I don’t have any pets, I’m allergic to dogs and cats.  I wish I could.

CHRIS PLOUFFE # 98

71:  How did you first get started on a dirt bike?

98:  My Dad rode back in his day and got me my first bike when I turned 2 and ever since then I’ve been hooked.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get where you are?

98:  Keep practicing…..practice, practice, practice.  That is the only way you are going to get better.  Do some racing and keep going from there.

71:  Do you have any pets?

98:  I have 3 dogs.  I have a little chihuahua named Tobie, I have a golden retriever named Zoie and another golden retriever named Rosie.

71:  Do you have any tattoos?

98:  No tattoos for me, I’m clean.

PRESTON MULL  # 565

71:  How did you first get started on a dirt bike?

565:  I first got started on my 2nd birthday when my Uncle gave me a PW50.

.         71:  Nice Uncle

.         565:  I know right!

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get where you are?

565:  If you want to get where I’m at you just gotta go for it.  You gotta be willing to put in the work because at the end of the day it’s the hard work you put in and how hard you try when you are out there that gets you out front.  Anyone can have the nicest stuff but if you don’t have the drive and the desire to do the best you possible can everytime you go out there….there is no point in being out there unless you want to better yourself.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

565:  I would say my first pro ride is this one, getting to ride for 51 Fifty.  I lucked into it being from the hometown and having a good solid outdoor season and having good finishes all year.

71:  Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?

565:  I don’t think so, I think everyone knows I’m a pretty weird person.

71:  Do you have any pets?

565:  I have Summer…can I see the dog real quick.  This is Summer

71:  What is your favorite sport other than Motocross?

565:  There are other sports?  Ha, Ha, Ha

71:  Where you home schooled?

565:  No I went to school all the way through High School.

71:  What is your worst and most favorite track.

565:  Worst track Highpoint.  I don’t know why not a fan of Highpoint.  Favorite track? Dude there are so many fun tracks, I like Hollister or just the local sand track by the river by my house…anything is fun.  Any day at the track is a good day.

SOME OF THE 51 FIFTY GIRLS

- – - – - BEHIND THE SCENES – - – - -

Many people are involved to put together the 51 Fifty Energy Drink Supercross team….  I know my self and the rest of the guys on the team are very greatful for the support and efforts that everyone on the team puts in for us.

Joe Cordeiro (Team Manager)

Joe is always very helpful and supportive to the team and I.  He has built a Supercross team from the ground up, in a very short amount of time, and has done a great job navigating the wants and needs of the entire team.  We all appreciate your continued hard work for us!

Carlos Vieira (Team Owner)

Carlos main passion is giving back!  He is a long time car racer that has always helped raise money for Childrens Hospital.  In 2009 Carlos started a fundraising campaign called Race for Autism to help families living with Autism….throughout the season he donated all his race winnings and held several events to increase awareness and help raise money.  Carlos founded 51 Fifty Energy Drinks and continues to give back in many ways…..51Fifty has sponsored many local people in motocross, boxing, music, cheer, BMX, fishing, boarding, and more.  Thank you Carlos for all your help and support!

THANK YOU

CARLOS, JOE and the entire 51 FIFTY ENERGY DRINK team!

Buy 51 Fifty Energy Drinks….. and help support local athletes like me and a percentage of all sales goes to the Carlos Vieira Foundation which directly helps families living with Autism.

MAKING A TV COMMERCIAL, RACING, PRACTICE AND NEW GEAR AND PARTS

A lot has happened this week!  First I am still trying to get better from being sick.  Over the last week some days I feel OK and then the next day I feel sick again…fingers crossed that this week gets better.

RACE

On Saturday I went to Argyll MX to race.  Because of Super Bowl Sunday, no other races were going on, and everyone showed up for the Saturday CMC race.  The race went well and I had fun battling with my friends on the track and hanging out off the track.  My starts were a little off in the beginning of the day but I kept improving each race and by the end of the day I got the starts I wanted.  The track got really rough towards the end of the day, but my Dad made some changes to my suspension and he made my bike easier to handle.  I finished with a 2nd place finish in 65 Open and a 1st place finish in 65 Intermediate.

Todd Lyle got pictures of everyone that was at the race.  Make sure you check out his website at see some great pictures – http://www.toddlylephotography.com

MOTOVISION GOGGLES TV COMMERCIAL

During the race on Saturday Motovision Goggles was filming a TV Commercial that will be shown on SPEED and Fuel TV and they asked me to be a part of it.

It was really cool to have the chance to film for TV again, and I was excited to help tell people about Motovision.  The goggles not only look really cool but they have special scratch resistant lenses and they have a recording camera built-in.  Instead of wearing a camera on top of your helmet, the Motovision Goggles have a camera that also has a noise suppressed microphone which cuts out the wind noise.  Make sure you look for the commercial coming out soon and go to http://www.motovisiongoggles.com to get your high impact HD goggles.

PRACTICE

Sunday I left early in the morning to go to MMX to practice and my Dad did more testing on my bikes.  We got to the track so early that it was all foggy and when I rode my goggles were dripping with water.  The sun came out and I was able to ride on both tracks each hour and get a lot of practice in.  My Dad made changes to my bike and we worked on different things to help me in the races.  After practice we headed home to watch the Super Bowl.

GEAR AND PARTS

This week I also got two surprises in the mail.  The guys at 51 Fifty Energy Drinks hooked me up with some really awesome companies that wanted to help me with my racing.

MIKA METALS hooked me up with some handlebars, sprockets and chains.  Mika Metals sells handlebars engineered to flex and built to last.  They also sell lightweight chains and aluminum sprockets.

I got a box filled with lots of spare parts to keep me going throughout the year.  When you are looking for new handlebars, chains, or sprockets check out http://www.mikametals.com

FLY RACING also hooked me up with some really sick gear, gloves and helmet.  Fly Racing offers a wide range of competition clothing, gloves, helmets, tools and more.  The Fly Racing company provides equipment for many different sports like snow, water, BMX, street, casual and moto.

I am very thankful that the people at FLY RACING also wanted to help me with their cool products.  I can’t wait to rock everything from head to toe…..I know I will look so FLY like always!   Make sure you check out the awesome designs, colors, and products that Fly Racing has at http://www.flyracing.com 

Thank you http://www.51fiftyenergydrink.com

Make sure you sign up for automatic weekly emails (top left of my webpage)…..you don’t want to miss more about my life as a kid racing dirt bikes, more pro interviews and product reviews….all coming soon!

My interview with JUSTIN BARCIA during Oakland Supercross

During Oakland Supercross Justin Barcia took some time out of his day to let me interview him for you guys.

He was super cool and really funny.

Before the interview a little information about Justin Barcia, who was born in Paterson, NJ and now lives in Greenville, FL.  He began riding dirt bikes at the age of 5 and started racing at 7.  During his amateur racing career, Justin won over 25 National titles including 4 Loretta Lynn’s Championships.  Justin turned pro in 2009 and in his first full season of riding he finished second in Supercross and fifth in the Outdoors.  Justin then became the two-time Supercross Champion in 2011 and 2012 and also won the 2012 Monster Energy Cup.  This year, in 2013, Justin has moved into the 450 class and did very well in the first two rounds including winning his first 450 Main Event in the second round.  The third and fourth rounds have not ended well for Justin with a crash in the third round injuring his nose and hand and getting taken out in turn two of the fourth round in Oakland.  Justin’s aggressive riding style on the race track has earned him the name Bam Bam Barcia.

……AND NOW MY INTERVIEW WITH #51 JUSTIN BARCIA

71:  How did you first get started in racing?

51:  Well it’s a long story but I will try to make it short.  I didn’t really want to do any other sports and my Mom tried to take me to soccer practice one day and I started crying and telling her I didn’t want to do it.  She asked me if I wanted to ride dirt bikes and I was like Yeah   So I started riding, went to my first race and I caught the bug and never stopped from there.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get to where you are?

