MovieChat Forums > Supercross (2005) Discussion > Answers to WHY? Supercross The Movie

Answers to WHY? Supercross The Movie


Ok CRITIC,

let me explain some things to you. I am an amateur motocross racer with one championship to my credit. I am also a professional journalist for the sport and am qualified to set you str8 on a few things.

>>http://www.mxlarge.com/article.php?article_file=1103569012.php<<;

First of all, motocross has been scientifically proven to be the most physically demanding sport on Earth (soccer is number one) and by virtue of the physical punishment endured by the athlete, motocross is much more brutal. There are no limits to the level of performance a rider, professional or amateur can attain. As soon as one level is reached, there is another staring you in the face. There is always someone faster, smoother, better on a given day. The champions of my sport are the riders who are better more often than not but even so, consistent performance is what separates champions from the rest of the pack. You can win an overall event and not be the fastest rider there that day by virtue of the sports 2 heats.

I am older now but as a young man in school, I was the type of guy most pros today loved to hate. I lettered in track, wrestling, and football. And only twice in nine tries was I not on the starting lineup for these sports. In bicycle motocross, I went from Novice to Pro in 1 1/2 years... amazing by any standards and yet in contrast, it took me ten years to win a motocross event. THAT is testimony to the difficulty in mastering this sport... on the amateur level let alone Pros you see on the tube.

If you have never been to an event and seen riders flying through space, and land ten feet away from you with such force that the ground you stand on shudders, you cannot fully grasp all that motocross has to offer. Everything looks easy on TV, whether it is a sporting event or a movie others wrote. If you live in NY, I am extending an offer to you to go to a real event, see what the hype is about BEFORE you go see the movie. The rider's motivations will make more sense that way.

As for the movie, ooster5, your anger sounds to me like you are a failed writer who then becomes CRITIC... write a better movie if you can, dont knock somone else's. I am as we speak working on a motocross movie of my own, While different in concept, the sport is the backdrop and to me, "Supercross The Movie" is paving the way for mine when the time comes.

You see, we motocross racers/fans are the type of people who PUT UP. My advice to you is to put up or SHUT UP!!

Michael James
#882 in District 34, NY
AMA # 734244, 20 yrs.
30+ B and 40+ B classes

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AMEN

i race cross country, and the occasional motocross, i was in the 85 amateur last year, and 125/200, novice this year, gotta katoom 200 sx..

it drives me crazy when people talk about the sport who have never tried it

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After quickly reading ooster5's post, I must say several things.

I agree that the plot, actually the entire movie will likely suck.

However.

While I do not plan to see this movie in the theaters, I will say that Supercross and Motocross is a very rigorous sport as Mr. James had mentioned above. I was lined up at my local independant theater for the premiere of Dust To Glory, a documentary about the SCORE Baja 1000. Easily the most grueling race out there.

Supercross (The Movie) will likely bomb in the theaters, and end up with low-moderate DVD sales, mostly ending up one the shelves collecting dust at houses adorned with MX pictures and CRF450's in the garage.

However, his comments about the sport of motocross are his opinion, no matter how unfounded. Having attended several Supercross events, and many of the old Mickey Thompson racing events, I can surely say that there is a major fanbase for the sport. Having sat on the side of the Oldsmobile hill Double Jump in Glamis Ca., and watching riders sail through the air, I can vouch for these guys.

As an avid offroader and duner in Southern California, I can certainly say that Supercross and Motocross is a very high-budget sport. While you Mr. Ooster5 may not enjoy soccer and rally racing, I ensure you that there are soccer fans around the world, and most racing fans who have opened their eyes beyond NASCAR enjoy a good rally event.

BTW... NASCAR blows-- but thats my opinion... and I didn't complain when Tom Cruise starred in Days of Thunder.

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Thanks for the comments JRS10.

My original draft of my mx movie "Strength and Honor" (not the current title) was right there with SX, The Movie... all about the sport and its fans. The people coaching me know better tho, a man in China has to see teh movie and connect with it somehow, thats what big studios are looking for, universal themes. 6 drafts later, I have universal theme that focuses more on the characters NOT the sport itself.

While I dont believe SX the movie will break any box office records, it wont bomb like many think it will. Hollywood is a business and high paying jobs are always on the line so what happens, dumbs-assed movies like Dukes and remakes-of-remakes get made while writers out here with great original stories and ideas never get the studios time of day because someone thinks if something worked before, it will work again... WRONG!!! The recent box office slumps are the paying public's message as big as the side of a barn telling Hollywood that we know crap when we see it, let's hope they start talking chances on guys like me who DON'T write the typical mush getting made.

Anyway, happy trails podnah,
mJ

PS: Tom Cruise is also working on a motocross movie about the life and rise of James Stewart, our sport's version of Tiger Woods... expect Days of Thunder on dirt bikes. I personally dont see where there is a lot of dramatic tension to be had in a story about a father son team who genuinly liked each other, get along well. I know the Stewarts personally and they are a tight knit group of people. I think the Tony DiStefano story would be a whole lot better, he really was Rocky on a dirt bike.

"no day but today"

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You have no clue what you're talking about.

