Hey Donnie! Steve here again. I got a similar story to yours, but I got back into dirt bikes after almost 40 hiatus. You recommended I start out racing in the C55 class in the SECCA events, and that is what i am going to do. Can't wait to catch up with you next year. I ride a lot over at Dodge city, just building my skills and confidence. Right now I am running stock tires/tubes with 12psi. I will change up to the tires you use, with a thick front tube and the mousse in the rear next week or so.
Just came across your channel and really enjoying looking back at all your son and your races. I havent been able to race in 3-4 years but wanting to get back into it this coming spring, and watching videos is really fueling my want to. Keep up the hard work! Love what you are doing!!
Wow, favorite yet?! Nice! I started working on this as a quick “filler” video but you don’t want to know how many hours I spent on it. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! Probably the best one you've done, in my opinion! I have had a similar path - I had a 1986 Honda XR80 as a kid and then didn't have my own bike again until 2018. Now I have a 2001 KTM EXC 250 and I competed in my first SECCA race in 2020 (Nichols Farm in December). It was tough and cramps stopped me from finishing, but it was definitely worth it. I'd like to be out at more SECCA races, but most of my trips now involve teaching my kids to ride! Keep the great videos coming!
Hey Donnie, I raced Alpine Orchard last week. It was my second race. What a mess ! I found your video last year when I raced my first race 45+ I love the way your videos are so down to earth and I get so much good information. I appreciate your posting.
Great job on the videos. Raced @ Dry Creek, and Monster Mountain this year. I started old as well @ 43. I'll look for you next year on the starting line.
this is a great video and cheers to you for posting it. I am mid 40's and just started racing hare scrambles and found your channel. I can relate to pretty much everything. You spent so much time STOPPED in this race, it's no surprise so many guys came back & passed you. Of course it was your first race but you stopped to drink, stopped to let faster riders by, stopped to assess hills, etc. Even slowing down to do all those things makes a big difference at the end of the race, can be 10 mins or more
I’m rebuilding a 125 YZ 2000 to go riding and a race or two in 2022 just retired (hadn’t ridden in 40 years) looking forward to it Now I need to figure out what tires to put on? Since I learned that from this video…and I will will be riding in that good old Georgia clay and roots….lol…thank you for taking the time to make and share…
It's hard to beat the Dunlop AT81 for a variety of conditions but the key is running a Ultra Heavy tube or tubliss so you can safely lower your pressure when extra traction is needed. Thanks for watching!
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie thank you for the info…will order the tires and heavy duty tubes today….since I have no clue about tubeless..but I will study up on it….
Good racing! One of the best things about GoPro is being able to look back years into the past with accuracy. This is my first year riding and I really hope to see improvement like you did over years. 😃👍
Man you nailed every single thought and feelings I have had in the few races That I have done. I could careless what position that I come in its the feeling of accomplishment that has me feeling as if I won the whole darn race. I would love to do more races but races falling on Sunday and my work schedule doesnt allow for it. I have a couple of buddies who race in the vintage races and I will see if they know of a 1983 xl 80s. Stay safe
Great video Donnie. I raced this race as well i was on an RM250 in the afternoon race and it was really slick. I hurt my elbow early on the first lap and barely finished the race. Maybe we can do a similar video for Sawyer when he gets more experience just to show progress.
Its nice to look back eh? Thats actually why I record my rides too. I look back and wince 🤣🤣 but you know what, thats the great thing about being a beginner as you can only get better ! I started riding in my late 40s and now I'm in the 50+ age group.. but our "VET" group starts at 40yrs so its quiet competitive with all the younger guys who started riding earlier. Oh well, just means I get better competition I guess :) 👍🏼 I look back and see how much I have improved so its very motivating.
Dude you did a million times better at your first race than I did.🤣 I also was amazed at the effects of adrenaline or stress or what ever happened during my race compared to when me and buddies just go hit the trails. I had arm pump so bad I couldn't twist the throttle by the end of the lap. I have tried to recreate that since and cant.
64 years old here. It's been 40 years since I raced enduro! I truly love woods riding, got back into it, doing some single track the last couple years ... and ... I think I am going to do my first hare scramble on Sunday at Sick Brothers MX, WNY Hare Scramble series. Your video is a great documentary! Excellent advice and tips. My question: which class should I enter: over 50 C-D or Beginner over 18? I will not be driving myself too hard. I also want to note, as a young rider I couldn't understand how I was not able to go up a greasy hill as a capable rider and capable bike. Friend made me look foolish. (He told me later you have to air down.) :) Oh, and by the way, when you air down, be sure to have rim locks.
@@KNKLHEAD Thanks for watching! I think you’d be better off in the over 50 class. Us old guys have a different perspective than most 18-25 yr olds and lining up with the young guys in the beginner class is a little sketchy.
