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Here is a picture of me racing from 1982 at the Mabton track in Washington. To be honest, I don't remember much about the early days at the track. I do remember things like my brother looping out on the uphill start straight, my dad was always winning, and I was worried about getting up the big hill. For some reason, it took me a while to figure out that downshifting method my dad told me about.
This JR50 was a hand-me-down from my brother. I don't know where that huge number plate came from, but you can bet the lap checkers never missed me on the way by. As I get older, pictures like this remind me how much of a hero my dad is to me. You tend to forget that in your teen years, when you decide you know more than they do. I am a father now and look forward to being my daughter’s hero, yet scared to death for those teen years to come. One big difference with my daughter and me at her age is going to be safety gear. Take a good look at all that safety gear I don't have on. My competitor, on the other hand, has those goggle things with a mouth guard (including duct tape), a Seattle Seahawks protective jacket (just as good as a chest protector), and those cowboy boots (talk about ankle support). Mom and Dad, I love you, but parents, if your kids look like this, you need to head down to your local dealership and do some Christmas shopping.
If you have a story you would like to share with our readers about your “first bike” experience, contact Fubar: mikef@racerxill.com.
