BigMxRadio
Every week, I have a few moments to scroll through my contacts and see tons of individuals who make an incredible impact on the motocross industry in their own way. Some are factory supported athletes, others are mechanics or trainers for some the biggest “have nots” in the sport. Marketing guys, sales reps and super fans all bound together by one commonality… their love for motocross and throttle therapy of all kinds. Sink your teeth into these tasty tidbits and be ready for more in just one week’s take.
Aldon Baker – Head Trainer – Baker’s Factory
Vurbmoto: What have changed about the approach to training athletes for motocross and supercross since you first trained athletes for these disciplines?
Aldon: I think the approach has changed more to with what we have available as training tools. Better heart rate systems, tracking laps and being able to overlay riders, tracks and facilities are much bigger and better set up, and then being able to put good riders together to push the level has also changed the dynamics from the earlier days.
What have you learned from the athletes you’ve worked with given the fact that some communicate better than others and most come with experience gained from other coaches/training programs?
I think communication is the key and some do that better than others. Reading the way they approach training and riding is a big key to developing them and helping them be better. As for training experience that is for sure analyzed, but I typically deal with what I have moving forward and the situation they are in, regarding the stage of their career and motivation levels regarding that.
Where does discipline come in as a dictator for whether a training program will be successful?
Discipline is the basis of everything and a key part of keeping them consistent in the training. We are one of the only sports that has two seasons in one, which makes for a long year with a lot of races, so if you don’t have a good plan and good discipline to stick to then it can easily go bad quickly.
With discipline to execute set aside what would you say are the three most important healthy habits all racers should put into practice?
Nutrition is a big one and can get neglected a lot. Sleep and rest are another one. Having a good solid ride plan is another and balancing the other cardio training linked to it is important.
Tell us about your recent venture into performance cycling with Alcavi Bikes.
The bicycle has always been a big part of my life and also in training. So, it has been a dream come true to develop ALCAVI as an Elite Bicycle brand. It’s been five years in the planning and we finally launched last November with our road bikes. A lot of cool developments are coming with the goal to get to E-MTB bikes.
Cameron McAdoo – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki
Vurbmoto: Were you a Vurbmoto kid growing up with videos like Epic and War Machines or were you too busy actually riding your dirt bike?
Cameron: I wasn’t into the scene enough growing up to watch all the stuff, but I remember the years that Vurb was big into the amateur scene.
What initially lit the fire for you to want to pursue racing at the pro level?
I always rode dirt bikes for fun growing up, and obviously as a kid you want to do whatever sport that you are into as a professional, but I was never good enough to even think racing professionally was attainable. When I was 16 my parents decided that they would let me go live at a training facility for one year to see if I had what it took and that was when I decided I was all in on trying to make it happen.
You’re known as an intense trainer and one of the fittest guys in the class. Where did you develop the love for training and is it something you’re genuinely interested in getting better at and learning more about how to train the body?
I love the training aspect of our sport and challenging my mind and body to go to its limits, but the main reason is the way my parents raised me. They taught me to do whatever I do in life with everything in me and to never leave anything on the table so that is how I approach my job and honestly everything in life.
You’ve elevated your career since joining Pro Circuit Kawasaki, what’s been the biggest contributing factors?
I feel that the biggest thing that helped me was the people I am surrounded with who all truly believe in me at the team and having the opportunity to work with Nick Wey as a trainer, coach, and mentor.
What needs to happen with your riding for you take the next step and turn podiums into more wins?
We are all riding at such a high level that at this point it really comes down to the little things that add up so that’s the biggest thing for me to continue working towards my goal of being a consistent race winner.
Erick Bartoldus (Big E) – Marketing Manager at Yoshimura-RD of America
Vurbmoto: You’ve got some much experience in the moto and the bicycle industry. What did you learn from one industry that translates to success in the other?
Big E: People mean everything. From your co-workers to your customers. The relationships you develop should be treated with integrity and respect.
When people ask what you do at Yoshimura, what do you say?
Haha! Everything marketing related, including sales functions. Even involved in some product development. Same thing on the Yoshimura Cycling side. I even take the trash out 😎
How important is it to build real relationships in the industry and how do you find time to nurture those relationships on top of a busy work schedule?
