First off- how was Vancouver? You said you were riding with some friends, and got some racing in, too?
We actually headed up to race an Endurocross in Coeur D' Alene, ID after X-Games. It was a tough race and several of the EX regulars showed up for the $10k purse. Afterwards I headed to Vancouver, BC for some family time and epic Trials riding.
How are you feeling coming off of the X-games?
X-Games was a big deal for us and I tried my hardest to make it count. I feel good about my attempt but my result could've been better.
You had an outstanding race- leading the first six laps, can you tell us a little bit about how the rest of your race went?
I came out swinging with the fastest hot lap, I won my heat, and I had first gate pick for the main. My start was mediocre and cautious but I passed from 6th to the lead relatively quick and then had it on cruise control until one small slip cost me the race. I entered the rock turn and lost traction with the rear end and it slid to the right. Once the rear broke free my AWD kicked in and the front spun and slipped to the left. It all happened quickly but the hiccup turned the bike hard left and off the intended line. Unfortunately the front wheel landed in a bad spot and sent me over the bars. By the time I wrestled the bike out and got it restarted I was too far back to catch the leaders and had to settle for 5th place.
How were you feeling during the race? Were you pretty much in the zone or were you thinking about being in the lead?
I was riding well and feeling comfortable. I was actually trying to conserve my energy so if I was challenged near the end of the race I could put up solid fight. If anything, I under estimated that turn I crashed in. I had no problems there during practice, hot lap, heat or even after the crash. Just a small loss of focus.
How are you feeling about your race now that you've had a couple days to think about it?
It was a bummer to miss out on a medal at X-Games but my speed and fitness are good so I'm hoping to fight for wins at the remaining rounds of the series. I'm always looking forward not behind.
How did you feel about Endurocross being added to the X-Games schedule?
Riding at X-Games was a great opportunity to showcase Endurocross. It was perfect venue to kick off our series.
Do you think that it's going to have a big impact on Endurocross?
Hopefully it will create enough buzz to raise the value of our sport and more events and sponsorship will follow. We'll have to wait and see.
Do you want to see it back in next year?
Yes, I hope the success of this year's racing has made the promoters happy enough to bring us back again next year. I'd really like another shot at a medal.
Was it at all different from how you normally run an endurocross? The track looked pretty brutal, I wasn't sure if it was harder than what you normally compete on.
The track was actually a bit on the easy side. Since the Speed & Style competition was the night before and they needed an overnight build many of the obstacles were MotoX. We had some tough spots after the water got dragged around the track but I'd say that the track was faster and less technical than many of our national races.
Your next Endurocross is this weekend, how do you feel about the race, and the season at large. Are we going to see you take the championship?
I'm going to try my hardest to win the championship.
Let's talk bike, how was your transition to the Honda?
Switching to the Honda has been good. Since the bikes start as motocross bikes they require quite a bit of setup in order to make them good for Endurocross. My bike has a Athena 280 motor, Christini AWD, hydraulic clutch, 18" rear wheel and Stilllwell suspension. So far all of our testing has created a competitive package. The only issues I've been having is stalling/restarting and low hanging suspension linkage, but everything else is top notch
How do you think it's going to stack up out on the field this year?
We will have to wait and see. The bike is obviously fast enough to win races if I can get good starts and keep it running.
Besides Endurocross heating up- what else is new?
Lots of good things are happening. My wife and I just had our second baby on June 1st. Another boy named Beckett. I am also busy with our RedBull Trials demo program and have several shows lined up this summer/fall. We've already had 25 events prior to X-Games so things have been very hectic. All the travel, racing and demos fills my schedule and provides a good life for myself and my family. Life is good!
Awesome, Geoff! Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A special thanks to JG Off-Road and our associate sponsors for all their support.
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