51:  Well it’s a lot of hard work for sure but I think the biggest thing for me was having my Mom and Dad around.  Just having fun, if you’re not having fun that’s not good.  If you’re having fun and your parents are around it all good.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

51:  My first pro ride was on the Geico Honda and I was actually racing at Mini O’s one year and I was on a 65′s.  The guy that owned Factory Connection owned the Geico team also and he noticed me and I started riding for him as an amateur and then I went professional.

71:  Something people would be surprised to know about you?

51:  People would be surprised to know that I’m actually a pretty nice guy…ha! ha! ha!   There is a difference between being mean on the track and being mean off the track, so I try to be nice off the track.

71:  Do you have any pets and what are there names?

51:  We have a lot of dogs at home.  I have Buddy, we have Shift, we have Scrat, we have a cat, and a whole bunch of animals at home.  I have been staying in California a lot right now so I haven’t seen them in a while so I miss them, but I defiantly have quit a few.

71:  What’s your favorite movie?

51:  I like Ted right now….have you seen it?

—— 71:  No my Mom won’t let me watch it.

—— 51:  Ya you’re not allowed to watch Ted yet, but when you get a little older you will defiantly like it a lot. ha! ha!

71:  What’s your favorite song?

51:  I don’t think I can pick a favorite song, I like Rap, I like Country, I like a variety so it’s a little bit of everything.

71:  Did you go to school or were you home schooled?

51:  I was home schooled

71:  Thank you for your time!

51:  That was awesome, that was the best interview I’ve had in a while.

After the interview I told Justin that my sister Hailey was in love with him and he gave her a hug and took a picture with her.  She was SO excited.

You are welcome Hailey!

Huge THANKS to Justin Barcia for taking the time to help me with this interview!!!!

Make sure you watch Justin in the upcoming races and cheer him on…..GOOD LUCK JUSTIN!

MY OAKLAND SUPERCROSS 2013

This last week Supercross riders came to my home town.  On Friday night I went to Mach 1 Motorsports to see some of the riders up close.  I first got to see Ryan Dungey and I brought an old picture for him to sign for me.  The picture was from my first trip to Washougal, Washington to race when I had my “bicycle accident” and Ryan Dungey gave me his signed gloves. (If you forgot about “the accident”, you can see some information at CLEARED TO RACE post I did after the accident.)  Ryan Dungey loved the pictures and Ryan and  Ken Roczen kept asking me a ton of questions…it was really cool.

I got a couple pictures of Dungey checking out the picture before he signed it and of Roczen….also had Justin Brayton sign it as well because he was also at the signing.   They had a lot of other riders that I also had sign stuff like Josh Grant.  It was totally cool, thank you Mach 1.

The next day was the big show in Oakland and my whole family had so much fun!

I got to hang out with the 51 Fifty Energy Drink / Moto Efx riders and we had a lot of fun!  It was really nice to be able to cheer them on in person and watch them ride live.  Joe from 51 Fifty hooked the family up with lots of cool stuff and we all got some very nice sweat shirts…..which we really needed because it was FREEZING.  Thank you Joe, Carlos and 51 Fifty Energy Drinks.

Moto Efx did an awesome job on the graphics on the bikes.  Larry did something that made the graphics reflective under the lights that was totally awesome.

Had a great time and I have a lot more to tell you about, but you will have to wait…….  Check back soon to see who I interviewed while I was at the races, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT.

PRO X TEAMS PROMO VIDEO….FEATURING HUNTER CROSS

I know you all remember I recently filmed a TV show with Pro X Teams.  Last week Pro X Teams released a Promo video that combines the episode I am in and 4 other episodes with other athletes.  I am in the first half of the video and then it shows clips of the other sports.  I love the slo-mo they did, and I can’t wait to see the whole show.

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I know many of you are wondering when the show will be on TV.  Right now the Networks are reviewing the press kit and deciding when it will be on.  I will let you know as soon as I get that information.

My interview with TREY CANARD after Anaheim 1

I had the unbelievable opportunity to ask Trey Canard a few questions after the first round of Supercross.

I am so excited that he took time from his busy schedule for me.

I hope you all learn something about #41 and enjoy!

Before we get to the interview, a little information about Trey Canard.  Trey was born September 17, 1990 and he races the #41 Muscle Milk Honda CRF 450.  He grew up in Oklahoma and in 2006 and 2007 he had a very successful amateur career, winning Loretta Lynn’s National Championships.  In 2008 Trey was signed to his first professional team with Factory Connection Honda.  In 2008 Trey won the East Coast Lites Championship during his rookie year, and won again in 2010.  After his success in the lites class, 20 year old Trey landed a deal with Red Bull Honda to ride in the 450 class for 2011.  Trey started out strong with three wins and multiple top five finishes until a broken femur during practice ended his season.  In 2011 and 2012 Trey spent most of his time recovering from several different very serious accidents and has began the 2013 Supercorss season with a very strong 2nd place finish.  Make sure you watch Trey’s movie REvival 41 that I have put at the bottom for a better look into #41.

…..AND NOW, MY INTERVIEW WITH TREY CANARD #41

71:  As a kid when did you know you would make it?

41:  I don’t think I really knew until I was about 16, but I had a dream and a lot of people behind that dream so I had hope and did the best I could.

71:  What was your training schedule like as a kid?

41:  It was very relaxed for several years, which I think is great.  You can’t take it too serious to early.  When I was 16 I started with a trainer and it took off from there.  Riding, cycling, weight lifting, plyometrics, a full time job.

71:  How did you keep your mind right in practice and races?

41:  I think for me, it was having a clear mind.  Having a clear mind came through having faith in Christ.  It’s also important to focus on just riding turn by turn obstacle by obstacle.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me?

41:  I think the biggest thing is to enjoy riding a motorcycle, don’t take it too crazy serious but enjoy it and let all that other stuff come when it needs to.

71:  Where you home schooled or did you go to regular school?

41:  I was homeschooled in the 6^th grade only due to a school system that didn’t support my racing.  I had missed too many days.

71:  If you didn’t make it with dirt bikes, what would you be doing?

41:  I’m not sure, my passion I feel is working with young people.  Some sort of youth ministry.

71:  Your movie Revival 41 was AWESOME….you have an amazing attitude, how do you stay so positive?

41:  Thanks!!  It was a real joy getting to make that film.  I think the only reason I’m able to do any of this is because of my hope and my strength and courage my positivity is in my God.  I like to just watch a movie, ride my bicycle, work on the tracks, spend time with my family or my girlfriend.  Pretty basic I think.

71:  When you are out with an injury, how do you catch back up with other riders that have been practicing while you have been recovering?

41:  I think for me it was just continuing to stay dedicated to my sleep, eating habits, physical conditions, and  physical therapy.  Just not letting up and trying to improve in other areas of your life.  I’ve gotta give all credit to God through if it wasn’t for hime I wouldn’t be here.

71:  What part of riding, practicing, and fitness do you not like?

41:  I think for me it’s just getting tired and grumpy.  When you train a lot you get pretty run down and tired.

71:  Do you like Supercross or Motocross better?

41:  I like both, I think it’s awesome we can basically have two new sports in the middle of the year.  When you’re tired of one you get to ride the other.

71:  Do you have any tattoo’s?

41:  No tattoo’s for me.  I’ve thought about it at times though.

71:  What are the names of your pets?

41:  Foster,   Miley Cyrus,   and   Domino

71:  What is your favorite food?

41:  Mexican food.

71:  What is your favorite movie (besides yours)?

41:  Facing the Giants

71:  What is your favorite song?

41:  Identity by Lecrae

71:  Congrats for A1…amazing start after such a long road to recovery…How did you celebrate?