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everything you said is crap. as a female trail rider i know way better than who does the work, who knows about is, and that there is in fact MAJOR endurance required. i may not do motocross but i know what it takes and i the most respect for this sport! it does take skill, you have do idea how much. gear shiffting (with your feet not your hands), watching out for other riders who are inches from you (trails we have to watch out for trees and brush), jumpes, quick turns!!! picking things up and mastering them are two different things, i picked up cribbage in a day and mastered it over 15 years, what is your point!!! people like you who have no idea about something and try and have an opinion about it is completely ridonculous!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Whoa! Ok you are now firing a gun at your imaginary friend near 400 gallons of nitroglycerin!”

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My misunderstood friend,

motocross IS a sport and a motorsport all rolled into one. ESPN specializes in STICK AND BALL sports, re-read the last sentence. Motocross is more of an athletic event than NASCAR racing but all forms of auto racing require athletic training. I would NOT want to become fatigued traveling at 200 MPH and lose concentration, would you?

The theory that claims motocross to be the second most difficult sport is based on high level fitness tests of athletes from all major sports, and most pro motocrossers are waaay more fit than even top football players. Our top pros use triathlons, century cycling races, and marathons to cross-train... imagine that. They do THOSE things to CROSS-TRAIN?

If you live in New York, I am extending an invitation to come to a track and I will (at risk of getting my 7000 dollar bike wrecked) allow you to take a slow lap or two around a real track and show you how difficult it is. A bull rider has to stay on for all of 8 seconds, imagine that kind of ferocity for 45 minutes, even 15 minutes at my amateur level.

To race moto, you need the aggression of a boxer, the focus and mental faculties of a fighter pilot, the courage of a shark diver, the toughness of a rugby player, and the endurance of a runner.

Put your money where your mouth is, email me and set up the date,
mJ

PS: most motocross riders (racers or not) spend their weekend DOING something, not watching others do it. Life is NOT a spectator sport!!!

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I see your only used to one form of arm pump. If you had any idea of what you were talking about, you might make sense when it comes to motorcycling. But you obviously know nothing about Motocross, or even Motorcycling in general. Go and try it, you'll be wore out in about 10 minuets of non stop riding, your arms will feel like jello. Also, you say 99% of the world don't know about it, explain all the companies from around the world, look at all the races around the world, even look at the World Championship thats coming up where each country enters a team to compete for the title, if your going to open your mouth about a subject research it some before stating your OPINION as fact son.

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jhitting,

I actually respect hockey players because for the life of me I relate ice to breaking bones... been there done that. I never knocked any of the other sports. I cant hit a little ball into a cup five hundred yards away either but none of these things compare to all of the difficulties of motocross for me. Ken Griffey Jr., his son races with our version of Tiger Woods teaching him. John Tomac (champion cyclist) has a son on the national amateur circuit.

Griffey admits motocross puts his game to shame and actually rides himself. Tom Cruise, a hocky fanatic, is making a MOTOCRROSS movie right now, not a hockey movie. Chill out, Dude.

What you also aren't getting is the individuality of motocross, I was a wrestler and played football, there were times when I rocked but the team lost. Extreme sports players like the fact that if they lose, THEY lost... no one to blame.

ESPN and ESPN the Magazine have nothing to do with each other. Its like Verizon (my employer), and Verizon Wireless... they have nothing to do with each other, pal. If you must know, ESPN was outbid by the Outdoor Life Network for the rights to air the motocross races this season. ESPN wanted it but lost. :-(

How many hockey players die every year? So far, it's been five motocross racers... and that is only the prominent ones that rank getting mentioned in national magazines. Try having 480 pounds of metal and rider land on your head or chest at 40 MPH sometime... I think it'd hurt a lot more than you can hit. Brian Warren watch the life slip out of his son's body after just such an incident. Think yer tough, throw yerself out a second or third story window and land on yer feet.

We need to stop here, cos I am. This is a movie website, not a sports website.

Happy Trails,
Michael James
AMA# 734244 20 yrs
AMA District 34, # 882
Waldem MX Champion 2001 40+B class.

PS: Me being a writer doesnt mean I can put you down, it means somewhere else I get PAID to do this... >:-(

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Hockey.
So you skate around on ice (like the Icecapades people do) and hit a puck with a stick. Meanwhile, people wearing padding on 99% of their body bump into you and hit you (as also you have padding on 99% of your body).

Also- Many football players are some of the fattest "athletes" in existance outside of Sumo Wrestling. Oh yes... William "The Refrigerator" Perry is in "supreme physical condition". (I could barely write that, it was THAT funny. Did YOU have the same trouble when you wrote YOUR statements?)

I would put boxing over Motocross due to the physical punishment and endurance needed.
I would put Superbike (think NASCAR on 2 wheels) as the most nerve-wracking. Crashing at 200MPH is OK when you're in a seatbelt/harness and surrounded on all sides. It's not when there's almost nothing between you and the road.
Hockey USED to be for tough guys years ago. Now they wear things like "helmets" and "padding", wah wah.
Heck soccer players get KICKED with cleats and they only have shin guards.

