Glover liked to pass Barnett in practice

I used to love to hang out at Supercross races.  My editor probably thought I was nuts, but I didn't want to miss anything, not even one lap of practice.  Here's Broc Glover finding a fast line through a whoop section with Barnett checking it out a bit more to the inside.

How great a life it was.  The open-air stadiums held the risk of rain, but when it was hot and sunny it almost felt like a mini MX National.  I enjoyed walking the track, making a few photos like this one in practice, then cruising the pits and visiting with most anyone who would talk to me...and with a few exceptions, that was most everyone.

I've measured every other point of passion in my life against those Cycle News years.  It was high engagement on every level and I was totally immersed in the culture.

New York motocross in 1976 was very cool.

Retro Motocross reader Mick Fesko has graced our blog with an image from his racing past...that's Mick jamming the inside inside line, #511 on the Can-Am.

Mick writes:  "The shot as taken in 1976 at a track just east of Rochester at a facility called Alberta Park, in Macedon, NY (AMA District 4) ...I was riding a 1976 Can-Am 125 MX-2 at that time."

As with most retro images, isn't it fun to examine the fine detail in the photo?  How about #77, how low to the ground can that guy go?  No stinkin' 14 inches suspension for that rider. Things look so "fun" from that era.  Maybe the cryptic equipment and gear made it more earthy and real.

I'm hooked on yesteryear.  Thanks for sending, Mick.

Flying high: Memories from yesteryear

I know we all love the magic of National MX, the factory stars, and memories of the elite from yesteryear.

But much of the MX magic resides in our own personal experience.

Check out the photo above; this was submitted by my long-time buddy Shannon Kurek (who is now one of the top triathlon and endurance sport event promoters in Ohio and surrounding regions).

Shannon recalls this big air shot is from 1985, at his grandma's farm in Mansfield, Ohio. He's riding a 1984 Suzuki RM 100.

Can't we all remember how it felt to be young and free, flying a motocross bike at our local riding area?  How dynamic the senses were and how receptive we were to embracing the experience?

This is how we can all remember motocross; as a celebration of our youth and a pathway of life to come.

One of my greatest MX pics of all time

I don't have to add a lot of words.  A young kid came from California to ride the 1980 125cc USGP at Mid-Ohio.

We knew two things:

1) CA riders can't ride mud.

2) What's a Mugen?

Two motos later, John O'Mara was in the news. And for the photo op, he waved an American flag.

Priceless.

12,000 Retro Motocross images: Tell me how to use 'em

It's an amazing feat, but in just a bit of time we'll have all of my slides and negs digitized and backed up about three different ways.  What had been a plastic bin of contact sheets and negs has come to life and there are many, many excited images to share.

I plan to keep bringing you prime photos with a bit of running commentary...but is there another or better way? If you have suggestions or input on how I might bring the magic of motocross to others, please post a comment. No secret, I want to take this enjoyment to the largest audience possible. Please help me reach out and share with early 1980's era fans throughout the world!

Bob Hannah pulled the fans' attention

Where Bob Hannah went, the fans followed.  I don't think there was any other specific rider who held fan attraction like Hannah.  It was a magical mix of personality + talent. And, it was a deadly combination for the competition.

If Hurricane warnings came to a Supercross stadium near you, it was a given that fans would line the closest access points in hopes of an autograph.

Who knows, maybe some of those young faces in the crowd are now middle-aged Retro Motocross readers.

Glover negotiates deep ruts

Supercross configurations may have been on the timid side in the early 1980's, but that didn't make them an easier to ride.

Broc Glover shows the proper technique for getting through a bike-swallowing rut.

Once again, the open face helmet allows for a full frontal view of Broc's concentration.

Retro Motocross readers...help me out and let me know who's chasing Broc on the Kawasaki.  Is it Breker or Ward?