41:  Thanks a ton!  Didn’t do much celebrating.  Just enjoyed the moment with my family and everyone around me, it was an awesome night!

Trey’s Mom, Kari, also answered a couple of questions

71:  When Trey was a kid and he would get hurt, how hard was it to let him get back on the bike?

Mom:  Trey was always ready to get back on the bike.  He couldn’t wait

71:  When did you know Trey was going to make this his career?

Mom:  I always thought that Trey had something special because he had really great balance and riding a bike came very easy for him.

71:  Any advice you can give parents of young dirt bike riders?

Mom:   Try to relax and have fun, and let your kids have fun.

Huge THANKS to Trey Canard and Mom Kari Canard for taking the time to help me with this interview!!!!

Make sure you watch Trey’s movie REvival 41, and make sure you cheer him on at this weeks Supercross race…..GOOD LUCK TREY!

SICK AND RACING

This week was a little up and down for me… literally!

I practiced Wednesday night and things went well.  At the end of the night I was a little more tired than usual and by midnight, I was totally sick.  I had a super high fever, sore throat, and totally body aches.  My family was going to travel to Los Angeles to do some riding, but I was at the doctors all day Thursday and by Thursday night I wasn’t feeling any better.  We canceled our plans to go to LA and decided I needed to rest and get better.

By Friday I was feeling much better, not 100% but I couldn’t believe how much better I felt than the day before.  By Saturday I was sad I wasn’t in LA riding, and my parents let me go to Oatfield to do a little practice.  I a lot of fun and we decided to go back to the track on Sunday for the race.

Not too long after Loretta’s I had gotten hurt, and this was my first race since then.  I was excited to practice my starts and race on the track.  When we got to the track in the morning it was sooooo cold that the entire track was covered in ice.

In the first race 65 Int I was out of the gate second and by the time I got to the third turn I was able to take the lead.  It was a good battle for the first lap and the second place rider went down and I was able to stay out front for the win.  The second race was 65 Open, I got the hole shot and the second place rider stayed close till the end, but I was again able to take the win.  In the third race, my luck ran a little short….I did not get off the gate well and got a little pinched off by other riders.  I came out in fourth place and battled through to second.  I was pushing hard to catch the leader and was riding a little out of control until I went down.  I again found myself in fourth and I again passed back to second but was not able to catch the leader and finished the race in second place.  In the final race of the day the track was really rough, but I was not happy with how I rode in the third race and I was ready to do better.  I was able to get the hole shot and pull away from the field each lap with a first place finish.

Overall I think it was a really good practice race after being off the line for so long.  I look forward to more races to come!

4 RACE TRACKS AND A NIGHT AT SUPERCROSS!

After New Years I went to Los Angeles to do a little practicing and to go to A1 for the Supercross race.

I went to some of the race tracks that I have been to before like Milestone, Perris and Pala and I also went to The Ranch for the first time. The track was really fun but it was super, super cold and very, very windy. The track had some sandy parts and was a fast track with a few big jumps.

My Mom took this picture of me that I thought looked really cool, but….maybe someone can teach her how to set her camera up so she can take pictures at night. Lol

Supercross was sooo much fun! I saw a lot of my friends there and the races were awesome because all of the big names were back from injury and ready for battle. With so many great riders on the line, a lot of people were surprised with many of the finishes.

I got to hangout in the 51 Fifty Energy Drink Pitts and all of the guys were awesome.  Joe hooked me up with a lot of products….Thank you Carlos, Joe and 51 Fifty!…..especially the 51 Fifty girls!

  Moto Efx did an awesome job on the graphics for the bikes. They used reflective stickers they look 3D…so cool.

Lufo’s Kustom Designs hand painted all the helmets that also popped in the lights…he does amazing work.

The boys looked amazing and were ready to go racing. They had really great qualifying times and were riding really great but with a couple bad starts and a bad crash they were unable to make it out of the LCQ….look for them to make some noise in Phoenix.

Chris Plouffe

Scott Champion

BYE 2012 – and – DON’T MISS WHAT’S COMING IN 2013

This week in between the Holiday and the rain I tried to get some riding in and I also did some trick riding.  Maybe like Carey Hart and the Heart Attack I will make up a trick called the DOUBLE CROSS….Ok I will work on the name while I perfect the trick.  lol

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I know you are not going to believe this, but I counted how many posts I made in 2012 and it was 71 – OK this one makes 72 but lets not count this one. lol  I thought I would recap some of my favorite posts over the past year and some of the posts that had the most views from you guys as well.   If you missed any of these, you might want to click on the link to check them out.

LORETTA LYNN NATIONALS:  Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championship

I WAS FEATURED IN A TV SHOW:  Lights-Camera-Action…The making of a TV show and  Cross 71….TV Star

MY FIRST TIME AT THE ROAD TO MAMMOTH:  My Road To Mammoth

MY TWO AWESOME MUSIC VIDEOS  :-) :  My bikes are sexy and I know it and  Crazy about 51 Fifty Energy Drinks

MY 93 YEAR OLD GRANDPA CAME TO WATCH ME RIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME:  93 Years Young

I WAS IN THE NEWS: Racer X Magazine…and me and Look who made the Cycle News and Look who’s in the Press

I RODE DIRTBIKES WITH CAREY HART AND TWITCH AND SUPERCROSS:  Super sick, Superstars and Supercross

RACER X MAG. CHOSE MY DESIGN,  AS THE STICKER FOR THE OUTDOOR RACES:  Hangtown Racer X Sticker

A CRUISE TO MEXICO:  A week in Mexico

MY POST ABOUT THE NUMBER 71:  Number 71….SR71

Which was your favorite?

NEW IN 2013

Make sure you are subscribed to the weekly emails on the top left of the page, because I have some exciting things coming in 2013 that you won’t want to miss.  I will still let you follow my life as a kid dirt bike racer, but I am going to add some things that I hope you will love.  Expect some awesome interviews and product reviews and stay up to date with what is new with everything dirt bikes……YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT!

• Website:  www.cross71.com
• Facebook:  Hunter Cross
• Instagram:  Huntercross71
• Twitter:  Huntercross71

I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR FOLLOWING ME THESE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS!  I am so excited that people continue to follow me and read what I have to say.  Please comment and send me messages and let me know what you would like to hear more about.  I hope to see you in 2013!

CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS HOUSE

This year Christmas was extra fun at our house because it wasn’t just my sisters and I we also had my niece who turned 1 the week before Christmas.  Because she had her birthday just before Christmas, by the time Christmas morning came she knew exactly what was going on and she was ready to see what was in all the packages….. it was so funny.

Christmas Eve we had dinner and gifts at my Grandma and Grandpa’s house with my Aunt, Uncle and cousins.  We played some fun games that were crazy and loud with all of us….and I won $22 – awesome!  I also got some great gifts including a new chest protector, new shoes, an I love haters hat, etc.  Grandma and Grandpa also gave everyone CASH…..Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

We came home from my Grandparents house and made some cookies for Santa and went to bed.  When we woke up we had a ton of gifts under the tree and Lola even had a slide.   My Grandparents and my Brother-In-Law’s parents and grandma came over to watch everyone open presents. Lola got lots of toys and clothes, my sisters got clothes, money, nail stuff, makeup, and a bunch of girly stuff, and……..  I got an awesome neck brace, Black Ops II, XBox points, a bean bag, legos, games, dirt bike stuff, etc.  When we were all done it was time for the SCAVENGER HUNT.

