By Shannon Perez
Staff Writer
In 90 degree heat and in thick riding gear, sophomore David Richman pushes through the challenges and does the thing he loves most; motocross.
Richman rides every weekend at tracks that are one to two hours away, and competes in races that are over 15 minutes long. He values the discipline that he has gained, and loves the thrill of riding and racing more than anything.
“There isn’t any better feeling than riding or racing,” Richman said. “I am really lucky to have the opportunity to do what I love and continue to improve.”
Richman was hooked after a family friend took him to a track five years ago to try. Richman rode dirt bikes every so often in the desert after his first encounter, but began motocross three years ago, and started racing about six months ago.
“I just love jumping and getting that perfect turn down to where you are just railing down on the gas giving it all the bikes got,” Richman said. “It is truly an amazing feeling.”
Richman began training one on one with a professional coach, Luke Reardon, nine months ago. Every weekend, they work on turns, jumps and perfecting Richman’s speed in order to make him a better racer. Also, Richman got a new bike a couple of months ago, which is faster and stronger than his old bike, improving his racing even more.
“[Reardon] is an excellent teacher and an absolutely amazing rider,” Richman said. “I would not be half as fast as I am now without him or my new bike.”
Richman has overcome many physical setbacks in order to continue riding and competing. He has broken a total of 6 toes and obtained countless bruises and scrapes from the dirt tracks and training terrain. according to Richman, the biggest challenge is being constantly subjected to the heat and competing in a heavyweight uniform.
“It really takes a lot of physicality,” Richman said. “It requires so much energy to stay active and alert throughout the whole race and still stay in control of the bike.”
Richman competes in about one race every month. He competed on tracks in California including, Milestone MX, Glen Helen, and Competitive Edge.
“Racing and competing is a big part of any sport,” Richman said. “There is nothing that can surpass the thrill you get during a race, and I love it.”
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