Route 62 review.

ck1racerx

ck1racerx

PR Addict
For the first ever outdoor race, I would give them a solid "B". They had a few small issues but for the most part I think the races went off better then expected.
Pros and Cons: These are in no particular order, just as they come to mind.
Pro's -
1. Lonnie and the crew asking for feedback on how to do it better. WAY too many tracks / promoters think they have it all figured out and don't want to hear from the riders.
2. Honesty with the riders. They had a problem with the computer at signup which delayed creating a running order. At the riders meeting they told everyone they had a problem and were working on it. Instead of making up a lie and dragging it out, they told everyone about the issue and then worked it out. Good job.
3. Track prep was very good. Sure, it could have been deeper and more water but with this being the first event I think prep was perfect for everyone to learn the track.
4. Jarrett as a Ref. Big Red did a very good job. Great riders meeting and having the medics introduce themselves was very smart. He was all over the track during the races. Even took it upon himself to make some announcements on the PA. My son said "Who was the guy giving me high fives on the gate? He is fun."
5. Really appreciate the fact you guys kept the pits watered. With that heat and wind it could have gotten real bad. Nice.

Con's:
1. Trash cans - Few and far between.
2. Don't hold up the event because of a computer issue.- I know it is a pain for you but don't make everyone pay for it. If you are going to have a computer system (which everyone should) just be prepared with pen and paper incase it goes down.
3. PA system. - I know they acknowledged this but having a year to prep for an event and not having part of the infrastructure not in place is not good. The guy played the National Anthem after the first moto was already on the track.
4. Track layout. - (Not very "racy") A lot of one line areas. This can be quickly rectified with that giant dozer. Just look at the lines on the track after racing. If there is only one or two lines in an area, that area need attention. The biggest problem area I seen was the large double on top of the hill. While it looked fun to jump and rather safe, it was VERY one line.
5. Track layout for spectators - You can not help the typography of the land but you can improve the sightlines for the spectators. (by removing that double mentioned in #4) With half the track being on the other side of the hill, it makes it real hard to fix this one.


I really thought the turnout would be bigger but with Baja and Area 51 both having big events on the same weekend, Im sure that pulled several away that normally would be there.

THANK YOU for giving us another fine facility to race. Looking forward to the your plans for next year.
 
ck1racerx said:
For the first ever outdoor race, I would give them a solid "B". They had a few small issues but for the most part I think the races went off better then expected.
Pros and Cons: These are in no particular order, just as they come to mind.
Pro's -
1. Lonnie and the crew asking for feedback on how to do it better. WAY too many tracks / promoters think they have it all figured out and don't want to hear from the riders.
2. Honesty with the riders. They had a problem with the computer at signup which delayed creating a running order. At the riders meeting they told everyone they had a problem and were working on it. Instead of making up a lie and dragging it out, they told everyone about the issue and then worked it out. Good job.
3. Track prep was very good. Sure, it could have been deeper and more water but with this being the first event I think prep was perfect for everyone to learn the track.
4. Jarrett as a Ref. Big Red did a very good job. Great riders meeting and having the medics introduce themselves was very smart. He was all over the track during the races. Even took it upon himself to make some announcements on the PA. My son said "Who was the guy giving me high fives on the gate? He is fun."
5. Really appreciate the fact you guys kept the pits watered. With that heat and wind it could have gotten real bad. Nice.

Con's:
1. Trash cans - Few and far between.
2. Don't hold up the event because of a computer issue.- I know it is a pain for you but don't make everyone pay for it. If you are going to have a computer system (which everyone should) just be prepared with pen and paper incase it goes down.
3. PA system. - I know they acknowledged this but having a year to prep for an event and not having part of the infrastructure not in place is not good. The guy played the National Anthem after the first moto was already on the track.
4. Track layout. - (Not very "racy") A lot of one line areas. This can be quickly rectified with that giant dozer. Just look at the lines on the track after racing. If there is only one or two lines in an area, that area need attention. The biggest problem area I seen was the large double on top of the hill. While it looked fun to jump and rather safe, it was VERY one line.
5. Track layout for spectators - You can not help the typography of the land but you can improve the sightlines for the spectators. (by removing that double mentioned in #4) With half the track being on the other side of the hill, it makes it real hard to fix this one.


I really thought the turnout would be bigger but with Baja and Area 51 both having big events on the same weekend, Im sure that pulled several away that normally would be there.

THANK YOU for giving us another fine facility to race. Looking forward to the your plans for next year.
Click to expand...
I've been anxiously waiting for your input. Thank you for taking the time to do so. I've met you twice now and if it wasn't for someone telling me who you were on "the board" I would have had no idea it was you. Don't worry so much about hiding from people. I think it's great you are very involved and don't mind telling it like it is!! Thank you for your continued support.
 