That was also my first race, wish I could've ran into you then. I was the one that stopped and walked at the fork for the hill climb to try and decide if it was worth it lol
That was a great video. Must have felt really good to be 11th on your first lap and 13th overall. I still remember my first ride with a hydration pack and not being able to get it past the chin bar. :-)
I just came across this video and it is great! I am 63 years old and started riding 3 years ago and want to do my first hare scramble but I am scared to the death. We'll see if have the balls to do it this year....
My typical setup is a Dunlop MX33F on front with a ultra heavy duty tube and 10 PSI. On the rear I usually run a Dunlop AT81 with Tubliss running 6 psi, but I'll go as low as 4psi depending on the conditions.
![Surviving Harescramble: Preparing for Your First Year of Racing [4K/60FPS]](/img/1.gif)
41 here and just bought a '12 yz250f. Haven't ridden since I was a kid. It's videos like this that give me confidence. Thanks.
That’s awesome! You made a good decision to get back into riding. It’s such a great sport.
I haven’t ridden or raced in over a decade bought a rmz250 went to a race and had a blast ever since
Gave up dirt bikes in my early 20's. Got back into it mid 40's. Loving it.
Hey Donnie! Steve here again. I got a similar story to yours, but I got back into dirt bikes after almost 40 hiatus. You recommended I start out racing in the C55 class in the SECCA events, and that is what i am going to do. Can't wait to catch up with you next year. I ride a lot over at Dodge city, just building my skills and confidence. Right now I am running stock tires/tubes with 12psi. I will change up to the tires you use, with a thick front tube and the mousse in the rear next week or so.
Just came across your channel and really enjoying looking back at all your son and your races. I havent been able to race in 3-4 years but wanting to get back into it this coming spring, and watching videos is really fueling my want to. Keep up the hard work! Love what you are doing!!
Thanks! It’s great that you’re getting back into it. Thanks for watching!
Love this. My favorite video yet Donnie. Well done
Wow, favorite yet?! Nice! I started working on this as a quick “filler” video but you don’t want to know how many hours I spent on it. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Cool video, love the old pics
Thanks for watching!
I haven't raced in probably 5 years due to injuries and life. This has inspired me to get back at it!
@@johnknox6779 Awesome, thanks for watching!
Excellent video!
Thanks Luis!
Brother! Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing after almost 30 break back at it enjoy your videos
Thanks for watching!
Great video! Probably the best one you've done, in my opinion! I have had a similar path - I had a 1986 Honda XR80 as a kid and then didn't have my own bike again until 2018. Now I have a 2001 KTM EXC 250 and I competed in my first SECCA race in 2020 (Nichols Farm in December). It was tough and cramps stopped me from finishing, but it was definitely worth it. I'd like to be out at more SECCA races, but most of my trips now involve teaching my kids to ride! Keep the great videos coming!
Nice! I hope you'll come to some more races. Bring the kids along, they will be hooked.
Awesome video!
Thanks Jason!
Hey Donnie, I raced Alpine Orchard last week. It was my second race. What a mess ! I found your video last year when I raced my first race 45+ I love the way your videos are so down to earth and I get so much good information. I appreciate your posting.
Thanks Joel! I’m glad you survived Alpine!
Absolutely wonderful and superb :) So super good! :)
Your video is always fun
Thanks for watching.
Getting ready to start racing hare scrambles, thanks for the video
Good luck, you’ll have a blast!
Great video. I feel the same watching mine from the 'early days'. I'm going to steal your quote at the end!
Thanks! Yeah, I can't remember where I heard that saying originally but it resonated with me, lol.
Great job on the videos. Raced @ Dry Creek, and Monster Mountain this year. I started old as well @ 43. I'll look for you next year on the starting line.
Thanks for watching! I look forward to meeting you.
this is a great video and cheers to you for posting it. I am mid 40's and just started racing hare scrambles and found your channel. I can relate to pretty much everything. You spent so much time STOPPED in this race, it's no surprise so many guys came back & passed you. Of course it was your first race but you stopped to drink, stopped to let faster riders by, stopped to assess hills, etc. Even slowing down to do all those things makes a big difference at the end of the race, can be 10 mins or more
Yep, almost an hour if that 2nd lap was time spent sitting still.
I’m going to do my first race this coming season and I already know I’ll probably feel nauseous on the line!
@@Captain250FX You're waaaaay more ready than I was. You'll do just fine.
Love it man I was in the same position for same reasons 8 months ago keep up the good work
Thanks for watching!
Another great video, I remember that race it was awesome. I wish we had more races like that.
Thanks, yeah it was memorable for sure! Thanks for watching.
I’m rebuilding a 125 YZ 2000 to go riding and a race or two in 2022 just retired (hadn’t ridden in 40 years) looking forward to it
Now I need to figure out what tires to put on? Since I learned that from this video…and I will will be riding in that good old Georgia clay and roots….lol…thank you for taking the time to make and share…
It's hard to beat the Dunlop AT81 for a variety of conditions but the key is running a Ultra Heavy tube or tubliss so you can safely lower your pressure when extra traction is needed. Thanks for watching!