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The latest source is the Penn. Institute For Athletic Research. Motocrossers finished in the top percentile of fitness based on a battery of tests. I said the top pros of motocross are among the most physically fit. Looking at the pounding one endures also makes it brutal, more brutal than hockey. I've spat blood after a race from the pounding my guts took, similar to bull and bronco riders who again only have 8 seconds to endure, not 15-45 minutes. As for the tough guy thing, beating each other up, we've evolved. Ask yourself if you don't think every man on a racetrack WANTS to kill the guys next to him and guess the answer. Because we know we CAN hurt each other, we don't.
me

You and the 30 guys next to me ARE the other obstacles in my way from me feeling good about myself, why wouldn't I want to knock the living snot out of you...GRRRRR!!!!

http://hometown.aol.com/vetb882


The bike I am on pumps out 60 HP at the crank and is lighter than I am at 217 lbs. Do the math. That kind of power to weight ratio is insanely difficult to hang on to. Your body is constantly sliding off the back of the seat.

Dig this poem I got PAID to write.

Mike


"Moto-cross" c.2003 michael james



Feel the pulsing rhythm of the blood rushing through your veins
Aching for the quick release of the too long held back reigns
The card finally goes sideways and your nerves are more on edge.
Like standing at the summit of the forty-second ledge

Pent up emotions will anticipate the gate
Tires spinning madly, as the first turn holds your fate
Iron horses thundering to the predetermined spot
He who brakes the latest will garner the holeshot

The holeshot was taken by a rider quite berserk
So you dip your head and steel yourself and get right down to work
Rider after rider will attempt to make a pass
But you thwart their every parry by staying on the gas

You see the leaders up ahead; you're running in fifth place
You clear the big tabletop and pass number four with grace
Lap two ends with you in fourth and gaining on third place
Have to pass him quickly now, the leaders have upped the pace

Lap three and your body starts to feel the moment's strain
Got to hold on a little longer, they're faster in this main
Your forearms feel like solid blocks of frozen winter ice
Be careful now with brakes and throttle, a trophy would be nice

You fight the urge to push too hard and risk an awkward fall
Make sure to pull the clutch full in, don't blow this with a stall
Rider three makes a bobble; you scoot past free and clear
And see the leader's pace has slowed as you draw ever near

With half a lap to go you see the leaders tangle wild
Their rivalry causes them to crash and you go sailing by
"I'm leading now," you think aloud with energy renewed higher
Arms aching, legs burning and eyes like fields of fire

The fallen riders quickly mount and ignore the searing pain
Resuming the chase to nip your tail, it's really all in vain
For you hold fast to your position at the checkered flag you style
The midweek training has paid off big, you've beaten them by a mile.

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Last post, Brad Lackey is America's first World Motocross Champion... tests like what is on the link have been repeated with the same results.

Duck the puck
mJ



http://www.motocrosscanada.ca/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1800

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Would suspect RC'd have an easier time teeing up a slap shot than The Great One would have clearing a triple. Pulling for Supercross to make its mark for the folks involved.


Deboten, I agree 100%, and thanks.

I am also rooting for the movie to make a ddent because of my won things cooking in that nature. Im home now, nursing cracked ribs... no, didn't crash, I slipped climbing down a telephone pole...Lol

FYI, works bikes still exist bro. The bike RC is on is over 250K, with tech inside that we will never see in production. Ceramic cylinders and heads, I mean space shuttle stuff to make it run cooler and give mor epower. RCs bike looks like the production bike but it really is a nascar machine built to look like what we buy.

Enjoy the rest of the summer,
peace,
mJ



"no day but today"

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who cares if it isn't a sport, arguings a waste of time. But motocross is definately ONE of the most physically demanding "sports" out there. More people should try riding a bike, and not just ride it, but race around a track for twenty minutes putting all their energy into it.

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Just try being in a F1 racer through the turns while the gear box is constantly shifting, causing you to go from well over 200 mph to 60 in no time. Once you heal from your sore neck, you can tell me that anything with an engine isn't tough.

And just in case someone tries to tell me this point has already been proven, there's a huge difference between NASCAR and F1. NASCAR is pretty slow compared to most racing leagues.

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I'm not really a fan of supercross, I was just posting in the supercross fans' defense bcause I'm an even less fan of ignorance.

And I agree, this movie looks terrible.

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I played rugby, it was an intense sport. Very intense. I never played hockey, I guess it compares a lot to rugby.

I also rode motocross, and yes, it is hard and intense as well. You fight the bike every second, your abs and thigh muscles are hard as rock all the time, you have to hold hard on the handle bars to steer the bike and after a 20 minutes race, you're really pooped. No joke. You really are.

I don't think it was as intense physically as rugby, but it is very intense on the brain. You're not as much physically exhausted as you are mentally.

I also rode bicycle a lot, off and on the road. It is a sport of endurance and it is very good for the hearts and lungs and builds strong legs but it is not the same type of effort as motocross, with his quite violent at times. I guess you burn more calories when you trail ride a bicycle as when you trail ride a dirt bike, but 20 minutes of motorcross racing will drain you more than 20 minutes of bicycle racing (even on the short track).

See, I never played hockey therefore I don't criticize it, because I have no clue what it's like.

Before criticizing a sport you never did, just try it once, ok?

For instance, I would not criticize:
- base ball
- luge
- bobsledding
- tracks
- football (US version)
- waterskying

And a bunch of other sports, because I never did them.

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Before you go blabbing like you know something you should at least, well, KNOW something. ESPN2 use to play motocross. No more. I'm not sure if you know or not, but ESPN2 is different from ESPN. ESPN magazine would rather write about pussy sports like football.