Come on man, I cant hide. I am a fat guy in a bright green shirt.
My next PitRacer hat is going to have my name on it so EVERYONE knows its me.
Speaking of... I need a new hat. Flex Fit this time.
 
Can't miss the guy. He's not skinny, but not obese. Nicely in the middle. His PR grey hat looks about 37 years old, and they just came out in February.

He won't go away if you're eating. So feed him.

Just kidding about that part.
 
Route 62 mx park said:
I've been anxiously waiting for your input. Thank you for taking the time to do so. I've met you twice now and if it wasn't for someone telling me who you were on "the board" I would have had no idea it was you. Don't worry so much about hiding from people. I think it's great you are very involved and don't mind telling it like it is!! Thank you for your continued support.
Click to expand...
WOW, great to see a track operator who wants and appreciates feedback, some think they walk on water.
 
Knox,

Thank you for keeping your word and being honest. Your review is honorable.

Lonnie and I hooked up last fall. I had always heard good things about him...mainly that through the rumor mill I could safely assume his heart was for the people before anything else; and not just him, but the people behind him. We had talked on the phone a couple times before I headed south for one of his indoor races (which was cool in itself...all kids racing with great numbers.) I seen a glimpse of what he was about.

Then my life changed and had to go back on my word after committing last winter to help him with this outdoor race.

We had spoke more and more, and he never pressured me to help him but was more interested in being a friend. A few weeks ago, I visited his track again with no snow on the ground and I couldn't do anything else but help him with this race...because the rumors were true...The Promoter has a real heart for the MX Family. He also had the right train of thought in operating races; although adolescent, nonetheless on the right track. It was a done deal.

That brings us to this past weekend. This was the first outdoor race I had been to this season and the first race I have worked since Summit Indoor.

Lonnie had given me a budget for hiring an experienced track crew to operate the race under his leadership...smart move by bringing in outside people to do the job right and have fun.

This weekend was about "bare boned" operation. Nothing fancy, no glamour...just operate the race and take care of the people.

Rolling into the facility on race weekend was a nice sight...you could tell the place was looking fresh overall...there were rough edges...but satisfactory.

We struggled this weekend...to call it anything else would be shortchanging the staff. Because we came out on the other end by the time the last checkered flag waved on Monday united as a crew. Internally...that was the best part for me. For it is difficult bringing a group of people (some green, some experienced, most of us stubborn) that have largely never worked together under stressful situations to a point of teamwork, focus, and an overall victorious effort.

Dan Bible...who works quite a few tracks throughout the year in staging was a huge asset this weekend. Without him...we would have been in serious trouble. There is so many circumstances that come through staging. Everything that goes through regristration falls out in staging...generally speaking. He handled this weekend like a pro and treated the people right. I am very proud of him. Thank you Dan.

Cindy, Katrina, Carrie, Lynda, Kaitlyn, Kendal (may have got that name wrong)...overcame the tough obstacles in registration and scoring. With the computer situation (being able to enter everything electronically but sort everything manually) and all that goes through registration...you showed great fortitude. Monday was a flawless registration process pretty much. We had to hold back Sunday...you can't start races without atleast the right paperwork for staging and a running order. It was just an unfortunate circumstance that took time all the while the track is drying in the beating sun. We asked the riders to give us some grace and you did. Thank You.

The Track Crew..Lonnie, Greg, Jeremy, and Frenchy kept the track up to par. The track overall is good. Some areas can be considered for more passing and line choices...but almost every turn had multiple ruts and good traction. Prep just needs some more experience (maybe another implement) and it will be right there with the best of them on average. The track for sure needs to be widened and some proper grading outside the track so the rider isn't surprised in a handfull of cases if they go off the track. The hot, dry, and kinda windy conditions kept those guys on there toes. But all things considered...a great foundation.

The Safety Crew...Jim, Tim, Jackson, Ty, Cole, Josh, Dave, Max, Mandy, Chris, Frenchy, the Emts...were all generally on point. We had some snags but we got through it. We felt confident in our safety crew. Next time around...about 4 more flaggers would make this situation Excellent.

Jeffrey and a handfull of other folks who took care of odd jobs all weekend behind the scenes were a huge help. Every person matters and is important. I don't know or remember some of the names of this group...sorry. It is hard to keep up with everyone, but did greet everyone. Thank you for taking on the most unthanked and unthought of of tasks.

I agree with Knox on an overall "B" rating for a first ever outdoor sanctioned race. It was a fun and challenging weekend. Did I mention it was hot!? :)

There is many things on the list of improvements or additions. We appreciate folks spending your time and money with us. We thank you for enduring the struggles with an overall kind attitude and making this weekend special to us. It's forward and upward from here.