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie thank you for the info…will order the tires and heavy duty tubes today….since I have no clue about tubeless..but I will study up on it….
Good racing! One of the best things about GoPro is being able to look back years into the past with accuracy.
This is my first year riding and I really hope to see improvement like you did over years. 😃👍
You're right. I love having my catalog of video from almost every ride I've been on. Thanks for watching!
Man you nailed every single thought and feelings I have had in the few races That I have done. I could careless what position that I come in its the feeling of accomplishment that has me feeling as if I won the whole darn race. I would love to do more races but races falling on Sunday and my work schedule doesnt allow for it. I have a couple of buddies who race in the vintage races and I will see if they know of a 1983 xl 80s. Stay safe
Thanks David!
ha ha! Never knew you had a WR250F!! 👍🏼 Nice!!! That's what I've been riding in my events 😁
Yeah, I really enjoyed that bike. I should have kept it longer.
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie not to worry, you eventually came back to one - well the Non headlight version 😜 - the FX
Great video Donnie. I raced this race as well i was on an RM250 in the afternoon race and it was really slick. I hurt my elbow early on the first lap and barely finished the race.
Maybe we can do a similar video for Sawyer when he gets more experience just to show progress.
Thanks Josh. Yeah, I agree that would be cool. Sawyer has come a long way in a short time.
Its nice to look back eh? Thats actually why I record my rides too. I look back and wince 🤣🤣 but you know what, thats the great thing about being a beginner as you can only get better ! I started riding in my late 40s and now I'm in the 50+ age group.. but our "VET" group starts at 40yrs so its quiet competitive with all the younger guys who started riding earlier. Oh well, just means I get better competition I guess :) 👍🏼
I look back and see how much I have improved so its very motivating.
Yeah, it’s good to be able to look back at old video and see progress. Thanks for watching!
Wow come so far😊
It feels like wasn’t that long ago.
Dude you did a million times better at your first race than I did.🤣 I also was amazed at the effects of adrenaline or stress or what ever happened during my race compared to when me and buddies just go hit the trails. I had arm pump so bad I couldn't twist the throttle by the end of the lap. I have tried to recreate that since and cant.
Yeah, it's a whole different world when the flag flies. Thanks for watching.
Awesome video.! I'm in my mid 40's and just got into dirt biking 3 years ago. And I'm a female. My husband tries, but he can't keep up with me!
Lol, that’s awesome! You should post some videos! Thanks for watching.
Well you looked better than me on my first race
It was a struggle. Thanks for watching!
This is awesome! I wish I could go back to my first race which was 2021 sera blueberry hill. I bet I crashed more than 15 times haha
64 years old here. It's been 40 years since I raced enduro! I truly love woods riding, got back into it, doing some single track the last couple years ... and ... I think I am going to do my first hare scramble on Sunday at Sick Brothers MX, WNY Hare Scramble series. Your video is a great documentary! Excellent advice and tips. My question: which class should I enter: over 50 C-D or Beginner over 18? I will not be driving myself too hard. I also want to note, as a young rider I couldn't understand how I was not able to go up a greasy hill as a capable rider and capable bike. Friend made me look foolish. (He told me later you have to air down.) :) Oh, and by the way, when you air down, be sure to have rim locks.
@@KNKLHEAD Thanks for watching! I think you’d be better off in the over 50 class. Us old guys have a different perspective than most 18-25 yr olds and lining up with the young guys in the beginner class is a little sketchy.
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie Continued great advice! Thank you!
That was also my first race, wish I could've ran into you then. I was the one that stopped and walked at the fork for the hill climb to try and decide if it was worth it lol
Great video. This is exactly my story lol
Thanks for watching!
That was a great video. Must have felt really good to be 11th on your first lap and 13th overall. I still remember my first ride with a hydration pack and not being able to get it past the chin bar. :-)
I was kind of disappointed at the time but in hindsight I accomplished my goal to finish the race. Thanks for watching!
I just came across this video and it is great! I am 63 years old and started riding 3 years ago and want to do my first hare scramble but I am scared to the death. We'll see if have the balls to do it this year....
Go for it! There’s really nothing to be afraid of. Just ride within your own capability and youll be fine.
That's pretty funny. I wish I could have recorded my first race.
Yeah, that was a memorable race for sure, lol.
Just did my 1st race at monster mountain 20th November and now I’m hooked. Hope to run into you at some races next season.
Say hello if you see me at a race! Thanks for watching.
Gonna start doing hare scrambles too! You think a 250 2t or 300 2t is better?
What do you run for tires and pressure now?
My typical setup is a Dunlop MX33F on front with a ultra heavy duty tube and 10 PSI. On the rear I usually run a Dunlop AT81 with Tubliss running 6 psi, but I'll go as low as 4psi depending on the conditions.
My first race with SECCA…Also, met and made a good friend Charles Parker (aka Mr. Duck Tape) on his green Kawasaki.
Yeah, Charles likes his duct tape graphics for sure. Thanks for watching.