We always promote keeping kids on dirt bikes over here at Keefer Inc. and we got this essay from Jason Fichera in our email inbox that we thought was an awesome read. Take the time and have your kids read this and hopefully we can get more kids like Jason out there on dirt bikes. -KK
Jason Fichera
Professor Nava
Honors: Calculus Analytical Geometry
Jason doing what he loves the most. Ride his dirt bike.
Every Kid Should Ride a Dirtbike
I believe that every kid should ride a dirt bike. It doesn’t have to be much. I started on a tiny, 10 inch-wheeled Honda CRF50F. I was about two years old when I got it, and I slapped the number 22 on my bike, trying to emulate motocross legend Chad Reed. Since then, I have been looking forward to every weekend when I would get to ride. Throughout my life, I have heard an incredible amount of denunciation of dirtbike riding. I have been called a hooligan, a gang member, and a straight up idiot, not to mention having to see the perplexed and disapproving faces of so many of my friends’ parents when they find out that I dance with the devil—a dirt bike. I can’t even manage to ride more than ten minutes in the 200 acre abandoned farm down the dirt road from my house before I see a police car. It’s really not as bad as it sounds. Throughout my early childhood, all my friends thought it was the coolest thing ever, and the occasional blurry 3”x5” picture of me on my tiny dirt bike would have the entire first, second, or third grade class gathering around in envy.
I’m not saying that every kid should ride a dirtbike for the glory of being the source of your peers’ jealousy, but as a particularly evil child at times, it was a happy coincidence. I mentioned the negativity I have encountered from anti-fun, bubble-blowing parents and organizations, but there is also a decent amount of people whose positivity makes it all worth it. For those who know the feeling, the same immense grin stretches across their faces, and for this reason I believe that every kid should ride a dirtbike. Nowadays I ride a Yamaha YZ450F, and my racing number is 44, the perfect number derived from the three riders who I have always looked up to the most: Adam Cianciarulo, Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed.
It has been fifteen years since I started riding dirt bikes, so to reflect on my entire life through a simple hobby might seem peculiar to some, but not for a dirt bike rider. Throughout my years of riding and racing dirtbikes, I have learned that every riding technique parallels a good tip for a successful life away from the track or trails. For example, getting a good start in both a motocross race or in life after high school will generally improve your likelihood for a good finish. Being patient and efficient will help you ride and steer through life in a safely and proficiently. Looking fifty feet ahead rather than at your (metaphorical and literal) front fender will help you navigate obstacles and bumps, both in the dirt and throughout life. All in all, riding dirt bikes have kept me out of trouble, helped me learn meaningful lessons and above all, given me unwavering happiness. For these reasons, I believe that every kid should ride a dirt bike.