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Riding in California is different than anywhere else in the world. You get used to California motocross tracks because you can ride nearly every single day of the week. This is a major perk for riders who call the Golden State home.
But that comes with a price. Because we are losing tracks, the quality of the riding experience is diminishing and tracks are often overcrowded.
It wasn't always like this. I remember a time when we had several tracks up in the high desert. We had Comp Edge, and there was Sunrise, now named 395.
Those tracks are now closed. So you see a lot of people hitting tracks like Glen Helen Raceway and you have ranges of skill levels with riders on the course at the same time. As a rider, it almost feels personal with the oversaturation of riders all at the same track.
The owner of both 395 and Comp Edge had another main business. For him, operating the tracks was more of a passion project out of his love of the sport.
Operating the tracks became too much for him, so he just shut the operation down. So you just see a loss in tracks even like with other motocross tracks around the country, like in Maryland.
When you go out east, you might notice the conditions are vastly different. You find way more tracks, but the tracks in California are generally open way more often.
This leads to a strange situation where it can be good to split the tracks, but that also means riders are out for a longer duration. A track like Fox Raceway on a Saturday becomes packed.
You can almost compare riding tracks in California to surfing the crowded waves, sharing the ride. This impacts practice routines of pro riders, let alone casual riders who need to get seat time.
Think of a pro like Prada, is he used to packed, rough conditions? Maybe not so much the crazy packed aspect and getting quality time on a rough track with the general public just isn't an easy task in Southern California.
So what do track owners do about this? It's hard for most to see solutions because it can appear overwhelming with people coming to the gate.
You have riders that are new and don't always follow rider etiquette or proper procedures. Think of someone riding a new XR 200 mixing in with the fast pros trying to get better.
In some situations, that isn't such a bad thing for skilled rider training, but even pro rider Jason Anderson, you might want to consider an off time, so there's less people.
We're running out of space. You just start thinking, what will a Will Hahn even do?
He has riders he is managing going outdoors, having them go to places like Pala and Glen Helen. Three solid sprint laps? Tough, right?
The options end up being private tracks. But as you would guess, that can come with a cost, how much are people willing to spend?
Staying in places like Thomaston, Georgia can give riders access to maybe 8 tracks, 2 hours away. But here's something unexpected; more core fans of riding on the east coast than the west.
The folks are just way more core, more involved. They don't want to be an influencer like so much of Southern California. Those folks are focused on improving as riders.
For folks covering media, there are patterns in this behavior. We flock to places like Glen Helen. Then wonder, where is the new?
Meanwhile, riders are everywhere in places like the east coast with way different tracks and dirt. Consider; where is the true core riders? We think there might be opportunity elsewhere outside California.
There's risk with riding, simple. We all agree on that.
With tracks having so many mixed rider skills, what makes it better and less of a mess? More training is part of the problem.
It's a sport with risks, sure. We see new parents bring kids in, but without explaining some basic riding concepts.
Most experienced riders just try to take it all into their own hands and recognize the importance of just teaching themselves by understanding other riders. Think, just getting over if a faster rider is coming up to them.
There are vet tracks for a reason. Yet even so many of the fast riders can still be on main, but when? This comes with rider and experience to not have the risk on an overly busy day.
Then again, those on a main track, they maybe ought not be there, to start with. Get the heck off, why do some people do it? This is part of that experience.
You might wonder, if I do this activity, get hurt, and even hurt another, why even sue? The issue should be up to the parents to decide.
What needs to be better understood? Just common sense, and that people do not partake in behavior beyond their skillset.
California has tracks all throughout the state, and some might even consider some to be legendary, like at Glen Helen. You can even view more information on other options around.
Here are tracks to choose from:
California Motocross Track Options
Track/Name/Location/Type of Track
Glen Helen Raceway San Bernardino Multiple (Main, Vet, Peewee track)
Cahuilla Creek MX Anza Multiple (Main, Vet, Peewee)
Fox Raceway Pala Multiple (Main, Vet, Kids) LACR MX
Palmdale Multiple (Main, Vet, Peewee)
Perris Raceway Lake Perris Multiple (Main, Vet, Peewee)
Cal City MX Park California City Multiple (Main, Peewee)
Honolulu Hills Raceway Taft Main Track
You'll find each facility listed, with options of what they offer. Keep in mind that track schedules often vary. Be sure to review updates and check ahead before hauling to Fox Raceway or Cahuilla Creek Motocross, for instance.
From Perris Raceway, to Honolulu Hills Raceway, know each brings different skill and levels, from tracks more loamy like at Pala, or where pros often ride, like Glen Helen Raceway. Places like Cal City MX Park even offer options for youth and less experienced folks. The variety of tracks available caters to all motocross riders.
While the table above lists some popular tracks, California offers more.
Here's a breakdown with further information:
The landscape is shifting for California motocross tracks, presenting both trials and fresh perspectives. There used to be more options out in the High Desert, but times are changing with that.
It leads those seeking thrills in motocross with adapting, rethinking the norm. Crowding forces tough evaluation of our riding experiences in California, leading to the whole idea of if people should consider somewhere like the east coast. Are they seeking something that just isn't here?
The answers await the rider in pursuit of the track. Whether you ride at Perris Raceway Perris Raceway or at another facility, each motocross rider can get what they need. Ride motocross the right way.