Relationships are everything. Period. No matter what business you’re in, the relationships that are built on integrity you will go far. Build bridges always!
What’s a product in either cycling or motorsports that wasn’t as successful as it should have been?
Man, that’s a hard one. I’m really proud of a lot of the Pro Taper products we developed. The Yoshimura Cycling product line is super close to my heart. That product looks and performs to the top!
If you weren’t in the moto industry, would you want in and how would you go about getting your dream job in the industry?
Honestly, I can’t even picture myself doing anything else. I’ve been on dirtbikes and bikes my entire life. I got a marketing gig at GT Bikes in 1989 and then joined the powersports industry in 2001. My passion for products and people got me in and I think it’s keeps me in. I loved it and would do it all over again.
Jamie Ellis – Owner – Twisted Development
Vurbmoto: Where did you first start working on bikes? How did you get better at it and who did you learn the most from in your early days as a mechanic?
Jamie: When I was in college for Aviation, I got a job working for an oil company owner who had six kids and I worked on 30 plus motorcycles for their family. In taking the job one of my second father figures James Tilghman shored me up and helped me learn how to do anything I didn’t know and that gave me the confidence to take the job and learn everything from him.
What’s your best Dave Osterman story?
Gosh there were so many good times that were had. I lived with Dave for the first two months that I moved to California so I’m kind of like part of the family. I guess it’s not really a story but my favorite thing about Dave is no doubt his drive. I always joked by saying whether he is in the shower or doing anything else he is constantly thinking about the team. He is a hyper focused driven person that I am very lucky to have seen work and learn from his passion. Plus, he’s super fun to go to the bar with 😂
How did you get started with Twisted Development?
I started out of my garage at home. There were a couple key things that happened at the right times that have gotten me to where I am today. John Duffy, who owned Applied triple clamps, was also a key person in my life that helped me move forward with Twisted Development. A true businessman that scared me to the core and told me that I would fail, but also gave me the tools to succeed. Brian Deegan was another major impact on steady work, guidance, and commitment, as well as Nick Wey. Nick was still racing himself and is a very respected loud voice.
How did the idea come about to do the IBCORP Yamaha Supercross team and TV show?
Brad Barker who was the producer of the show had a crazy idea to help his friend’s family member race Supercross and try to give a behind the scenes look into something new. Brad has been very successful and is currently doing a boat charter and events down in the Florida Keys. Backyards of Key West check him out. He still does a YouTube show called Ride of my Life.
What’s the biggest benefit of having a performance ECU?
ECU tuning is knowing how to give an engine the right amount of fuel and the right delivery of spark for ignition timing. I would say it’s a basic operation that gives major feelings of improvement and ride ability when it’s right. The connection of the throttle and the rear wheel is a magical feeling when it feels 1:1.
David Pulley – Professional Supercross and Motocross racer – Team Somnium
Vurbmoto: What does your annual race schedule consist of and what is your main focus when Supercross season is down?
DP: My annual race schedule typically consists of the majority of the Supercross schedule. The full 250 coast. Plus, a couple 450 rounds on the opposite coast typically. When supercross season is down my focus is on running my Powersports shop I own, DMP Motorsports. We’re close to the lake so summer services and on Jet ski sand boats makes up out busy season. While I also focus on my riding schools and training during that time as well.
When did you decide you wanted to start training for supercross?
I knew from when I was racing AX and what not to turn pro that Supercross is what I wanted to do. So, I would say I’ve always been training with that end goal in mind.
Who has been your longest standing sponsor/supporter?
Split Designs, so anyone in need of the best graphics in the game hit them up. And also, my dad / family have been my number one supporter since the beginning. And my dad sacrificed his pro career in watercraft racing for me to chase my dreams.
What keeps you motivated and dedicated to training?
The little wins and always striving to be 1% better than I was the day before is what truly keeps me motivated and dedicated. Everyday I’m just focusing on being the best version of myself and beating my best from the day before. Me. vs. Me.
How do you find ways to give back to the younger generation of racers?
I work with a lot of younger kids in my riding schools. Love giving back to the upcoming groms and teaching them tools and skills that I wish I knew at their age to help them be the best versions of themselves and be a safer, faster rider.
Main image: Kawasaki
