Zeb's+Report

Motocross is one of the most popular motorsports in the world. Also it is a harsh sport with rugged outdoor courses, bumps, mudholes, curves, and steep jumps. You will read about the History of Motocross, Gear and Safety, Features of a Dirt bike, Super cross, and Fun facts.


 * __ History of Motocross __**

Did you ever wonder about the history of Motocross? In the late 1800’s the first original dirt bike was invented. In 1885 a German man named Gottlieb Daimler made the first motorcycle that was formed into a dirt bike. Also in the 1900’s a community held the first dirt bike race. 1899 an American EJ Pennington built a more durable variety of dirt bike as cross country dirt bike, but his variety couldn’t do stunts. Also in 1924 the first cross country race was held in England. In 1924 England racers raced on rough outdoor tracks in U.S.A. In the 1930’s the new sport grew quickly in population and popularity. The modern dirt bikes were fully designed in 1950’s. The racing emerged in 1950’s and became a faster and more durable sport. French riders called it “Motocross”. Some Motocross riders do tricks as they sail over jumps. The tricks helped start a sport called Motocross Freestyle. Most people called the event a Motocross Scramble. Then racers called it Motocross.


 * __ Gear and Safety __**

Motocross Riders need to wear gear and clothes for safety. There are long sleeve shirts that are made of polyester which is a lightweight weather-resistant cloth and the pants are made of nylon and neoprene. Also the riders wear hard plastic body armor to protect the chest, shoulders, thighs, knees, and elbows from really bad injuries. A pair of gloves are made of a soft material with hard plastic or padding sewn into them. the purpose is to grip the handlebars and to protect the hands from getting hurt. The boots have thick soles that cover the feet and ankles. also tall boots have plastic shin plates to protect the lower legs. the metal toe caps protect the rider’s toes. The clothing is designed to both protect the rider’s body and be comfortable. Also if you are wearing a helmet, it holds your head still, also the helmet is made out of polycarbonate or carbon fiber. The dirt bike has parts that handle bumpy rough courses and a twist grip with levers that control the speeds of the bike.


 * __ Features of a dirt bike __**

Do you know any features of a dirt bike? some are right here. The dirt bikes are lighter than motorcycles. that means the lighter the dirt bike is the faster it is, with speeds up to 80 MPH. Also it has shock absorbers and suspension that makes it less bumpy. There are two types of engines a two stroke and four stroke. The two stroke goes faster at high speeds, the four stroke doesn’t go fast, but it is powerful and uses less fuel. Also most engines have five shift gears that control the rear wheel’s speed and the throttle controls the bike’s speed. All dirt bikes have internal combustion and small internal combustion engines that combines fuel and air. Inside a tube-shaped part called a cylinder and the spark plug inside the cylinder. that causes fuel to explode and that causes a piston inside the cylinder to move up and down that piston’s movement gives the engine power to move. The dirt bikes are small, powerful and their highest speed is 75 miles per hour.


 * __ Super cross __**

Super cross is different from Motocross by competing in large indoor arenas. Super cross got its name by the first race held in California at the Los Angeles Coliseum which was called “The Super Bowl of Motocross” later it was shortened and they called it “Super cross”.


 * __ Fun Facts __**

Finally, here are some fun facts about motocross. In 2005 Utah’s Governor made the 2nd week of April “Motocross Safety Week”. Most Motocross courses are 1 to 2 miles long. also the first major Motocross race was at France in the year 1947 the race was called “Motocross des Nations”. Dirt bike’s engines are measured in cubic centimeters (CC). Moto and Super cross have engines that are 125cc or 250cc. When you shift gears it is called, “One down, four up”. If you don’t like any dirt bikes you can customize different types of dirt bikes.

Now don’t you want to ride a dirt bike on a motocross track?