Every year my parents give us one bigger gift but we have to play a game or something to get the gift.  Years before we had to play the game of Survivor, we had to follow different color yarn through our neighborhood to find our gift, we have scavenger hunts, etc.  This year because it was raining outside and because Lola was little Mom and Dad kept the game inside with THE 12 CLUES OF CHRISTMAS.  Each clue lead us to another clue and we kept going all together until we found the last three clues that were for each of us individually   My sister Hailey’s clue lead her to a spot where she found a new stereo and speakers for her car.  My niece Lola’s clue lead her to a spot where she found a Strider, and my clue lead me to a new IPHONE……Yah!  Thanks Mom and Dad.

After breakfast and playing with all the stuff we got, we got ready to go to my Mom’s Aunts house for more Christmas fun with the extended family.  Everything was extremely tiring and extremely fun!

Make sure you check back or SUBSCRIBE TO THE FEED on the http://www.cross71.com page because…..you won’t want to miss it, exciting changes for 2013.

SLEEP OVER, SANTA, BOATS AND BIKES

Last weekend was very busy……and very fun!!!  It started Friday night with my friend Cody’s birthday party.  Cody turned 10 and I went to a pizza party for him and a lot of my dirt bike friends were there.  After the party a group of us went to play lazar tag and then we had a sleep over at the Braap Shop.   THANK YOU CODY

It was soooooo cool… Brett and Melanie (owners of the Braap Shop) let us kids play games and run around in the store all night and when we got tired we slept on the floor in the middle of the store.  It was really cool to sleep with all the dirt bikes, gear, toys and everything around me.

THANK YOU BRETT AND MELANIE AND THE BRAAP SHOP!

That is a picture of all of us sleeping…….can you see who got the bed?    

In the morning when we got up the Braap Shop was having a Breakfast With Santa day at the shop.  They had a “hot rod” sleigh and a biker Santa inside the shop and tons of people came to take pictures.  Brett even gave everyone rides around in the sleigh.

Saturday night was the parade of lights at my house.  I live on a lake and boats decorate with lights and parade around the lake.  They had huge trees, a train, an airplane, lots of music and load horns.  It was cool to watch it all from the house.

Sunday morning I got up and I went riding at a track that my friend took me to.  It had rained throughout the weekend so the track was perfect and I had a lot of fun riding all day and playing.  I was trying to do a trick for the camera and ended up laying on my side.  lol

 

PRACTICE AFTER RAIN ???

Last week it rained a lot, but the weather was clear for the weekend.  Saturday’s practice was kind of a mess, but Sunday got better.  Oatfield had practice on Saturday and we went to do some riding.  When we got to Turlock it didn’t look good…… We couldn’t see the track because the fog was everywhere.

It took several hours for the sun to come out and we could see the track.  Once the track was clear we saw that they had cut off a few sections of the track because of the mud from the rain and other sections of the track was really thick.   I had to wait until they let the kids on the track and then I was ready to go.

The track was not very good, but it was good practice and I rode well.  Everyone at the track was not happy with the conditions, and most of the kids left early.  We finished our practice and headed home to wash all the mud off the bikes.

On Sunday I went riding at MMX, I was able to ride the main track and the sand track all day.  I got there first thing in the morning and I was able to ride a couple of hours with the big bikes and we had a lot of fun battling.

During my brakes I passed out some 51 Fifty Energy Drinks and flyers from 51 Fifty and Moto Efx Graphics.  All of the guys loved the drink and they were ready to keep riding.

It was really cool that the Lawrence family came all the way to Marysville to watch me ride.  The whole family and the Moto Efx Team are amazing and the really care about the sport and the riders.  Thank you guys for coming out in the cold, you guys rock!

A couple more pictures of my day of riding.

Don’t forget to go to www.51fiftyenergydrink.com to Live The Madness 

and

Moto Efx for graphics at www.motoefx.com ….. contact them now to get the Christmas discount.

RAIN = NO RIDING…BUT MORE SCHOOL

This last week has been very wet.  It has rained most of the week which means no riding for me. 

Instead I have been using the extra time to work on my mission report for school.  I have to do a 20 page assay report with pictures and an oral report to the class.

My mission is San Luis Obispo and I finished most of the rough draft and colored my pictures……I know they look amazing!

When I started this site I promised to share the life of a kid dirt bike racer.  Going to school and doing my mission report is my life right now….until it stops raining and I go riding and I can report to you on that instead.      Wish me luck on my report!

My parents are hoping I get to go ride soon because I am driving them crazy running around the house and being silly.  lol

What do you think about the amazing glasses I found….maybe if I wear them while I do my report it will make me extra smart.  Never mind I don’t need them because I am already too smart. 

CROSS 71……TV STAR

This last week I finished the filming of the TV show for Pro X Teams.  If you don’t remember, I started filming last month and you can read all about it at LIGHTS-CAMERA-ACTION…THE MAKING OF A TV SHOW

Last time we filmed on-location, and this time we filmed the commentary in the studio.

Before filming started we met up with the crew and the hosts and everyone and went out to lunch.  I got to eat with chopsticks….but you know I only ate chicken.  lol

Then we got back to filming.  First the sound guy had to put a microphone on me and we did several sound tests to make sure everything was working.

Then we were ready to start filming.  The set was really cool!  I tried to get them to let me take one of the chairs home for my man-cave, but that didn’t work. 

My Mom and Dad got to stand behind the camera and watch everything from the camera screen.  We all talked about the day we had both at the dirt bike track and rock climbing and we joked around with each other.  We had a lot of fun!

I took some pictures with each of the hosts….Leila, Karyn, and Josh

After we were all done, Josh and I had to re-do the interview we did after I rode at the race track.  I really liked the interview we did at the track because I was sitting on my bike and I think it looked really cool, but they said the sound was not very good so we had to do everything again in the studio.  I think that went well also…probably because I am so awesome.  lol

See, I am a natural on the screen.  I think maybe I will become an actor….what do you think? 

The show is now going to editing and then it goes to the network to put it on TV.  When I get more information about when it will be on TV and what channel I will let you know.  Follow PRO X TEAMS, on Facebook, for more information and other shows that they are also working on.  Fingers crossed that I did a good job and that the show looks cool.

UPS AND DOWNS OF DIRT BIKE RIDING

My family drove to Los Angeles this last week to practice on a few tracks.  The trip was a little up and down…….

On Saturday we got up and went to Comp Edge to practice.  The practice went well and I had fun on the track, but the weather was really bad.  It was very cold and super windy!

Sunday we went to practice at Lake Elsinore.  When we got to the track it was raining and cold outside. 

After about an hour the rain left, the sun came out and the track was perfect.

As soon as the rain cleared up I was on the track and riding.

Anthony and I took some pictures for the 51 Fifty / Moto Efx guys.  I had to get a little silly in one of the pictures, you know me.  lol

We waited while they prepped the track after lunch and then it was back to riding.

After they prepped the track again I went back to riding and things didn’t go as good.  I was clearing this jump (pictures below) just like I did right before lunch, but now the track was not the same and I came up a little short on the jump and got very hurt.  After I got my breath back, my legs were very bruised up and very sore. 

The plan was to stay in LA and ride some different tracks with my Mom and my sister, but I had five huge bruises that covered most of my legs.  I went to the other tracks but because I could bearly walk I wasn’t able to get much practice in.  

My sister and I went to visit my Grandma while we were in LA. 

We had to wear name tags, so I filled out my name…..MOTOCROSS

PRACTICE & HOLIDAY

This last Monday was Veterans day and now that I have a Brother-In-Law in the military I can really understand how amazing the people in the military are and the kinds of sacrifices they make for us.  THANK YOU NICK!  I also want to thank the military families for the sacrifices they make as well.

This last weekend I did a lot of practicing, and because we had a holiday on Monday….that meant 3 days of riding.  My sister Hailey went with us this weekend and that was really fun.

I went to bed early Friday night and we woke up early Saturday morning to get to the track when they opened.  It was really cool because I was the only person on the track for the first 15 minutes of practice.  I loved that I got to make my own lines and work on practicing on a wet track.  I even had time to show off my huge muscles!