A personal special thank you to the the fathers and there family's of Jeremy, Robert, Steve, and Greg for taking such good care of the crew while we were in town...especially the conversation, sleeping in a/c, and showers.

We came, we struggled, we kept moving, we are still here.

Love you folks!

Jarrett

P.S. I did drop the ball as Ref. a few times.

P.S. It was special to see part of the MX Family again. I've missed you. :)
 
Track is pretty fun. Like Knox said, could be designed just a bit different to eliminate the one lined area. Had a great battle in moto one of 40 plus between three of us. Moto 2 was shaping up the same until lap two I got tossed on my head in a fast corner.....only to find out one of those high speed jumps with lots of rocks probably caused me a flat front......2nd and a DNF with a flat ended up what would have been a good finish.

Kane Hickman got busted up pretty good in the C class. Collapsed lung, possible fracture in a couple vertebra (possible surgery), and a broken foot. He is still in Grant in Columbus, so keep him in your prayers.
 
John250 said:
Track is pretty fun. Like Knox said, could be designed just a bit different to eliminate the one lined area. Had a great battle in moto one of 40 plus between three of us. Moto 2 was shaping up the same until lap two I got tossed on my head in a fast corner.....only to find out one of those high speed jumps with lots of rocks probably caused me a flat front......2nd and a DNF with a flat ended up what would have been a good finish.

Kane Hickman got busted up pretty good in the C class. Collapsed lung, possible fracture in a couple vertebra (possible surgery), and a broken foot. He is still in Grant in Columbus, so keep him in your prayers.
Click to expand...
Yeah man...you took a digger on that one.

For sure can take care of some rocks in a few sections.

I knew Kane got busted up pretty good, but didn't want to say anything without knowing the story. Lonnie went to see him today.

Zach Wagner, a local, got busted up pretty good at Area 51 I believe. We can add him to the prayer list.

It never gets easier seeing a rider down.
 
The big double would be a great for a section like high point has in 3rd turn. Big single that could either be jumped into or scrubbed follow by some rollers.
 
Strouble said:
Knox,

Thank you for keeping your word and being honest. Your review is honorable.

Lonnie and I hooked up last fall. I had always heard good things about him...mainly that through the rumor mill I could safely assume his heart was for the people before anything else; and not just him, but the people behind him. We had talked on the phone a couple times before I headed south for one of his indoor races (which was cool in itself...all kids racing with great numbers.) I seen a glimpse of what he was about.

Then my life changed and had to go back on my word after committing last winter to help him with this outdoor race.

We had spoke more and more, and he never pressured me to help him but was more interested in being a friend. A few weeks ago, I visited his track again with no snow on the ground and I couldn't do anything else but help him with this race...because the rumors were true...The Promoter has a real heart for the MX Family. He also had the right train of thought in operating races; although adolescent, nonetheless on the right track. It was a done deal.

That brings us to this past weekend. This was the first outdoor race I had been to this season and the first race I have worked since Summit Indoor.

Lonnie had given me a budget for hiring an experienced track crew to operate the race under his leadership...smart move by bringing in outside people to do the job right and have fun.

This weekend was about "bare boned" operation. Nothing fancy, no glamour...just operate the race and take care of the people.

Rolling into the facility on race weekend was a nice sight...you could tell the place was looking fresh overall...there were rough edges...but satisfactory.

We struggled this weekend...to call it anything else would be shortchanging the staff. Because we came out on the other end by the time the last checkered flag waved on Monday united as a crew. Internally...that was the best part for me. For it is difficult bringing a group of people (some green, some experienced, most of us stubborn) that have largely never worked together under stressful situations to a point of teamwork, focus, and an overall victorious effort.

Dan Bible...who works quite a few tracks throughout the year in staging was a huge asset this weekend. Without him...we would have been in serious trouble. There is so many circumstances that come through staging. Everything that goes through regristration falls out in staging...generally speaking. He handled this weekend like a pro and treated the people right. I am very proud of him. Thank you Dan.

Cindy, Katrina, Carrie, Lynda, Kaitlyn, Kendal (may have got that name wrong)...overcame the tough obstacles in registration and scoring. With the computer situation (being able to enter everything electronically but sort everything manually) and all that goes through registration...you showed great fortitude. Monday was a flawless registration process pretty much. We had to hold back Sunday...you can't start races without atleast the right paperwork for staging and a running order. It was just an unfortunate circumstance that took time all the while the track is drying in the beating sun. We asked the riders to give us some grace and you did. Thank You.

The Track Crew..Lonnie, Greg, Jeremy, and Frenchy kept the track up to par. The track overall is good. Some areas can be considered for more passing and line choices...but almost every turn had multiple ruts and good traction. Prep just needs some more experience (maybe another implement) and it will be right there with the best of them on average. The track for sure needs to be widened and some proper grading outside the track so the rider isn't surprised in a handfull of cases if they go off the track. The hot, dry, and kinda windy conditions kept those guys on there toes. But all things considered...a great foundation.