Another thing, you've never ridden a MX bike. So how in Gods name are you going to say it isn't hard? I mean really. You skate around and swing sticks at people. After a few minutes you go sit on a bench for awhile. If you get tired, you commit a penalty and you get to sit down then. If you get hot, you lay on te ice. Not really a sport. You don't do any work anyways. You simply slide on the ice. Therefore, the ice does all the work for you.

Please, educate yourself a little bit before making an ass of yourself.

Also, I've played soccer, football and basketball. I've also ridden MX. Guess what, nothing comes close to the demands of MX. But, you wouldn't know.

Go to Canada, pussy.

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Re: k5nrok

"Also, I've played soccer, football and basketball. I've also ridden MX. Guess what, nothing comes close to the demands of MX. But, you wouldn't know. "

Ahh,

from one who knows... write/ride on Bro!!!
mJ

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OK i didn't really care but now i need to step up...talking about people not knowing what they talk about. A motocross racer has the mental facalties and concentration of a fighter pilot. Ok next time you are on the track, crank your bike up to max speed, now do the this: first figure out how fast you are going simply by using checkpoints you know are a certain distance apart, now figure out the best way to navigate to a part on the track you have never been before on a track layout you have never seen, now follow radio instructions to the letter, now keep an eye out for other bikers on the track coming from all directions (including up and down), NOW add in the fact people are shooting at you. Show of hands...how many here can handle that.

Not to dis your sport, but lets not get ahead of ourselves, ok?

thanks,
Chris
Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor

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No dis intended Chris. I wanted to be a fighter pilot but bad vision killed that dream. I would love to learn to fly, do you want to learn how to race, not ride motocross, I can trade skills if you like. Chill out. Dying in a plane is no easier than dying on a bike, sh** happens.

For what motocrossers go through, try running full speed up the steepest hill in your town with about 30 pounds of gear on, heavy boots and carrying 30-50 lbs of weight in each hand with your arms bent, a 4 pound weigh on your head, stay bent over while you are doing all of this and the ground isnt solid but like a trampoline, constantly shifting and moving under your feet. Someone pours oil onthe ground so now you have to maintain balance while you are tired and still running up the hill, across the hill, down the hill, whatever, When your arms feel like lead, and your fingers cannot move how you want them to and your brain is fuzzier than Winnie the Pooh's ass on a bad hair day, THEN hop into your jet fighter and try to shoot someone else down... THATS what motocross racing feels like. When yer tired as SH** and want to quit is when you have to get the killer instinct to go after another guy while not letting the guy behind you get a bead on you.

Chris, it is YOU that dont know jack.

Numerous times a year big name Pro dirt bikers go to air force bases comped and get rides in all manner in jet fighter and they are impressed... none of them have puked yet... But EVERY fighter pilot who also rides motocross has no problems giving props to the pros on two wheels and th eintensity of the sport. It is in the pages of our magazines, figher pilots have no reason to brag or lie, neither do motocross racers.

Why the *beep* are we even fighting about this sh**???!!! You have brought out the ugly side of me.

ALL OF YOU IDIOTS WHO DONT RIDE GO TO HELL!!!!

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lol i think i just like being a pain...i can easily say ALL YOU IDIOTS WHO DON'T FLY GO TO HELL. Personaly your description just doesn't sway me...but i guess this is really all just semantics isn't it. I choose some words to describe my trade and you chose others to describe your trade. I can't dispute you, nor do i really want to. Just one point...many mil pilots lay back a LOT on press rides. Most non aviators start feeling strained at about 2.5 or 3Gs, whereas the Hotel Sierra Fighter pilots regularly pull upwards of 9 or 10G. that means i would weigh upwards of 2000lbs. Most roller coasters are only around 2Gs...but anywho i digress. This really is pointless.

Bottom line, dude, i am all for motorsports and i am all for flying...just can't really compare the two. Also looks like a crappy movie, with some good thoughtless action and motocross races, which for a lot of people will make it worth it. Was Torgue a good movie? Shoot no, but it did have a hot blond, a chic with tattoos, Ice cube, and some bad bikes...peace, love, dope.

Chris

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Torque stunk... I ride so you know it had ot be bad....Lol Biker Boyz was a better attempt but Torqe seemed to be written by committee, and none were on the same page. If SX the movie stinks, I will be the first participant to say it.

9-10 Gs is insane, those flyboyz are some HARD ass dudes... no doubt about that.

Did you see Stealth? I wonder if those planes were ripped off some real drawing boards. Nothing about them looked impossible to build, whoever did the production design had their act together. The actual stealth features blew me away.

Like I said, I wanted to fly when I was in high school, but my mom depressed me into thinking I didnt have what it takes. I'd rather have tried and failed than to always be wondering what if... =:-(

Go for ALL of your dreams Chris... I believe I can be a good Hollywood screenwriter, and I am definately going for it WFO!!!

Mike

PS: I wasnt comparing flying to riding, I was comparing the people who do it, the bad-assed attitudes of the jet jocks is the same in the pits of a pro race. Big egos and b***s to match.