After practicing all day we went to the hotel and I hung out in the hot tub with my friend from the track.  It was soooo cold all day the hot water felt really good.

The next day we were all back at a different track to work on different skills.  It was so cold in the morning, but we were there and ready to ride.

It was very cool that Monday tracks were open also……so back to a different track for another day of practice.  I was able to ride a lot on Monday and I had a really fun weekend.

I am excited to get all the riding in I can because the rain is coming soon. 

HALLOWEEN….PAST AND PRESENT

My first Halloween my Mom dressed me up as a TURTLE….Really!  I know I wasn’t old enough to say what I wanted to be, so lets all be happy that I now get to decide what I am going to be for Halloween each year.

My second Halloween I refused to wear any costumes.  My parents tried to buy me several different costumes that they thought were cool, but I think I was still traumatized from the year before and I said no costume.  My Mom dressed my in camo clothes and told everyone I was HUNTER THE HUNTER.

The next year I wanted to wear a costume and I was BUZZ LIGHTYEAR.  I loved the costume so much I would wear it all the time for like a month.  I will update with a picture of me in it later, but trust me I looked amazing. 

To infinity and beyond!

After I grew out of my Buzz phase I was into the BLACK SPIDERMAN….not the red spiderman, I liked the evil one better.  This started my fun with wanting to scare everyone on Halloween.

The next year I was the EVIL JESTER.  I took the regular Jester costume and also got a scary mask to make it a little different.

The next year I put another costume together and I also made up my own name….I was THE MASTER OF DEATH.  Pretty good, right?

Then it was time to be an EVIL CLOWN.  I actually had two different ways of wearing this costume.  I had a scary mask and I also painted my face so I could scare everyone twice.

Last year I was the GRIM REAPER complete with a bloody knife.  I would just stand in the doorway of people and stare at them…..I didn’t say anything, they wanted me to say trick-or-treat but I didn’t I just stood there.  The people would be kinda nervous and but a candy in my bag and close the door.  I would just stay till they were gone, it was sooooo funny.

and this year I was THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN.  It was pretty cool because I even had to wear shoulder pads so it would look like my head was really missing.

My whole school does a parade for Halloween and we go to my mom’s office and she passes out candy to everyone.  This year she dressed up as CARRIE.  None of my friends knew who she was, but all of the adults and teachers kept saying she looked like a really cool Carrie and they thought it was funny her name is really Kari.

Can’t wait till next year!

LIVING THE MADNESS…ON THE RACE TRACK!

This last weekend I decided to do some practice on my wrist, body and bikes!

I RODE ON 4 DIFFERENT TRACKS IN 2 DAYS

that is how……..

I LIVE THE MADNESS!

Saturday morning we got up early and drove to Marysville to ride at E-Street MX.  I planned on meeting a lot of my friends their and we raced together with the other riders all day.  I rode for five hours and then it was time for lunch.

My parents and I went to get something to eat and then we went to the night practice at Riverfront MX.  My friends couldn’t go with us, but I had sooo much fun because I got to ride with the big bikes.  The big bikes kept getting on behind me and we would battle and have little mini races, I even got to bump bars with some of them.  It was fun riding under the lights and racing with big riders.  By the end of the night I was very tired and ready for bed. 

I woke up Sunday morning and it was time to do some more riding.  We went to MMX and I rode half the day on the sand track and half the day on the main track.  I rode my bike from one end of the property to the other. 

I liked riding several different tracks at the same time and having to change my riding style from track to track.

I am glad I took 51 FIFTY ENERGY DRINKS and so were the other riders…..

After a weekend full of riding, I got about 7 new blisters and only one scratch on my arm…..I think it was an amazing weekend.

93 YEARS YOUNG

My Great-Grandpa is 93 years old and he has never seen me ride a dirt bike. My Great-Grandpa lives with my Uncle Johnny on over a half-acre of property and he still rototilles his own garden and it is an amazing garden.

Great-Grandpa has been to several car races over the years, but has never been to a dirt bike track. When he comes over my house he likes to go in my Man Cave and he loves to look at all of my trophies. My family and I thought it was time for Great Grandpa John to see what dirt bike racing is like.

This week my Dad picked up my Great-Grandpa and my Uncle Johnny and brought them to the race track to watch me practice. My Mom and I took my Grandma and Grandpa and we all met at the track. My Great-Grandpa was so excited to see the bikes ride, but he had no idea what to expect. I wore my brightest gear I had so that Great-Grandpa would be able to see me on the track and it was time to go ride.

My Great-Grandpa thought I was amazing!

My Grandma and Grandpa and Great Grandpa and Uncle Johnny all had sooooo much fun. My Great-Grandpa had never seen motorcycles jump in the air like we did and he couldn’t believe how fast the bikes went. We sat Grandpa in a chair on the starting gate and he yelled every time my bike went in the air because he was so excited and couldn’t believe I could do that.

I was sooooo excited to be able to show my Great-Grandpa what I do, and I think he really had a lot of fun! I love my family!

MY BIKES ARE SEXY AND I KNOW IT!

OK, so I know that we decided I wasn’t going to be a singer and I should stick to dirt bikes after my last song HUNTER CROSS CRAZY ABOUT 51 FIFTY ENERGY DRINK……but I decided I should try a second music video.

Now that I have made two music videos I am wondering if I should have a cool name like the guys on the radio…..What do you think my name should be?

• MC MOTOCROSS
• SUPERCROSS
• LL COOL H
• DR CROSS
• HARDCORE HUNTER
• 71 CENT
• ????????

This second music video is my take on the LMFAO song that works great with my dirt bikes.

BACK IN ACTION……FINALLY!

I got my cast off and I got cleared from the doctor to ride my dirt bike again….I was so excited!  I went to practice and my wrist feels really good, but my body is a different story.  I am soooo sore and my blisters on my hands were back just after one practice. 

I also need to work on my stamina…..I only did a few laps and I was ready for a break.  So it is time to work on getting back into shape and getting up to speed!

I went to practice at Riverfront, which I have never been to before.  The track was really fun and I was able to practice a new track and work on getting back into shape.  I also went to E-Street with some friends and we had a lot of fun!

It was fun to kick up dirt again!

LIGHTS-CAMERA-ACTION……. THE MAKING OF A TV SHOW!

A couple of weeks ago I got hooked up with a television producer that was filming 5 episodes of a TV show about people who do extreme sports. They asked if they could do an episode about me and dirt bike racing……YES!

Last Friday we filmed the show and it was amazing! The whole thing was totally cool and it was really fun to see how it all works, I couldn’t believe how much goes into it.

First I need to say Thank You to Ralph at 408MX for letting us shoot the dirt bike stuff at his track. It was very strange when we showed up at the track because I have never been to 408MX and no one was in the parking lot. We got to the track early to get all my bikes ready to go.

Shortly after we got there, a ton of people showed up to start filming the show…..they had several film people, photographers, production people, people who handled contracts that needed to be signed, and the hosts of the show. Soon it was time to start filming…The filming at the race track took about 4 hours. They would set up the cameras in a spot on the track and I would do several takes in that one spot and then they would adjust the cameras in a different angle and I would do the same spot some more. Then we would move to a different spot on the track and do it all again. Before I even got on the track we did about 7 takes of me putting on my gear and starting my bike. It was really cool they would start with the cameras far away from me and by the end they were right on top of me.

After we got the shots of me getting ready…..it was time to go ride. First the cameras got set up at the end of the finish line jump and in the first turn. Then they moved to the middle of the jump and then on the back side of the jump. Each camera filmed on opposite sides of the track and they took pictures at the same time also. (I think the pictures were to do a press kit about the episode, but I’m not sure)

Then I waited while they set the camera’s up in a different spot on the track. We did this in about 7 different spots on the track. They would tell me what kind of shot they were trying to get and what part they would be filming and I would try to jump right in the spot they were at.

