MXT News

From several pre-75 machines through the Post Vintage class and up to and including three modern bikes, the line
up of bikes spanned the history of motocross. Gibson’s syllabus stressed technique over machine capability which
allowed for easy accommodation of the various era machines.

Gibson’s first lesson on the day was illustrating the centers of the machine. They consist of the...
By shifting weight forward and aft, the rider can change the weight bias of the machine
which in turn will affect the reaction of the machine to the course.

Throughout the day, Gibson emphasized minimal body movement on the bike. He stressed keeping the majority of
the riders’ weight centered towards the rear of the machine with the rider leaning forward in the “attack” position with
both elbows up. He pointed out that with everything going on during a race, it was a waste of energy to be moving
unnecessarily on the bike.

One of the most interesting topics covered in the class was cornering. Proper body and weight position enable the
machine to turn when and where the rider wants to go. Weight on the inside peg was shown to be all that was needed to
get a machine turned. Sometimes a mere tilt of the head and shoulders was enough for a turn. Used individually or in
combination depending on the situation, both will benefit the individual rider tremendously.

Other subjects covered during the day included proper use of both brakes combined with a downshift, extensive
coverage on proper starting technique (smooth clutch action over drag bike style dump the clutch and hammer the
throttle) and mentally linking the track together ala road-race style instead of breaking the obstacles into individual units.
“Maintain a flow” is how Gibson put it.

Obviously one six-hour course is not going to turn a rider into a potential world champion. With an instructor like Jim
Gibson, it will however provide the individual with a basic skills package to allow the rider work at taking his/her riding
ability to the next level.

The Jim Gibson/CALVMX Motocross School is well worth the ultra-low tuition fee. Gibson’s low key demeanor and
thoroughness in his instruction will benefit any rider no matter what their skill level is. If you have the desire to improve
your ability and want to spend time with one of the best racers of his time, check the schedule for his next school. You
will not regret your investment.

CALVMX HOSTS JIM GIBSON’S INAUGURAL VINTAGE MOTOCROSS SCHOOL By Steve Caro Otay Lakes, CA. March 28 The inaugural Jim Gibson/CALVMX Motocross School took place under clear skies and plenty of wind Sunday, March 28. A class of 19 riders was enrolled to learn the techniques the former factory rider and Moto Cross of Nations team member had accumulated during his highly successful career. From several pre-75 machines through the Post Vintage class and up to and including three modern bikes, the line up of bikes spanned the history of motocross. Gibson’s syllabus stressed technique over machine capability which allowed for easy accommodation of the various era machines. Gibson’s first lesson on the day was illustrating the centers of the machine. They consist of the... By shifting weight forward and aft, the rider can change the weight bias of the machine which in turn will affect the reaction of the machine to the course. Throughout the day, Gibson emphasized minimal body movement on the bike. He stressed keeping the majority of the riders’ weight centered towards the rear of the machine with the rider leaning forward in the “attack” position with both elbows up. He pointed out that with everything going on during a race, it was a waste of energy to be moving unnecessarily on the bike. One of the most interesting topics covered in the class was cornering. Proper body and weight position enable the machine to turn when and where the rider wants to go. Weight on the inside peg was shown to be all that was needed to get a machine turned. Sometimes a mere tilt of the head and shoulders was enough for a turn. Used individually or in combination depending on the situation, both will benefit the individual rider tremendously. Other subjects covered during the day included proper use of both brakes combined with a downshift, extensive coverage on proper starting technique (smooth clutch action over drag bike style dump the clutch and hammer the throttle) and mentally linking the track together ala road-race style instead of breaking the obstacles into individual units. “Maintain a flow” is how Gibson put it. Obviously one six-hour course is not going to turn a rider into a potential world champion. With an instructor like Jim Gibson, it will however provide the individual with a basic skills package to allow the rider work at taking his/her riding ability to the next level. The Jim Gibson/CALVMX Motocross School is well worth the ultra-low tuition fee. Gibson’s low key demeanor and thoroughness in his instruction will benefit any rider no matter what their skill level is. If you have the desire to improve your ability and want to spend time with one of the best racers of his time, check the schedule for his next school. You will not regret your investment.

		CLEYON LOONSFOOT I raced District 37 desert races for many, many years. When in my 50's I decided to try something different & joined the Oldtimers Motocross racing. Going from desert to motocross was a change because I was not use to gate starts, my cornering needed improvement and I needed to learn how to do jumps. I went to Jim Gibson's school & what a noticeable improvement! I learned how to start, jump, corner, and concentration. Jim is an excellent teacher, he seems to understand each individual & works hard to help them. Sometimes I go back to his school for a refresher class & it always helps. In my opinion he is the best for "one on one" training. I am 63 years old now & still racing oldtimers motocross. In 2008 I raced a summer night series with SoCalOldTimersMX & won the series for 60 Am. In 2009 I received the number "1" plate for District 37 AMA motocross series in the 60 master A class. Cleyon Loonsfoot..

		HEAT CAN'T BEAT VMX Perris, CA Jim Gibson and some of his race buddies from back in the day including 1980 Supercross Champion Mike "Too Tall" Bell, former factory Yamaha and Honda rider Scott Burnworth, and Marty Tripes, Frank Vretta .... Read about the day at CALVMX Pictured are from left to right Jim Gibson, Marty Tripes, Frank Vretta, Scott Burnworth, and Mike Bell.

		Vintage World Championships 2003 February, 2009 By Russ Rohrer "Glen Helen Raceway Park gave us another fantastic weekend of racing. This time, we've gone back in history. Rick Doughty's Vintage Iron World Championships brought some classic bikes and classic people out of retirement to tear it up at Glen Helen's National track. The Race of Champions" brought us Ron Lechien, Jim Gibson, Jim Holley, Warren Reed, Brian Myerscough, Gary Jones, and other past masters for some great competition. " read more ...

		MAKE A WISH -- Daniel's Wish to go "Daniel and his family met Jim Gibson (ex Moto-Cross Champion) and were introduced to the rest of the Lake Elsinore Motocross Team. After their inital meeting Jim kitted Daniel out in his biker leathers and took him on a one-to-one instruction scheduled ride, so that Daniel could get a feel for the track under the watchful eye of Jim! After a few tips from the ex-champ, Daniel (& his Dad) were on their own, blazing a trail through the track. They spent 4 days on different bikes and tracks, while Mum and his sisters did a spot of retail therapy!" read more ...