Only a month until go time and the count down has begun. So much to do in such little time. In October when the season ends it seems like forever until the season starts, then January is here and reality sets in – and March is here before you can blink an eye. You never seem to be ready for it.

Preparing for the next season really starts in September. Getting your resume updated is a huge key into getting sponsors. Whether you are sending to new or old sponsors you should always make sure it is professional.

Next step - get organized. You should always read your contracts. Majority of aftermarket company’s have a clause on what the discount is on or amount you can buy. If you don’t understand it, call and ask prior to signing. Don’t forget to make copies of all your contracts prior to sending them back. There is nothing worse then signing something and not remembering what you agreed to. By December/January you should have the majority of your contracts and everything settled.

Now it’s time to get in shape. As for me, most of my friends work full time jobs, so it’s hard to ride with others all the time. So, on Sundays we all get together and go riding. I try to ride as much as I can in between, even in the rain! The days I don’t ride, I walk, run, or workout. I try to eat healthy and do everything I can to prepare.

In late January, we sit down and its time to start ordering all the parts we always seem to need. Ah, there are always bottomless pockets of money until you add it up and then have to redo your list of what you really need to as what you really want. You really want to make sure you order as soon as you can!! There is nothing worse than waiting for parts the week of the first race. Been there, done that. Let me tell you its very nerve wrecking.

In January we also try to make arrangements on getting to the first race in Florida and how my bike is going to get down there. Fortunately my parents take my bike to the races, so the hard part is how much vacation time we have to play with. Last year was great because I didn’t have to worry about it, but previous years we did. We left Friday after work, drove straight through the night to get there Saturday, raced Sunday, and left right after the afternoon race, to rush home for work on Monday. We did it, but it definitely takes a toll on your body come Monday night. I don’t suggest you do it, unless you really have to.

By late January early February everything is ordered and tear down time comes to whichever bike I’m racing. We replace the majority of stock components to aftermarket. If I use an old bike, we change all the bearings, cables, sprockets, chain, brake pads and rebuild all the shocks. That way we start fresh and don’t have to second guess anything.

Time to put her back together. I don’t know why, but everything always seems to come apart a lot quicker then it goes back together. Finally when we are finished, we take her out for a spin, get her dialed in, and she’s ready to go! We load her in the trailer and she makes her voyage to the 1^st race of the season in Florida. We usually wait to put the graphics kit on until we get down there. It just seems to go on a lot better in 80 degree weather than 30 degrees. A few minor adjustments are done and we make it to the line. The 10 second mark begins and we are ready to start a new season!

Ride hard, be safe, and have fun!