Chasing the winter blues
By TMX Archives on 8th Feb 13
And so, as 2013 fights to defeat this dismal winter and move into the heart of the year with hopefully some brighter days, my early season travels - within reason took me to the ArenaCross at the LG Arena Birmingham.
Now, much as I may have dreams of some day attending an AMA Supercross at The Angel Stadium, Anaheim, chewing on an enormous hotdog washed down with a Coors Lite while cheering Villopoto, Dungey, Stewart and co along with 60,000 SX fans, reality is slightly less stardust.
I'm sure ArenaCross promoter Matt Bates won't hold my dreams against me - especially as I had such a good time at the LG - even though I passed on the pie and chips at eight quid and then to add insult to injury managed to totally spill the pint of beer that I'd invested my whole week's pocket money in. Doh!
This was actually the first Arenacross I've attended this year and, as I expected, Matt and his team ran a really good show, the best indoor off-road event I've been to in this country. He did a great job on the promotion, resulting in a big crowd, and then gave them what they wanted with a sharp, high energy show that held the crowd right to the grand final.
The rider line-up is perfect for the venue, there's no point in bringing the likes of Bubba Stewart if there's no-one nearly in his class. The mix on show provided plenty of close racing and if you were Mr and Mrs Joe Public who has been urged along by their kids - as opposed to Mr and Mrs Motocross who know what to expect - then you would have had a fantastic evening.
The Freestylers, or FMX or whatever you want to call them were a vital ingredient in the show and that 15 year-old Spanish kid Chris Meyer is - in my humble opinion, and when commenting on FMX that means really humble - something else.
If you can be a natural at jumping a bike through 360 degrees then this kid is just that. I actually felt totally envious at what this teenager could do on a bike - knowing that I couldn't do that if I lived to be 200. And yes I know, not long to go!
Whatever, if you are thinking of attending the final round at Liverpool this Sunday then think no more. Just do it. It's a great show.
Also available this weekend is the Telford Classic Show and the Hawkstone International. Yes, that makes it three British events that are all top class in their own sphere.
And yes it is a bloody shame that they clash and no, I haven't a clue how to stop catastrophes like this happening.
I guess that there just aren't enough weekends in a year. Write to your MP, perhaps it is something that nice Mr Cameron might like to look into when he isn't...no, don't get me started on that!