"no day but today"

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Lol i forgot about biker Boyz...now that was a good movie...ok mainly cuz of morpheous. i think i liked togue so much becuase of the jet powered motorcycle. Lol sure that would be sweet but the bike would weigh like a ton, and go real fast...but acceleration? 0-60 in like 2 minutes...them turbines take some time to speed up. But oh well...can't expect much from a movie that sword fights with bikes right?

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"can't expect much from a movie that sword fights with bikes right? "

HAaa ha,
I lost it right there and it was an irretrievable loss... 5oo lb street bikes up in the air like horses...hahahahahaha, Im still laughing. The jet biek was cool tho.

mJ

"no day but today"

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easywriter882, you are such a tool. You're a pro-writer and you liked this crap? This had to be the most poorly writen film since 'Grind'. Just because a movie has your favorite "sport" in it doesn't make it good.



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Its obvious that you (I guess most people in here) are only ever going to be the ones paying to see movies, not working to MAKE money making movies. I give every movie released a 5 at least just because it got picked up by a studio and released. You have NO IDEA the long road it takes just to get it out there. Try it some day. :-)

It was an OK movie at best. I saw where it could've been much better, but it wsa simply an OK movie. No more, no less. The beginning flaked real bad, I did say that, didn't I. Once the BS 15 minute beginning was past, there was actually some modicum of relatability to the story. As a participant, again, I related to it more than you would. It almost seems like the makers didn't give a damn about YOU, the general public, and made the movie for me, the racer/race fan.

Sam, we all have a choice, dont go see sh** you dont think you will like. Real simple.

Have a nice day
mJ

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Everyone can stop with the analogies and explanations of why a certain sport is "tough" and "demanding". Get off.
I've played every stick and ball sport at one time or another. Football and Basketball were the only two that were organized. In my EXPERIENCE, (which is all that matters especially since some of these idiots rag on things they've never done) motocross is extremely demanding in its own way. You have to be strong, in-shape, and brave to ride around a dirt track at 40 mph and jump 60 feet. There's no debating that. BUT, it's not demanding in the cardiovascular sense like swimming, or bicycling, or marathon running. On the other hand, it's not uncommon for someone to collapse after a 15 minute moto.

About a dozen people die every year in motocross, if not more. Mainly from head trauma and heat exhaustion from fatigue. It's an extremely demanding and dangerous sport, and by far the funnest sport I've ever gotten into.
Easywriter... you're my kind of guy... a fan and rider, but lay off with the "I write and make movies so I know what I'm talking about." You're damaging your validity with each retaliation.

Bottom line... "Supercross: The Movie" is mediocre for fans and moviegoers alike. If you're really a fan of the SPORT, you'll be at the theater trying to find how many mistakes were made in filming... not about how high or far they can jump. It's not a true film dedicated to riders... it's a hollywood movie. Even the poster for the movie mixes 4-stroke graphics on a 2-stroke bike. In my opionion, it's Grind on dirtbikes... it even has the same leading character.

One more thing... Chad Reed is a pro mx/sx rider. His trainer was also Lance Armstrong's physical therapist. He has said in an interview that MX is the most physically demanding sport he's ever dealt with.

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"Easywriter... you're my kind of guy... a fan and rider, but lay off with the "I write and make movies so I know what I'm talking about." You're damaging your validity with each retaliation. "


Hey RYONE,

thanks for the comments,and yeah, I've laid off the defensiveness. :-)
I liked your comments but I felt more inclined to defend the sport not so much the movie.

Its is a tremendous achievement to have a movie make it to theatrical release and the longer I wait with mine the more the point hits home. Paul Aaron (Keanu's dad) was quoted as saying that for a movie to go from script to screen is like lining up a dozen tires from ropes and swing them, then shoot an arrow and have it go through all 12 tires. The whole damn universe literally has to align to that degree. =:-O

Keep riding, keep writing,
mJ

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i was heavily into freeride mountain biking, cycling isn't considered a sport outside the Tours and the eternal fight to get recognition and hence funding for individual "lost" sports athletes to do something for their country and liven up everyones lives matches some peoples view on moto-x

i can't ride anymore, used my head as a brake at 25mph, full face helmet not too badly damaged, one scratch on my ankle from catching my front suspension as i slammed into the ground. got up and walked away after my brain sort of stopped for 1.5 seconds. i have a traumatic brain injury, will have it for the rest of my life, it disables my day to day actions. anyone who watched travis pastrana in summer x games 2004 smash his head into the ground after pulling several flips, damaging the right side of his face can sort of imagine how i slammed my head into the ground, although at 25mph!

even though mountain biking isn't a valid sport i could build and maintain my own bike, then go out and ride it. the fitness side of things, the confidence and exhileration, it was all worth it. it's far better than being one of 50,000 fans drunk and chanting away at their favourite football team (english football!)

my definition of "sport" is now of an activity that you can personally get involved in and actually do!

in the UK the supercross and motocross is played out on our tv screens delayed and in the early hours of the mornings. during supercross season i miss nights sleep sitting up waiting to watch it. i don't do that for football!

track and field, rugby, cricket, hockey, sailing, football, water polo, all sports i've competed in when younger and if i can assume mountain biking and motocross is a sport, then those pencil pushing "elitists" with their grubby little hands on the purse strings denying us our entertainment can go dig their own graves.

as to the film, it's there to see if i want, but i don't think a hollywood take on the world of motocross is going to be good for fans really. i wonder if a documentary involving the stars past and present might be more interesting. but thats for the fans, it isn't going to help the makers of this film expecting to make a profit at whatever cost to the consumer

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Whoah,

head trauma is no joke. I crashed on a huge tabletop on NJ over 2 months ago, and I still am a bit dopey now, Names are harder to come by and stuff like that. It is kinda scary. Were you told not to ride by a doctor or what?