The Safety Crew...Jim, Tim, Jackson, Ty, Cole, Josh, Dave, Max, Mandy, Chris, Frenchy, the Emts...were all generally on point. We had some snags but we got through it. We felt confident in our safety crew. Next time around...about 4 more flaggers would make this situation Excellent.

Jeffrey and a handfull of other folks who took care of odd jobs all weekend behind the scenes were a huge help. Every person matters and is important. I don't know or remember some of the names of this group...sorry. It is hard to keep up with everyone, but did greet everyone. Thank you for taking on the most unthanked and unthought of of tasks.

I agree with Knox on an overall "B" rating for a first ever outdoor sanctioned race. It was a fun and challenging weekend. Did I mention it was hot!? :)

There is many things on the list of improvements or additions. We appreciate folks spending your time and money with us. We thank you for enduring the struggles with an overall kind attitude and making this weekend special to us. It's forward and upward from here.

A personal special thank you to the the fathers and there family's of Jeremy, Robert, Steve, and Greg for taking such good care of the crew while we were in town...especially the conversation, sleeping in a/c, and showers.

We came, we struggled, we kept moving, we are still here.

Love you folks!

Jarrett

P.S. I did drop the ball as Ref. a few times.

P.S. It was special to see part of the MX Family again. I've missed you. :)
Click to expand...

Wow that was a long post! But I have to agree with everything that has been said in all the comments. It defiantly takes a lot of people to do a race Can't even imagine running a battle race... But a huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped and attended!! See you all at east fork next weekend!!
 
ck1racerx said:
For the first ever outdoor race, I would give them a solid "B". They had a few small issues but for the most part I think the races went off better then expected.
Pros and Cons: These are in no particular order, just as they come to mind.
Pro's -
1. Lonnie and the crew asking for feedback on how to do it better. WAY too many tracks / promoters think they have it all figured out and don't want to hear from the riders.
2. Honesty with the riders. They had a problem with the computer at signup which delayed creating a running order. At the riders meeting they told everyone they had a problem and were working on it. Instead of making up a lie and dragging it out, they told everyone about the issue and then worked it out. Good job.
3. Track prep was very good. Sure, it could have been deeper and more water but with this being the first event I think prep was perfect for everyone to learn the track.
4. Jarrett as a Ref. Big Red did a very good job. Great riders meeting and having the medics introduce themselves was very smart. He was all over the track during the races. Even took it upon himself to make some announcements on the PA. My son said "Who was the guy giving me high fives on the gate? He is fun."
5. Really appreciate the fact you guys kept the pits watered. With that heat and wind it could have gotten real bad. Nice.

Con's:
1. Trash cans - Few and far between.
2. Don't hold up the event because of a computer issue.- I know it is a pain for you but don't make everyone pay for it. If you are going to have a computer system (which everyone should) just be prepared with pen and paper incase it goes down.
3. PA system. - I know they acknowledged this but having a year to prep for an event and not having part of the infrastructure not in place is not good. The guy played the National Anthem after the first moto was already on the track.
4. Track layout. - (Not very "racy") A lot of one line areas. This can be quickly rectified with that giant dozer. Just look at the lines on the track after racing. If there is only one or two lines in an area, that area need attention. The biggest problem area I seen was the large double on top of the hill. While it looked fun to jump and rather safe, it was VERY one line.
5. Track layout for spectators - You can not help the typography of the land but you can improve the sightlines for the spectators. (by removing that double mentioned in #4) With half the track being on the other side of the hill, it makes it real hard to fix this one.


I really thought the turnout would be bigger but with Baja and Area 51 both having big events on the same weekend, Im sure that pulled several away that normally would be there.

THANK YOU for giving us another fine facility to race. Looking forward to the your plans for next year.
Click to expand...
image.jpeg
You mentioned in your review about ripping track deeper... Careful what you wish for sir
 
Route 62 mx park said:
I've been anxiously waiting for your input. Thank you for taking the time to do so. I've met you twice now and if it wasn't for someone telling me who you were on "the board" I would have had no idea it was you. Don't worry so much about hiding from people. I think it's great you are very involved and don't mind telling it like it is!! Thank you for your continued support.
Click to expand...
image.jpeg
Gotcha..
 
Route 62 mx park said:
View attachment 49968 You mentioned in your review about ripping track deeper... Careful what you wish for sir
Click to expand...
Here is a dude that gets it. Make a suggestion and he does something about it. That is one fine looking piece of equipment... And the plow looks good also.
Nice work Lonnie. That will make primo track conditions... With a bunch or water... Whata you got for that smart guy???

btw. I usually charge $5 for a picture.
 
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