How many of you had or still have dirtbikes?

[FF376]

Had several bikes in the 80's and 90's but my hands down favorite was my XR 250. It took abuse like nothing I've ever seen and kept wanting more. Ended up building it into a stout 280cc modified suspension woods machine. A lot of our riding areas closed down or built up into housing or shopping areas by the end of 90's so I sold it and financed some car projects. Thanks for the thread,  brought back some fun memories

[dmastr3665]

I had 2 of the first year Kawi H2s 1972 with the short swing arm, that was the last bike i ever drove on the road, had a problem with the front brake at around 50mph and almost lost it, hit the gas and the front end came up and when it came down the front wheel was free, made it home and sold it the next week scared me way too much.  this was back in the 90s never had a desire to go back on the road after that only dirt bikes, I know exactly why they called it the widow maker.

[7E-Bodies]

I bought new in 1979, a 79 Yamaha 175 street legal Enduro. Silver with red stripe. For an 18 year old, it was a symbol of freedom. I had it when I owned a pristine 70 Challenger RT 440 with 28,000 miles on it. Good memories. Bike is in the background.

[torredcuda]

My one and only time ever being on a real motocross track - racing at Canaan NH. I entered the amatuer class and the senior class at 39 yrs old, just missed being eligible for the super senior class by a few weeks. Since it was my first time racing my only goals in order of importance were to 1. not break ME  2. not completely destroy my 2 month old `99 KX250  and 3. not come in last. First amatuer race I finished 17th out of 20 or so racers, first senior race I got smoked by the mix of intermediates and experts in the class, secone amatuer race I think I was mid pack in 12th or 14th. It was a hot and dusty July day and I was too beat to want to do the second seniot moto so called it a day and just watched the rest.

[jordan]

It is amazing how much strength and energy it takes to race a motorcycle.  I did six road racing events this summer.  I could hardly walk for a few days after each race because I was so sore.  I had been working out and riding bicycle all spring and summer just to stay in shape, but the actual events kicked my ass.  Maybe its because I am 50yrs old, but I remember the same thing when I was in my 20s.  I am amazed at the guys that do almost every race, that they are that strong and fit to do it.  I ride approximately 75 laps per day over a 3 day weekend.  Some guys are doing over 150 laps per day and seem just fine.  I remember reading that the MotoGP guys can have sustained heart rates of 190 bpm for 50 minutes.  Pretty sure that is an elite athlete. Overall, it is a tough sport.