I raced a MTB downhill at Ski Plattekill and scred the living crap outta myself. My friends had to unlock my fingers from around teh grips...Lol
My fastest speed down the hill was 50 MPH, I think of the insanity of it now... dude you coulgn't THROW me down a downhill run again...Lol

But sport is like a fickle but sexy woman, you keep going back for more regardless of the hurts...

Heal up warrior,
mJ

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What is wrong with you people? Yes motorcross is a sport. Yes it is very demanding physically. That is not the issue. This cheesy movie was a stinker and only makes motorcross a joke to those not involved.

easywriter, make your movie better than Supercroos, please! I will be first in line.

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I can tell you why espn is wrong. They are gauging thier results on top level competition in thoose sports, not the sports themselves. Hockey isn't a hard sport. A 5 year old can learn the basics and skate around, it's the people you play against that make it hard, not the sport itself. The vast majority of team sports are very simple and easy to learn. The lowest level team sport game has the same rules as the highest.

If they were doing it on the sports themselves stuff like surfing, skateboarding, gymnastics, etc. would be closer to the top. Hell even billards is a harder sport then things like basketball if you look at the "sport" itself.

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You lost me at "professional journalist... to set you str8."

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http://www.mxlarge.com/article.php?article_file=1103569012.php

Click the link ophine, the piece gained me 100 USD, it took a bit less than 1 hour to write... we clear now?

mJ

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[deleted]

[deleted]

"They rely on machines and not athletic abilty."

Not athletic ability? Tell me you are kidding. If you think that racing motocross doesn't require athletic ability, then you obviously know nothing about the sport. Ignorance is bliss. A motocross race is one of the more physically taxing activities that athletes take part in.

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I thought the most physically taxing activities are the heavy drinking and sex with whomever lowers his/her standards.

Him: I ride a motorized bike for a living.
Her: Oooo, are you fast?
Him: Only when I have to be.
Her: (Giggle)
Him: After the race, you wanna meet up for a drink?
Her: Maybe, what's in it for me?
Him: If you're lucky, me.

And......scene!

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Wow, plenty of people with biased opinions replying to this thread! I doubt if any of you with negative views about motocross have EVER been to a track, let alone ride anything with less than four wheels.

Question: Any of you that question motocross as being a sport...Can you explain to me why some of the best physical trainers in the world bother with it? Such as Jeff Spencer (The guy that coached Lance Armstrong through all seven of his Tour De France victories), Aldon Baker (A former competitive cyclist) and Kevin Barda. Those are just a few of the trainers that cater to the physical conditioning aspects of motocross.

Reguardless of what ESPN says (Who, by the way, have recently filled the void in their schedules due to the absence of motocross with sports such as the "US Open of Competitive Eating" or another gem, "The 2005 National Dutch Jump Rope Championships")...Motocross is more than "Twist the throttle and sit there". You have to muscle a 200+ pound motorcycle around an often times 1.5+ mile long course with numerous obstacles, for 30 minutes + 2 laps (Around 35 minutes total- On average 13-16 laps per moto depending on track) TWICE per day.
This is just motocross. GNCC Enduro races run for 2+ hours non-stop on 10-mile long loops through woods. I guess the guys that race the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 on dirtbikes also sit on a couch eating junk food, doing nothing at all prior to the race? Give me a break!

By the "You have engines, it's easy" philosophy, you guys would be coasting around the parking lot in 1st gear, while the guys that have actually tried the sport, are out on the track racing around in 4th and 5th gear at 45+ mph muscling the bikes over double jumps, triples, tabletops, step-on-step-off's, whoops and countless other obstacles.

I'll bookmark this thread and check on it, as i'm sure some of you will have some idiotic answers to my questions.

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All I'm hoping is that this movie has a bike dance off like its predecessor - RAD. Now that was a bike movie. Send me an angel!

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The bottom line is that Motocross isn't marketable for a movie. This movie is the equivalent to "Days of Thunder"...i'm sure any Nascar fan at the time also knew that movie was nothing like the actual races. Supercross: The Movie is just adding fuel to the fire for all the people that say stupid stuff like "Chess is harder, Motocross requires no physical activity". It doesn't depict ANYTHING of how the real sport works. The movie deletes whatever professionalism the sport has. I've been into motocross since I was 3 years old, now 17.

By the way- For any of the guys that were saying motocross has nothing on football etc. You're right. There's no similarities between the two at all. Apples and Oranges. Football players train for brute strength and enough stamina to make those brief sprints. There was a survey that I read a while back, stating that 60% of the NFL football players are considered obese. That's the requirements for linebackers however, from what i'm told. Motocross requires muscle endurance and flexibility. There isn't as much emphasis on who can bench press 400 pounds, or whatever football quarterbacks require etc. All sports require a different target area for fitness, so reallistically nobody should even compare football to soccer etc. It's almost as absurd as saying motocross isn't a sport. ;o)

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" I am as we speak working on a motocross movie of my own, While different in concept, the sport is the backdrop and to me, "Supercross The Movie" is paving the way for mine when the time comes."