The guys wanted to stand on the track to get the closest shot, but I think they were a little scared I was going to land on them. I convinced them that they could stand on the track and I wouldn’t hit them and I think they got some really great shots.

After we were done getting all the shots of me riding, it was time for me to be interviewed with one of the hosts of the show. I was interviewed by Josh Williams who was totally fun. Throughout the day Josh and I started picking on each other and got real silly, you will see that part in a little.

I think the interview went well. I was a little nervous at first, but I started having fun with Josh and then it was better…..I hope!

After the interview, the hosts and I had to go and shoot at the second location…..Rock Climbing. I had never been rock climbing before and I was a little sore from riding all morning (because I haven’t rode in 2 months because of my broken wrist) But, I was ready to go!

We waited for the cameras to get set up and then it was time to start climbing. We did 3 different climbs and it was me and each of the three hosts of the show (Leila, Karyn, and Josh). The cameras set up one on the ground and one up on the second level and I started climbing.

After my climb, I watched and cheered on each of the hosts, and we all took turns watching.

By the time we got to the last wall….I was so tired and my arms felt like jello. I was very excited I was able to finish and get to the top. A few times during the climb I was thinking that was far enough, but they all cheered me on and I made it. (not all the hosts made it to the top of the last one….you know who you are. lol)

Between takes I liked to pick on Josh and he and I had fun messing with each other. Thanks for having fun with me!

Of course I also had a ton of fun with the girls…they were totally awesome, and much prettier than Josh.

After we were all done filming, we went out to lunch with everyone and even though it was totally fun, I was so tired and my muscles were very sore….I think I might have slept through lunch. lol

We finished filming for the day, but I do get to see everyone again for a third location that we will be filming at in about a week……I CAN’T WAIT!

I got to see some of the shots through the camera that they took of me riding and it looked AMAZING! I can’t wait to see the show and what it will all look like put together. I will keep you all posted when all the editing is done and after it is given to the network. The whole experience was amazing and I was so lucky to have been given the chance to experience something as cool as making a TV show…..it is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be.

I HAVE TO GIVE A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO LEILA HAUCK FOR CHOOSING ME FOR THIS EPISODE!

Please support Leila, Karyn, and Josh! Make sure you LIKE their Facebook page (PRO X TEAMS) to see upcoming show information.

THANK YOU

• LEILA HAUCK
• KARYN HOSKIN
• JOSH WILLIAMS
• THE ENTIRE FILM CREW
• PRO X TEAMS
• 408MX

RACER X MAGAZINE…AND ME!

I just received the current issue of Racer X magazine.  I was reading about Villapoto, Dungey, Bagget, and all of my other favorite riders……then I came across my picture and my name.  WHAT? 

I couldn’t believe it…..they did a little write up about Loretta Lynn’s.  They put a picture of the start of the race when I got the hole shot and I am right in the middle of the picture.  On the side it says (The 65cc class is changing colors as orange KTMs including #71 Hunter Cross……..) I know, it is not a spread like Villapoto but it is still cool that I am in there at all.  lol

 

 

DODGE UPDATE…..FROM THE STANDS!

At the end of the week I went back to Sacramento to be with my team and watch everyone race. It was really hard to watch my class race and not be on the track.

When our teams pro riders were ready to go out to race i got to wear the headset and communicate with the team.

After they raced the guys and I hung out…and they even let me drive…..I don’t know what they were thinking.  lol  we all had so much fun!

After the races were over they had a fashion show. I walked in the fashion show and handed out energy drinks. The announcer interviewed me…. He asked me if I drove the 51 Fifty Semi-truck to the track and I told him I did. Lol. I walked down the runway and I handed out a couple of energy drinks at the end. Of course I rocked it! (I had a video I was going to share with you but everyone was screaming so load for me, you can’t hear it very well.   )

I was really sad that I couldn’t ride on the track, it looked really good!  The team made everything soooo much fun we did a lot of really fun team things.

My Dad bought me a Cyco Cycle….It was really fun and I even learned a couple of tricks on it.  It was really cool because I could ride it without any hands.  My Mom was not happy, she thinks it is sketchy.

The guys on the team all did really good.  I had a ton of fun watching them and cheering for them during the races.  Good job guys!

I had fun hanging out with some of my other sponsors also, Larry and Dave from Moto Efx.  I love hanging out with those guys….and I love when they get me cool new graphics, because my bikes always look sick!   Call 209-649-5394 or check out the website at www.motoefx.com

While I was there and I also met Paul with Lufo’s Kustom Designs….he paints helmets and they look amazing.  He uses crazy paint that looks amazing in the sun and he even uses reflective numbers or designs that will glow in the dark or when the camera flashes….it is so cool!

Call Paul at LUFO’S KUSTOM DESIGNS 831-901-6585

The whole 51 Fifty Energy team was amazing!  Michael was so much fun…..I got to do some work around the tent and help out the team which was really cool.  It was nice to see how the system works and how things in the rig works.  Thank you Michael for letting me work with you! 

www.51fiftyenergydrink.com

NOW IT IS TIME TO GET ON MY AWESOME LOOKING BIKES AND REPRESENT FOR MY TEAM…..I WILL BE BACK ON THE TRACK VERY SOON!

THE 51 FIFTY TEAM HAS A NEW LOOK

This last weekend was the start of the Dodge National Race in Sacramento….which I can’t race in because of my wrist.
I am excited that my 51 FIFTY team has still let me take part in the week long event. Sunday I took my bike to the track and as a team the bikes all got make overs.

Sunday was move in day for all the riders and the lot was getting full fast. The 51 FIFTY rig looked awesome and I was very excited to see my bike under the tent.

We are all sporting some very cool red and white graphics and all the bikes on the team now match. I love the new colors and design and can’t wait to see it on the track. It was really hard working on my bike with only my left hand but we all worked together and it came out awesome.

After we worked on bikes, we got to hang out and relax for a little.

Then we put all the bikes upstairs in the hauler. It is really cool to see my bike up away with the pro bikes…..hoping to be on one of the pro bikes one day.

Thank you Larry from Moto Efx for the cool graphics, you did great….as usual.

Thank you Micheal from 51 FIFTY for letting me be a part of Dodge even though I am not riding. You always make me feel welcome and I really appreciate everything you do for me.

Later this week I will be back at the track not riding, but supporting my team. Check back later for the behind the scene look at Dodge from a spectator instead of a rider this year.

WRIST UPDATE

It has been about three and a half weeks since I fell and broke my wrist. I had a doctor appointment this week, and I was hoping to get the cast off and be ready to get on my bike.

First I went to visit my friends in cast room to get my cast cut off.

Then I went to get new X-rays taken.

While I waited for the doctor I was being silly with my Dad and Mom.

I was not still happy after I visited the doctor…..I was so sad to hear I needed another cast. I can tell my wrist still hurts but I miss riding soooo much I was hoping the doctor was going to give me better news. Instead the doctor sent me back to the cast room.

I hate my new cast! I am happy that this cast doesn’t go all the way up my arm, but I am sad I am still not on my bike.

I guess I should find this shirt since I only go to school and to the doctors these days!

A MUSIC VIDEO – “CRAZY” ABOUT 51FIFTY ENERGY DRINKS

Since I am not on the track supporting my 51FIFTY team I thought I would be like Dale and Brennan from the Step Brothers movie and MAKE A MUSIC VIDEO…..prestigue world wide!

I took 7 songs that are currently on the radio, I changed some of the words to fit the drink and put it all together.

