Dirt Soldiers MX Blog

Down But Not Out!

2008-12-08T18:21:00Z

                                                                                   Injury's Suck

     Man have I been there.... Bad Injury, you just get out of the hospital and your at home lying on the couch. You've watched every program on tv 300 times and you know them by heart. You're so burnt on your playstation. You went to the fridge on your crutches and back to the couch like 800 times in one day just to open the door to stare at the same stuff you did the last 799 times. It sucks!

     Maybe a little moto-vation will help. I was there, so one day I decided lying there on the couch that I'm going to do something. You cant even believe you are thinking it but your mind starts contenplating giving up this sport .  The pain really sucks, but it does not last forever and believe me, before to long the four strokes will start firing in your head or two strokes for you die hard two strokers. Anyway, I will give you a little story on myself that might help get you up to 5th gear.

     With a broken femur, tiblia, and completely blown out knee ( the way it broke turned my femur to mush),that I couldn't put any pressure on it for a year, I decided to just get the year in then I had to start therapy. It was a total of two and a half yrs down and out. So the first thing I thought was I'm going to be jubba the hut if I dont get off this couch and exercise. I had crutches I could get around on so thats what I did. Everyday I got up and walked around my block, very slowly, but who cares. I was doing something, and it moto-vated me.

     I would walk til I got tired, break, then go at it again. Before I knew it I was going around several of my blocks. I was rolling on them crutches like they had a 450 motor in them. The biggest thing is that while I was crutch walking I was thinking about riding and getting back on the bike, even though my doctor thought there was a chance that I'd never even walk right again.

     So I was at a wedding for a friend who was cousins with Ty Wallace, a pro rider who at one time ranked 35th in the world. Well he was also injured. Both of us there on crutches, sitting at a table bull crapping about riding. I told him about how I get out and crutch walk and he said he was doing the same and it was moto-vating him too. But on my mind and I could tell on his, we both werent sure if we'd ever be able to ride again.

     Then Ty said something to me that I will never forget. He said have you ever been anywhere like riding in a car and in that dream-like state and seen a awesome field or a sweet jump on one of those highways and your mind just makes that motocross sound? Like you look, see it, and you hear braaaaaaaaaap? I said hell yeah, it just happened to me the other day going to the doctors for a check-up. And now that you say about it, that is the first time it has happened in awhile. He replied, don't worry. You will ride again.

     I never forgot that and from that day on I knew without a doubt I'd be back on my bike. Just remember you're down but not out and when the braaaaaaap comes back to you, you will ride again!

Finding MX Sponsors

2008-11-29T10:37:00Z

If you’ve found yourself getting more serious about riding and racing, putting some serious money down for equipment, and have a few wins under your belt, you might be ready to take your game to the next level. Have you been wondering about getting sponsors? If you answered "yes", then guess what? You’re not alone. Read on for some insight to this quest…

Most riders think that doing well on the track and bringing home a few coveted trophies would be enough to be noticed by a sponsor scout or two. Nope. It’s not that easy. But there are some things that you can proactively do that might tilt the scales in your favor.

Finding a Sponsor is like Finding a Job

Just like when you were casting about for your day job (you know, the one that pays for your toys), the first step is to create an impressive resume. This signals to the sponsors that you are serious and would be as asset to their product.

What do they want to see? Not only what you have done in the past, but also what you plan to accomplish in the near future. They want to see a plan of attack. What’s special in your background? Were you mentored by someone of note? Which important races have you won? Point out a few things that show you to be multi-faceted and responsible. Remember, if you wear their logo, you become their public face. Finally, you need to convey the message (without coming out and saying so) that you are looking for a mutually beneficial relationship and not that you’re just in it for the free stuff.

Do Your Legwork

Again, this is just like searching for a job. You may be an amateur rider bet there’s nothing amateur about your approach. Talk to the shops where you buy parts or gear. You’ve already got a good working relationship with them. This is just another way to network. Ask them about any sponsors that are looking for riders. Ask them if you can use them for a reference.

Put any leads you get on a list. Next, brainstorm to think of any companies you would like to approach. Add them to the list. When you’ve got enough to work with, print out resumes and cover letters and send them to the sponsor companies. Follow up correspondence may be done via email but start out with snail mail.

Finally, get your resume online. Sites such as MXSponsors.com are the natural places to target. Is there a small local newspaper where you live? Contact them and ask the sports reporter if he or she would be willing to interview you. You would be surprised – these local rags will jump at the opportunity.

A Picture is worth a Thousand Words

Promote, promote, promote. Take a tip from models and actors. Self-promotion is invaluable. What you have over them is that MX is an action sport. Get some riveting shots or videos that show you at your best. This will help you stand out from the crowd. Showcase your style and technique. Make them say, "Look at this guy!" Send the photos as press releases. The videos? Put them on a disc for distribution and post them on Youtube.

Getting the word out is what does the trick. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.