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Back 40: Off road motorcycle racing
Published
12 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Joe Miller, Montana XC
A common misconception about motorcycle racing is that it’s a relatively passive sport, since bikes are operated by a twist of the throttle. In reality, off-road racing requires a high level of fitness, endurance and mental cunning to be competitive.
Professional motorcycle racers have aerobic fitness levels comparable to world cup soccer players and maintain full time training and diet regimens. An off road motorcycle weighs more than 220 pounds and requires a considerable amount of body strength to maneuver around tight corners and over rocks.
At the starting line, racers are inevitably managing nerves and adrenaline. And at the Big Sky XC, competitors never really settle into a comfortable groove—the difficult terrain and loose rocky ground requires full attention from start to finish. If the conditions are dry, dust makes the visibility poor. Too much rain makes the course slick, which quickly drains the competitors’ energy.
Racers not only have to deal with their own physical and mental fatigue, but also machine related fatigue. As a race wears on, heat generated from front and rear brake rotors can decrease braking efficiency. The motorcycle’s suspension and clutch components also change due to heat generation throughout a race, which can alter the bike’s handling.
A rider must keep continuous mental notes on energy and hydration, feedback from the motorcycle, changes to the course conditions, and the whereabouts of other racers.
Off-road motorcycle racing is also highly specialized, with different regions of the country hosting events defined by their unique terrain. Athletes in the Southwest compete in high speed desert races that sometimes share courses with off road trucks and buggies. Races in the Midwest and along the East Coast are most often held in wooded areas where trails can be just wide enough to allow a set of handlebars to pass. In the Rockies, most races are technical, mountainous and rocky.
Professional off-road racers are frequently paid to compete in a specific racing discipline and may rarely travel beyond their region. Big Sky has become a unique event due to its ability to attract top racers from every major off-road racing series.
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Kenda Big Sky XC, Aug. 24 – 26
Now in its third year, the Kenda Big Sky XC has rapidly gained a national reputation for its excellent venue and demanding course layout. This year, the event will bring high-end competitors from the X Games, as well as families from across the country.
The Big Sky event is a Hare Scramble, which means the course is a closed track with rugged terrain that tests riders’ skills and endurance. These events draw a wide range of participants, from children as young a 4 to adults over age 60. Big Sky’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park is another draw.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
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Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
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Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm