To those who don’t know, it may just look like a mound of dirt. But area dirt bikers know the effort and craftsmanship that went into making this creation – a dirt bike track. Bikers molded each turn, twist and ramp in the track, using Bobcats and a dump truck. “There are lots of tracks around here,” dirt biker Phil Konz said. “We have two practice tracks [that we built ourselves]. We rent this land [from area farmers] to practice.” To get the most out of their rental purchase, the bikers change the course, adding new turns and different jumps throughout the season. The pair couldn’t even count the number of hours they have put into creating the track, because they are constantly altering it. “We work on the course a lot,” fellow racer Ben Stockinger said. Konz added, “When we get bored of the track, we change it around.” This helps prepare them for different competitions and mixes things up. When the teenagers aren’t building up their track, they are working on area farms to raise money for their bikes, which cost about $4,200. “I work on a dairy farm and milk cows,” Stockinger said. Konz said that the farm work can start at 4 a.m. and concludes as late as 11 p.m. However, both boys said that their hard work and long hours are worth the effort for the joy of dirt biking. “It is such an adrenaline rush,” Stockinger said. “The best part is when you are racing and nothing gets in your way.” Both bikers indicated that they spend much of their free time practicing on their home-made tracks. “In dirt biking, you need to make sure you have a lot of money,” Stockinger said. “You need to have enough to race and then practice a lot too.” After much practice, the teens bring their bikes to Little Falls and compete in the races held by the American Motocross Association (AMA) Before competitions, the racers wash their bikes and haul them to the track on a renovated bus, made just for this purpose. At the race, bikers wear a jersey and pants that usually match their bikes. For safety, the racers sport knee pads, boots, a helmet and gloves. Every competitor in the AMA circuit has an assigned number which is put on the bike to identify racers. Stockinger said his number is 504, which is his birthday. Konz, on the other hand, took the number that was assigned to him, 788. Divisions of racers called “heats” accommodate larger groups of competitors. Stockinger explained that the heats allow the riders time to get used to the track. Then, racers drive in the final competition. “Everyone goes on to the final rounds,” Stockinger said, “where the top four racers are awarded trophies.” With dirt spraying, racers ride around the track, cruising around curves and soaring over jumps. On average, the bikes travel about 35-40 mph. “Because dirt bikes are lighter than motorcycles, the suspension is better. Bikes have knobby tires for gripping the dirt,” Stockinger said. Both guys admitted that racing was an addiction, which is part of the reason they dedicate so much time to their sport. “When you race against everyone else, it is a big rush of adrenaline,” Stockinger said. “All I can think about is catching the next person.” Konz has taken first-place in some of his races. “It is pretty cool to think that you came in first,” Konz said. “When you think of all of the people you beat, it is great to know that you did the best.” Stockinger said he has also received some awards, and has taken home a third-place trophy. Dirt bike racing lasts throughout the summer and the final race is held before school starts. However, the racers continue to ride after competitions, until the snow falls. In the winter, bikers can utilize indoor tracks for practice. The sport is something both bikers plan to continue. “I plan on doing this a long time,” Stockinger said. “You can still be competitive at 40. I would like to ride after that and keep racing… then, I will get a Harley.” Forty years may seem like a long time, but time is something the bikers need plenty of. “You have to practice a lot before you start racing [in competitions]. You have to have time to practice and be really involved with the sport to do good,” Konz said. Based on the reactions and excitement of these two dirt bikers, it seems that the time, money and energy are worth it. Stockinger said, “It’s just great to be with other people that like the sport you like. It is so great being around other bikes and racers.”
