Jim Gibson School of Motocross |
*March 28th Class Article has been posted below! ______________________________________________________________ Improve your chances at winning your motos with Jim's proven techniques to cut down lap times. Techniques for starting, cornering, jumping, etc. Special CALVMX rate of $75.00/rider compared to $200.00 for most motocross classes. Full day of instruction with small groups for more personal interaction. Free lunch provided by CALVMX! Email your request for classes with the meeting dates that will work best for you to: info@calvmx.net Jim Gibson has over thirty years of riding experience in virtually every type of off road motorcycle riding, specializing in Motocross. As a former factory Honda and Yamaha rider, member of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at 1982 Motocross des Nations, and 1983 World Championships Bronze medalist he understands what it takes to be successful in our sport. |
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| 2010 Class Schedule |
| MARCH 28TH CLASS REPORT: CALVMX HOSTS JIM GIBSON’S INAUGURAL VINTAGE MOTOCROSS SCHOOL By Steve Caro Otay Lakes, CA. March 28 The inaugural Jim Gibson/CALVMX Motocross School took place under clear skies and plenty of wind Sunday, March 28. A class of 19 riders was enrolled to learn the techniques the former factory rider and Moto Cross of Nations team member had accumulated during his highly successful career. From several pre-75 machines through the Post Vintage class and up to and including three modern bikes, the line up of bikes spanned the history of motocross. Gibson’s syllabus stressed technique over machine capability which allowed for easy accommodation of the various era machines. Gibson’s first lesson on the day was illustrating the centers of the machine. They consist of the front and rear axles and down the middle of the bike. By shifting weight forward and aft, the rider can change the weight bias of the machine which in turn will affect the reaction of the machine to the course. Throughout the day, Gibson emphasized minimal body movement on the bike. He stressed keeping the majority of the riders’ weight centered towards the rear of the machine with the rider leaning forward in the “attack” position with both elbows up. He pointed out that with everything going on during a race, it was a waste of energy to be moving unnecessarily on the bike. One of the most interesting topics covered in the class was cornering. Proper body and weight position enable the machine to turn when and where the rider wants to go. Weight on the inside peg was shown to be all that was needed to get a machine turned. Sometimes a mere tilt of the head and shoulders was enough for a turn. Used individually or in combination depending on the situation, both will benefit the individual rider tremendously. Other subjects covered during the day included proper use of both brakes combined with a downshift, extensive coverage on proper starting technique (smooth clutch action over drag bike style dump the clutch and hammer the throttle) and mentally linking the track together ala road-race style instead of breaking the obstacles into individual units. “Maintain a flow” is how Gibson put it. Obviously one six-hour course is not going to turn a rider into a potential world champion. With an instructor like Jim Gibson, it will however provide the individual with a basic skills package to allow the rider work at taking his/her riding ability to the next level. The Jim Gibson/CALVMX Motocross School is well worth the ultra-low tuition fee. Gibson’s low key demeanor and thoroughness in his instruction will benefit any rider no matter what their skill level is. If you have the desire to improve your ability and want to spend time with one of the best racers of his time, check the schedule for his next school. You will not regret your investment. |