Look dude. I am all for you and I have nothing against these kinds of movies.... if they are good. However when they're not, then we have to 'rip' on them. I am hoping your movie turns out better than this one. I really do. I wish you the best of luck.

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I don't care whats in his movie, it has to turn out better than this one. Who didn't know that from what was possibly the worst trailer in the history of movies? "Two brothers who were never given a chance..." was about as far as I got and my brain shut off entirely. Sure, it's difficult to get a movie made, but this one has actually hurt the careers of all involved...how lucky.

I actually read through this whole thread because it was fairly entertaining to see people argue back and forth. I do think it's a sport, however, I think it's a pretty substandard way to spend your time.

We all fall down...

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[deleted]

Yo, easywriter, your poem brought a tear to my eye.

So here's an ode to you. . .

An ode to Michael (easywriter882)


Put up, or Shut up, and listen to me
Motocross is my specialty
I’m a journalist, and I write poetry
They always rhyme cause that’s the way poems should be

I eat dirt for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Support Supercross: The Movie, it’s truly a winner
I mean, how can it be bad, it’s about Motocross
Who cares about acting, direction, and plot

I’m narcissistic sure, but you would be too
I lettered in college sports, what’d you do?
People pay for my words, so they must be good
The vibrations from my motorcycle give me wood

I like to tell people about how tough I am
My motocross body shows that I’m all man
Girls will swoon when they see my cycle
Here’s my digits, call me, my name is Michael

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Gee requiem,

you're a poet and didn't even know it. =:-O

Dude, I laugh at myself waaaay before you or anyone else. My theory is if you can't laugh at yourself, don't laugh at anyone else. I am the LAST person to take myself seriously... trust me on that.. except when it comes to my writing. I am always amazed when I get a check in the mail, I do the foot work but God gave me the gift, you too.

MX like writing and poetry helps me from ending up on the post office posters. My daddy DIDINT give me enoug love and attention, so there is always a bit of voilence just under the surface. I found positive outlets for them, have you?

I NEED to ride and I NEED to write... nuff said,
mJ

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None of the people that said motocross isn't a sport have replied to my question about why Jeff Spencer (Trainer of Lance Armstrong) etc. bother with motocross...interesting :o)

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"why Jeff Spencer (Trainer of Lance Armstrong) etc. bother with motocross...interesting :o) "


Because Lance is mor ekonwn that RC and also the fact that most of them are talking trash.
We moto, we know and thats all that counts. :-)

Back to work tomorrow, climbing poles, healing ribs and soon riding again.
Weee haaawwww...
mj
"no day but today"

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anyone that thinks motocross isn't a sport hasn't been roosted, try running twice at full speed with 10lb weights in your hands, do it 4 times in two classes on a hot summer day in the south. have a another bikes front tire jammed into your ankle, try jumping out of a car at 40 mph, jumping off a two story house every minute or so, ride a pogo stick as long as you can. it will tear even the best conditioned people to the ground. I don't think soccer is harder since it only involves the lower body, dirt biking involves every part of the body.

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"First of all, motocross has been scientifically proven to be the most physically demanding sport on Earth (soccer is number one)"

I'm not disputing you, but it makes me laugh to think that there might be some publically funded scientific report out there with this conclusion:

"After much study, we find that motocross is the most physically demanding sport ON EARTH!!! Take that, b*tch!"

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Vic,

I dont think any of the studies were publicly funded, I assunme there were private tests done by sports institutions for their own benefit or research. Other tests I have seen written about dont state that motocross is the most demanding, they state that the pro motocrossers were in much better conditioning than all stick n ball sports. One said lb. for lb. they have the strength of Pro weight lifters and the flexibility of Pro gymnasts. It means whatever you want it to mean.

As for the movie, I had hoped it would have made a statement but it didnt. :-(
There were three people in the movie theater when I went to see it and two of them were me and my daughter.

It was over-edited to keep a fast pace I suppose. Critical mistake by not giving people enough credit to have some sense to follow a slowed down version of the story. There wasn't enough time spent with ANY of the characters to even half give a S**T about them... you GOTTA care about the characters.

We cared about Rocky, about Private Ryan, about Maximus Meridius, we cared about Ripley... I didn't give a damn about the brother that got broke up, there wasnt even a moment of silnce for the fact that he was supposed to be seriouly hurt, We went from "Ouch, I'm broken," to "Dude, I cant wait to ride again." HUH!!!???

Hey, if it didnt seem to bother him, why the hell should it bother me.
I wish those guys better luck next time cause I KNOW a lot of people put their all into making it but they ought to go back to screenwriting school.

Mike

PS: Barrett Sallee, if youre reading this, email me, we need to talk about my script I sent to you. My lawyer is getting antsy.

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After some googling I've come up with the research mentioned here, unfortunately I can't find more info about the research.

