There’s a unique kind of pull when it comes to motocross. For me, it hit hard at seven years old. Short for my age, I begged for a Honda Z-50, and when it finally arrived for my tenth birthday, it was pure magic. Growing up in the suburbs, my "tracks" were makeshift – construction sites, hidden wood trails, and a random sand lot behind the school. That raw, unfiltered passion for dirt bikes was immediate and all-consuming. Things got real when I upgraded to a KX80. Suddenly, the concept of actual race tracks entered my world. My friend and I, fueled by youthful ignorance and boundless enthusiasm, decided to sign up for a race. We'd never set foot on a real track. The "jumps" we were used to were glorified whoops compared to what awaited us. The idea of practicing at a track before race day? Completely alien. Our supportive, yet clueless, parents simply enabled our wild aspirations. I’ll never forget that first race day. The night before, sleep was impossible. Then came practice laps, and the shock hit us – we were way out of our league! Despite our severe lack of track experience, I somehow managed to snag the holeshot and, to my immense satisfaction, didn’t finish last. That day etched itself into my memory, a testament to pure grit and beginner’s luck. A few random races later, college called. My bike was sold, and I traded dirt for big city life and a career. But the sport, like a persistent echo, never truly left me. I always knew, deep down, I’d find my way back.

The Return: A Pandemic-Fueled Revelation

Fast forward 20+ years, several major cities, and career changes later. I found myself married in Atlanta, Georgia, navigating the surreal landscape of the global COVID-19 pandemic. And what was the very first thing I did? I found a local track, rented a bike, and went for it. That track was Highland Park Resort – an incredible facility boasting three MX tracks and endless trails. Sticking to my roots, I kept both wheels firmly on the ground, respecting the two-decade hiatus. But the moment I twisted the throttle, I was instantly hooked. The familiar thrill, the smell of dirt, the roar of the engine – it all flooded back. The search for my own bike began immediately. I scoured Cycle Trader daily until I found a gem: a college kid’s 2020 YZ 250FX, spotless, and looking perfect in the pictures and video. The next day, cash in hand, it was mine. Back at Highland, I bought a membership and spent every weekend I could relearning, starting on their beginner track and slowly progressing. It was around this time that AJ Catanzaro brought his Moto Academy to Atlanta during the Supercross races. I signed up, eager to soak up knowledge, and it was a game-changer. My confidence soared, my riding improved, and I’ve since taken three Moto Academy classes, conquering all of Highland’s tracks and exploring other local spots.

More Than Just Riding: A Passion Reignited

Getting back into motocross has been a profoundly rewarding and thrilling experience. It’s not just about the riding; it’s about rediscovering a part of myself I thought was dormant. This rekindled passion also spurred a new venture: FullThrottle.mx. As a kid, I lacked a central resource for finding tracks, and as an adult returning to the sport, I saw the same gap. Building FullThrottle.mx is my way of bridging that divide, providing a comprehensive resource for riders of all levels. On top of that, a friend I met at the track and I started a YouTube channel, Motor Bros., documenting our journey back into the sport, sharing our progress, and hopefully inspiring others. So, if you’re out there, thinking about dusting off your old gear, or perhaps you’re in the early stages of your own motocross comeback, do not hesitate. Get a bike, sign up for Moto Academy or another training class, and get after it. The dirt is calling, and I promise, you will not regret it.