Ask Ping

Aaron,

Congrats on the new addition. Most guys have a tough time with the first year because we aren't really necessary in the process. We don't supply the food, so baby only needs us to clean the dookie out of her pants and that isn't a fun experience. It will get better, Aaron, so hang in there. I've actually had this conversation before, and you can make a good argument that there are more females than males when it comes to the offspring of motocross racers. Any rider worth his Alpinestars has taken a swift hit to his man-parts over the course of his riding career, and without being an expert in reproductive organs and their susceptibility to injury, it’s difficult to say what kind of an impact (no pun intended) that has. Aside from direct hits to your cash and prizes, there is the vibration from just sitting in the saddle, which may or may not have an effect as well. As a father of two amazing girls, I certainly have a vested interest in this argument. Although I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world, I do wonder if my baby makers are dazed and confused down there after all these years of riding dirt bikes, sitting at the controls, mumbling incoherently like Muhammad Ali, and banging on the X-carrying-chromosome sperm button like a toddler with a new toy. Regardless, your little girl is going to change your life. Enjoy the ride. And buy a gun, probably.

PING

 

Ping Pong,

Thought this was funny and makes me happy I have a reasonable wife that lets me own my toys. Take a stab at it and then go home with some flowers for your wife for not drawing the line with the ultimate ultimatum......

Mike Ruepp

"Wife making me sell my bike!! She had a go at me telling me i wasn't making a serious effort to sell it and told me to list it here on Gumtree and at least post pictures of it so it will sell.........

Its a piece of crap probably won't run even if you push it, wheels may fall off upon first ride, has no petrol so you can get stuffed and get your own, very dirty don't like it clean it yourself! Motor hopefully will blow up very soon like the second you take it off my property and i may decide to report the bike as stolen or add it to an item of interest in some massive un-resolved case carrying the maximum penalty ever given for a crime committed in Australia! Being Yamaha it is blue and white but i will most likely have it painted in acrylic poo brown and pink for inspection. It says 10300 on the clock but its the 12th one i have put on it so its more like 1.5 million kms it has done now. I have to allow inspecton of the bike prior to sale so i will right after i have the gigantic dog turd i left on the seat cursed by a voodoo spritual expert. I will need a photo according to this expert of the prospective buyers for some kind of dolls she will make for me apparently and some of your hair and or personal belongings too! Willing to negotiate the price within 2 cents of the listed price to be fair and to allow the bike a good chance of selling as per wifes instructions. It has rego till may march or who cares i really couldn't be bothered even reading the papers to be honest. Oh yeah and needs new grips!

All in all its a really good bike If i was smarter i would have just buried it before she turned her sell happy hand to it.

Any questions you may have keep it to yourself! Be quick as its sure to sell soon given all its good qualities and considering how motivated i am to sell it……"

Mike,

This guy is pretty motivated to get rid of his ride, isn't he? Personally, he had me with the up-close shot of the paint worn off the frame and the rust on the bolts. I think most wives throw down that ultimatum after a big injury or if they are in dire financial straits, and both of those circumstances would be a legitimate time to consider taking a break from the track or trails. On the other hand, your old battle-ax could just be a real b***h and you need to post up an awesome ad like our Australian pal here to get her to shut her mouth. I feel bad for guys who get saddled with wives like that; talk about hitching your wagon to a horse with no legs. Hopefully this guy can get his lady under control and keep his bike. If not, it might be time to put her on Craigslist.

PING

 

Pingster,

Thanks for keeping your column fun & entertaining on the regular. My question relates to how riders are wearing their gear these days…specifically their helmets. I’ve seen it on Josh Hill, Dean Wilson and Josh Grant among others, but the most noticeable is Jeremy Martin (who coincidentally chipped top & bottom teeth at Washougal). These guys are running their helmets pulled waaaay down on their face, to the point that the face guard basically only covers their neck & chin. I mean, how does Jeremy even get his goggle frame above his eyes? Would they prefer a move back to open face helmets for the sake of better visibility? I get these guys are mental head cases and being comfortable is key, regardless of what that looks like. Just curious if you’ve noticed this, and if so, what your thoughts are. If not, I just pointed it out to you, so please respond with your typical witty, smart-*ss thoughts. Make me laugh clown. Not being critical either. I'm glad these talented athletes are in our sport making is so great.

Thanks,

Jake