Small quote:'Now in terms of validating the sport of motocross as an "athletic sport", this was done in 1976 or 77 by a Swiss group of researchers who used the latest EKG/ EEG monitoring tech and all the state-the-art medical methods of 'stress testing' and they determined that motocross was the #2 most physically demanding sport in the world. Soccer was #1, ice hockey was #4 and pro football was ranked #8 ...just as I'd expect. Remember this was in the 70's back before the NFL used to pause the game during TV commercials.Today my guess is that proFB would rank lower maybe 10th ,down near Bass Pro Fishing and Pro Surfing and Pro Frisbee....only teasin'... simmer down you big bruisers'

Source: http://www.extremefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8928&page=4
(look for the comment of nopainnogain)
(Note that icehockey actually ranked lower than MX ;) )


And also found info about a more recent test, unfortunately also can't find more info about it:

Another quote:
'While it may look simple to the onlooker, motocross competitors are athletes in the strictest sense of the word. A recent study conducted by the National Athletic Health Institute in California, in cooperation with Cycle Magazine, proved the amazing fitness and endurance that each of these young racers possess. Results of a series of fitness tests to 9 top motocrossers showed conclusively that these riders were the most physically fit athletes ever tested by the Institute'

More here: http://www.impactracing.com/whatsmx.html

And one last link for interesting reading is an article from muscle&fitness magazine from august this year, about pro MX racers:
http://www.looksmartwatches.com/p/articles/mi_m0801/is_8_66/ai_n14837365

In my own opinion/experience MX is definitely a physical very demanding sport.
I've never raced MX professionally but have done some rounds on a MX track and can tell that it is very exhausting(I sometimes ride offroad/enduro which is a bit less intensive than MX). I also have done a lot of other sports and each sport has its own charmes I guess.

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true!

and the fact that espn states that wrestling is the fifth most difficult sport just conclude that this list is pure bs.

And the machine dont work without someone on it! Its a tool like a football or a golfclub. Or is it that the gun shoots people on its own? =)

I belive that motorcross is one of the hardest sports to master, both physically and mentally!

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First of all, a love MX and this movie was terrible!

Next, below is the reason MX IS a sport. It does relate to cardio.


Tom France, a triathlete who is the coordinator of the ACR vintage series, posted this message following the death of an AHRMA racer at Thunder Ridge on July 5. It is good advice for all who race motocross.
I had been meaning to post this message for some time but the recent death of a rider while racing has compelled me to do so now.
We all know that motocross is a physically demanding sport. For years, it has been said that mx is the worlds second-most demanding sport - soccer being number one. The reason is simple - it's all about cardio fitness. According to the training chapter in my Husky manual, (1972) during an average race, a riders heart rate will spike to 200, then remain at 190 for the duration of the race. This is probably accurate - I wore my heart-rate monitor during practice and after about 10 laps I maxed-out at 175. With vintage motocross being a popular sport for older riders, it becomes absolutely vital that riders take all precautions possible to prevent heart-attacks while racing. Here are a few ideas that I think all riders should follow:
Get a physical. See your doctor. Advise him that you are participating in a high-cardio demanding sport. Listen and follow his advice.

Train to race, don't race to train. Racing requires training. Start a regular exercise program that involves lots of cardio work and no, - weight training does not count. Things like running, swimming, cycling, and hiking will help you the most. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

You are what you eat. Be sensible. Let's face it - junk food was never good for you, but now that you're older, the effects are worse than anyone had previously imagined. Motocrossers need endurance and strength - aka oxygen-rich blood flow, so eat food that's good for your heart, like lots of veggies, whole grains, legumes and fruit. Stay away from all cholesteral sources. Likewise with drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

Stay cool. With the hot weather here, you must stay cool and hydrated during and in-between races. Drink lots of water, stay out of the sun, wear vented riding gear and pace yourself. I've used my Camelbak at some of the more scorching motocross events.

Listen to your body. Don't ignore any warning signals. If you feel any discomfort for any reason, go directly to the EMT people and tell them. They are there to help you. Do not try to race. If you have a problem, racing will not help.

Look out for the other guy (or girl). The buddy-system works for other activities like swimming, trail riding, etc. so use it for motocross, too. If you see someone who looks pale or might be having a problem, ask if everything is ok. Notify the EMT's if there seems to be a problem.

These suggestions are for riders of all ages but are especially helpful for older riders, particularly those riders that are returning to motocross after a long absence. Don't take a chance - I'm sure your family will agree.

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Same answer to all "BUB",

meet me at Walden Playboys track in Newburgh New York on Mar. 19, my birthday also and the first race of the D34 season.

I will get the promoters to let you have a lap around the track all by your lonesome and then tell me what is a sport. I can guarantee the news media will be there to chronicle your foray into our world. Us my bike even.

You sound much like the type whose idea of a "sport" entails watching those who sacrificed much to become pros on the television all weekend, yapping to your equally less-active buddies about it all week over many beers.

Teddy Roosevelt answered you better than I could:
"It is not the critic that counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better........ The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great DEVOTIONS, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

Michael James #882,
KTM Amateur Racing

PS: I raced BMX (no motors) and went from Novice to Professional in 1 year, 6 months.

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Wow, of all the ignorant and flat-out stupid things I have read on IMDB the comments by JHITTING are by far the most retarded comments I have ever read. Congrats moron.

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motocross is too a sport. im a rider and its harder than it looks. yup...
btw, i thought the movie was pretty awesome.

www.myspace.com/c_shultz88

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