• THE LAZY SONG – Burno Mars
• CALL ME MAYBE – Carly Rae Jepsen
• AIRPLANES – B.O.B featuring Eminem
• I WANT YOU BACK – Cher Lloyd
• YOU DON’T KNOW YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL – One Direction
• 5-1-5-0 – Dierks Bentley
• I THINK I WANNA MARRY YOU – Burno Mars

I HOPE YOU ENJOY MY ACTING AND SINGING

….I promise I will stick with dirt bikes as soon as my arm is better.

ANOTHER WEEK OF NO DIRT BIKES FOR ME

Since I broke my wrist and I haven’t been able to ride my dirt bikes, I think I might be going a little 51FIFTY!  My Mom even says I have too much energy.  The other day we were driving in the car and I was bored, so I decided to play with the sun shade….and of course a dirt bike.

My family and I went out to dinner at Mongolian Bar-B-Q, and it was sooooo good.  If you don’t know, you get to pick your own meats, vegetables, and noodles and then make your own sauce and watch them cook your creation.  Of course I made mine without meat and without vegetables, so I had the most delicious noodles and sauce ever.

After dinner my family and I walked around the mall and then went to the movies to see Batman.  The movie was really good and I can’t wait for the next one, I loved the ending!

My sister and I have been doing some things together and we even went to lunch with some of our dirt bike friends and that was really fun.

I have a doctor’s appointment next week to see how I am healing and when I can get back on my bike…..

WISH ME LUCK!

Also I want to wish all my friends on the team luck this weekend at the Lake Elsinore Motocross race in Los Angeles.  Make sure you watch the races and cheer on some really great guys!  GOOD LUCK!

NO RACING FOR ME….THIS WEEKEND WAS ALL ABOUT TEAM SUPPORT

This weekend was the Verb Classic race at Oatfield.  Because I broke my wrist last weekend, I was not able to race.  My (51 FIFTY/ Moto Efx) team was racing and my family and I went to the race to support the other riders.  It was a lot of fun to have the whole team together and hangout with the guys.

All of the guys on the team did really awesome in all of thier races!

I was so sad that I couldn’t get on the track and ride!  I sat on the side, held my friends little dog and watched the action.

I did try to show support on my broken arm with some stickers.

After the races were over the team and I went to the race shop to get ready for an outing with the guys.  The shop was soooooo awesome!  It was full of 51 FIFTY Energy drinks.

And some of Carlos’ race cars were there.  I even got to sit in a couple of them.  I felt like I was a Nascar racer….they were totally cool.

When everyone got to the shop we all went to the Portuguese Bull Fights.  The Carlos Vieira Foundation was hosting a bloodless Bullfight Festival to benefit Autism and Cancer.  I have never been to a bullfight before and I am Portuguese so I was excited to see what it was like.  This is a picture of me and all the guys from the team getting ready to watch the show.  20 of us went to the event and we had awesome front row seats to watch the show.

 The fight was so fun!  I couldn’t believe how many people were there.  The place was huge and they didn’t even have enough seats for everyone.  The show was so cool.  We saw guys in the ring with capes with the bulls, guys on horses fighting with the bulls, and teams of people who jump on the bull and try to hold them down.  (I am sure all of these things have names, but I don’t know what they are) My pictures are really bad because everything was happening really fast.

 

I got a video of the guys that catch the bull…..it is kinda hard to see.  The guys wait for the bulls to run at them, they all hold him down and then they hold his tail while everyone gets out of the ring.  It was totally crazy.

I was really sad I couldn’t ride, but I had an amazing time hanging out with all my friends from the team.  Thank you Carlos for inviting us to the bullfights it was awesome.  Everyone will have to go to the next event the CVF has, they are totally awesome. Go to www.raceforautism.net for more information, and check back often for new events.

A MINOR SETBACK

This last weekend started off great.  On the way to the Oatfield race I stopped at BOSS to pick up my bike and all of my new suspensions.  Matt does an amazing job getting my bikes exactly how I like them……I don’t know how he does it.  My suspension has never been so good.  Thank you BOSS.

After we picked up my bike we stopped for some food.  I got a foot long hot dog and it was really hard to hold.

We got to the track on Friday night and we went to bed early to get some rest for an exciting race weekend.  Saturday morning I was excited to practice and my suspension had never been better.  I felt very good on my bikes and the track was awesome.  I was having a ton of fun clearing everything and I was riding really fast and smooth. Half way through practice my bike landed in a hole, it kicked just as I was hitting another roller and I was flying through the air.  I took a really hard hit and I knew right away that something was wrong with my wrist.  I was in a lot of pain and I wasn’t having any fun at all.

Finally I got some pain medicine and even though I was totally mad I wasn’t riding, I felt a lot better.  I made sure that everyone knew that #71 was in the building.

I decided to FIX the “pain scale”

On a scale of 0 to 51FIFTY……Which one do you think I am?

Then the medicine just made me silly.  The splint they put on my arm was silly looking and it hurt so I made a hat out of it.

When I got back to the track a lot of my friends wanted to make sure I was OK.

and I got to see my bike.  I bent the handle bars really bad, blew out the master cylinder for the brakes and just made a mess of things.

We decided to stay at the track and watch some races and I hated it.  It was really fun to watch everyone ride and cheer them on, but I really wanted to be on the track with them.

Oatfield was kinda strange this weekend because several people left with kinda major injuries.  Scalvini and I both got broken wrists, Reed got a really bad concussion….and I heard that more people had broken collar bones, and other injuries.  I hope my friends and I have a very fast recovery so we can all get back on the track.

Monday I went to my doctor and got a real cast put on until I see orthopedics in about a week.

Still supporting my 51 FIFTY team with red and black colors, just not on the track for just a little.  I will be back on the track soon!

My neighbor Pat felt bad for my injury so we went for a ride in his razor…..it is totally cool.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

While I was in Tennessee my class was starting school. As soon as I got back it was time to start the fourth grade and catch up on all the classwork I missed while I was gone for the week. If you remember last year I wrote about my ( first day of third grade )and I shared pictures of the first day of school every year. This year my sister and I couldn’t take pictures together because her first day was while I was gone and my first day was a week later.

So back to school to practice multiplication, division, and spelling and back to the track to practice for next years Nationals.  Even though it was way hot in Tennessee, it has also been really hot here at home. I have still been able to get a little practice in……

Practice makes perfect……so I will see you at the track!

 

 

FEEL THE MACA COMMERCIAL

51 FIFTY Energy Drink just came out with a commercial…..Feel the MACA!

What is MACA? MACA is a herb with tons of nutrients to enrich the function of the whole body. The MACA herb has wonderful anti-aging and sexual-enhancing properties and it is also chocked full of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids including calcium and iron.

Check out the “Feel the MACA” video below.

I have to talk to 51 FIFTY about casting…..I don’t know why I wasn’t asked to play the boyfriend.

Feel the Madness!

LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

With the help of my family and friends I had made it to Tennessee, Carlos from 51 FIFTY helped us with our bike, Larry with Moto Efx created some totally cool graphics and Matt from BOSS worked on my suspension…..my bike was ready to ride!

The Championship race at Loretta Lynn’s is the Olympics for dirt bike racers. You have to qualify through multiple races to earn a spot in the main event in Tennessee. Kids qualify from all over the world including Japan, Australia, and Brazil. Each class has only 43 kids that earn spots to the event. All of the races were really fun to watch because we get to see people from other states around the world and everyone is really fast.

I am not sure how we did it, but with people parked miles from the track…. We got the best spot in the place. We parked right behind the mechanics area in view of the starting gate and most of the track. Our spot was the place most people went to watch the races which was perfect because it gave me a chance to promote my sponsors a little.

My first day on the track was for one 20 minute practice session. When we got to the track in the morning we were a little sad that it was raining. It is difficult to get a good practice on a track that is all muddy and messy.

My practice didn’t go to well…I fell a couple of times and most of the jumps were too wet for anyone to hit. I was defiantly at a disadvantage with most of the kids in my class. Out of the 43 riders in my class 38 of them are a year older than I am, and they have been to the race in previous years and they had the advantage of already knowing the track. Although I was hoping for a better practice I couldn’t wait for the next day to race.

After practice. We went back to our hotel, washed my bike, and I helped my Dad change the oil.

The first race of the week each rider picks a number and that is the order we pick our starting spot. I was really lucky and I picked number 3 so I had a really good pick.

When the gate dropped I was ready to go. I was able to be the first person out of the gate and I got the hole shot. I couldn’t believe that I got such a great start…..it was totally cool. Both because I wasn’t completely comfortable on the track and my bike didn’t turn as well as some of the other kids bikes, I fell back a little but was able to pull off a 9th place finish. It was soooooo hot and I am not used to riding in that much heat for a 20 minute race. When I came around to get the checkered flag, I cleared the jump before the finish but when I landed my hand slipped off the handlebar and I went flying. I was thrown through the finish line and my bike flipped through it as well. So I finished in 9th place but I wasn’t even on my bike when I crossed the finish line. Lol

Because I finished in the top 10 I had to go to the leaders tent after the race. I also got to go on the podium because I got the hole shot and I won a $100 from the Motorcycle Superstore.

It was really cool to get on the podium at Loretta’s and have a chance to thank all of my sponsors.

The next day was my second race and it was the last race of the day. The track was super rough and the weather started to change. It was still super hot, but the wind came up a little and the rain was expected at any time. I was hoping I would be able to finish my race before it started raining. I had another good start and I had some really good battles and made some hard passes. Towards the last 3laps of my race I started seeing lightning coming down on the track. It never rained but it was really strange to be riding and seeing huge flashes of light. I was able to finish the race with a 10th place and be under the top 10 tent for a second time.

Michael from 51 FIFTY Energy Drink flew into Tennessee and was there to watch me ride my last race. Before my race Michael and I got to hang out and have some fun watching the races. He even introduced me to other riders and we got to talk about the track.

Ten minutes before my last race I was getting dressed to race and out of nowhere a huge tree fell in our pit area. Luckily we were getting ready to race and not sitting in our chairs. The tree destroyed our easy up and bent the handlebars on my bike. My Dad didn’t have enough time to change my bars so I had to race with them bent. It was so crazy that the tree fell, and I am so happy that no one was hurt.

In my last race I again got a good start, I had to make a couple hard passes and was able to finish in 9th place…..which gave me a 9th place overall finish. Three races, three times in the tent and a top 10 finish….I was pretty happy with that for my first time there. From race one to the final race I increased my lap times by 10 seconds and kept improving on different sections of the track. I can’t wait to improve on what I learned this year at next years race.

After my last race Michael took me to the river to get cooled off….it felt so good!

Thank you Michael for all your support….you and the 51 FIFTY TEAM ROCK!

After all the races we went back to the Loretta Lynn pavilion for the awards ceremony. I was really excited to be able to make it to the awards ceremony and be in the top 10 (1 percent) of racers that make it to the event.

MY TRIP TO TENNESSEE

As i left Discovery Bay for my trip my family were standing on the side of the road with signs wishing us a great trip it was really cool that my family was so excited to support me.

My trip to Tennessee was a 2,300 miles and it took us about 35 hours to drive. We started in Northern California, drove through Southern California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and finally we made it to Tennessee. All I can say is that my parents were really happy that I am sponsored by an energy drink company…..thanks for the 51 FIFTY Energy Drinks.

During this trip we had fun doing a little sight-seeing and playing. After 25 hours we made our first stop in Oklahoma City and we went for dinner on the river walk. It was really hot but it was really pretty and it was nice to get out of the car and walk around.

After dinner we had ice cream and then we got back on the road till our next stop.

Our next stop was in Memphis Tennessee and we went to Graceland to see the home that Elvis lived in.

We toured the house, his cars, and his airplanes…..I tried on his glasses, and we Took Care of Business.

The house was really pretty on the outside

and the inside was decorated really crazy

Behind the house is a club house where Elvis liked to play racquet ball and it has the piano where Elvis played his last song the morning of his death. The racquet ball room was converted into walls of gold records.

I didn’t know that Elvis and his family was buried in the yard.

Then we checked out his old cars.

I like the Lisa Marie….his airplane was really cool. He had a huge airplane that was converted with a sitting area, dining table and a full bedroom and bathroom.

After a very long trip we finally arrived at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and I was so excited.

The place was so crazy! Loretta Lynn lives on 600 acres and people were camping for miles. I found an Ariel shot of the property but it doesn’t show that people are camping all through the trees….it was a huge event.

On the property we took a tour of Loretta Lynn’s house. After her kids were older and moved out. She built the home she lives in now and the started giving tours of this old home that was used in the Coal Miners Daughter movie.

Her house is right next to a beautiful dam along the river that runs through the property.

They also have the small 3 bedroom home that her parents and her 8 brothers and sisters grew up in. My parents didn’t know that Crystal Gail was Loretta Lynn’s little sister.

In the museum they had her original tour bus that was really cool. It had a full bedroom that Loretta slept in and little bunks that the rest of the band slept in.

We also got to go on a tour of a pretend coal mine. It was cool.

Back at the track….my parents bought me a Traxxis car and I played on the mini track. I really liked jumping the car.

Several pro riders were at the track throughout the week…Ryan Villapoto, Blake Bagget, Bubba Stewart, etc. I watch Villapoto ride his new 2013 bike for the first time after being off with his injury. I watched the GOAT(Greatest Of All Time) Ricky Carmichael race which was totally cool. Carmichael was so fast and he was jumping things that no one else was able to do. Here is a picture of me and the GOAT.

At the Loretta Lynn pavilion we signed in, got my racing bib, and our program with my picture in it.

I took my report card and I was given Loretta Lynn’s honor roll award and got to put a LL A+ on my bike.

We had a lot of fun, but I couldn’t wait to get on the track and race……

To be continued….

STATES OF PLATES

Most of you know that my family has two personalized license plates…..

my plate is(CROSS 71):

And my sister’s plate is (RACING TO WIN):

Since I am getting ready to take a very long drive through many states…..I thought it would be fun to play a license plate game before I leave. I found some racing plates from all over I thought you might like.

I can’t wait to see what I will see along our trip…..wish me luck!

TRAINING AND TURLOCK

This last weekend I did a lot of training on the dirt bike I am taking to the Loretta race.  I was having a lot of trouble riding the bike and the suspension was not the way I liked it.  Matt and the guys from BOSS Cycle Sports worked on it several times and finally this weekend the bike was exactly how I like it.  I was able to get through the rough parts of the track and the bike sat down just the way I like it in the corners.  Thanks guys!

After testing on Saturday we headed out to the Turlock Faire to support my 51 FIFTY team that was racing.  I really wanted to race with them, but the team was supportive of me getting my bike ready for Loretta’s first.  It was so much fun to watch the guys race and to hang out with the team.  During a few races I sat in the announcers booth with Gary and I was able to plug my 51 FIFTY – Moto Efx team…. talk about the races and the energy drink, and I had a front row seat for the action.

All the guys did really well and I was so excited to watch them ride.  Tilford, Plouffe, and Fields put on a great show!

It was nice to be able to talk to the riders and they team about racing tips during the day and we also had so much fun being silly.

I got my new TLD helmet from Larry at Moto Efx and it looks so sick wrapped like the team with 51 FIFTY.

I will be getting my new Loretta graphics soon…….I can’t wait to show them to you! 

51 FIFTY ENERGY DRINK – HELMET CAM

Since we are getting ready to go to the Nationals we have been doing a lot of practicing and getting my bikes all dialed in.  I thought you might like to see another video of a practice at 408MX this last week.  I had my 51 FIFTY Helmet Cam on as I went through the practice.