🤯 "IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!" - What's So Special About Supercross Riders??

Jason Weigandt is for me the voice of Motocross. For 2024 he finally gets his chance to step into the booth during Supercross, and it makes an epic season just that touch bit sweeter. I planned to get a lot into Weige's back story, tell some stories from his 20+ year career, but that is going to have to wait for the next one! We spent 4 hours solving all of the real and imaginary problems of Supercross and it was unreal.
Before we get into this episode though, I wanted to share with you some awesome news regarding our first ever race, the Gypsy Tales 500.
Vurbmoto and Gypsy Tales are putting on an 8hr Grand Prix style event in Mesquite, NV. Using one of Gypsy’s favorite events, Australia’s Transmoto series, as inspiration, this will be an 8hr team or solo (for the Savages) race with your boys (or girls). The course will consist of a tamed down moto track and off-road loop, averaging 20 min lap times. The goal? Have fun, kick some beers and race your buddies. It’s worth noting this is a 125cc and Up race, no mini bikes allowed.
As far as the course goes, it will be part moto, part off-road - Sunday’s loop will be a unique course with an average lap time of 20 minutes. The loop will include terrain for the average rider along with a tamed down motocross track with no mandatory jumps. Again, this is a vibe race and will be built for all rider disciplines.
For more information head to vurbmoto.com/gypsy500/
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[@DSGB2199]

100% agree, coming from bmx racing and dirtbike riding. I made it to expert ranks in bmx and i remember hitting sections in practice and think, damn that felt fast. Then watch a pro hit the same thing and it just blows you away at how much faster they see and react to the ground. It takes years and years to program the brain to process at the top level

[@lawrencefranck9417]

Back in the day being a fit mountain bike, I once rode the national course in Durango. We were hauling ass and John Tomac passed us like we were standing still. He and Ned Overend lapped us three times by the time we made one lap.

[@lancairw867]

Sometimes the speed fear factor never comes.

[@852motosports]

What's crazy is I was a pro bmxer for about 8 years rode single à and a little bit of elite men and I look at like the 16 17 and 18 ex kids amazed some of those kids gave me good runs for my money in pro ams lol

[@DSGB2199]

@@852motosports some experts fast af, used to like to watch juan marin and his little brother just kill the class. Natural talent off the charts

[@bigterrance_4341]

I went from being top 3-5 in all my classes for motocross then I got a pretty bad concussion and took a season off and started racing bmx and was the state champion for my age bracket the first year. BMX always felt kinda slow to me compared to moto and a lot quieter lol

[@emmonsracing3470]

This is insane what you are explaining about "frame rate" within your vision. I've always told my race buddies that beyond a certain speed, I just cant process what I'm seeing fast enough to respond! It's interesting that your conversation is verifying exactly what I thought.

[@ohboy2118]

They had this speed, sight, brain conversation about F1 drivers, and fighter pilots. They put monitoring gear on them and everyone assumed their eyes were working so much faster than the average person and their movements were so much quicker etc and the reality was the data they collected proved that they were the same a Joe Blogs but it was just the way they processed the data that made the difference. I do agree though that certain people with certain genetics are predisposed to be good at a particular task, sport, call it what you will. I remember Ricky and Bubba going head to head at the end of one race and Ricky said he knew what he had to do and that was to overjump a 120ft table to flat as this was the only chance he had to win so he sent it and did. Ricky has said in many interviews that he didn't regard himself as the best rider but he knew what he had to do to win because he hated losing.

[@microsoft790]

One thing that there is a difference between action sports athletes (only in their respective sport) is that they don’t get cortisol spikes while they are doing their job. When you’re in the middle of crashing and everything “seems like it all happened so fast” it’s the cortisol spike fogging your brain and your ability to act on what you want to do goes down to about nothing. The only way to stop that cortisol short of amphetamines is to continue putting yourself in that “oh shit” zone. Living in the zone is what makes them professionals. I think that’s one of the reason flat track riders are some of the best motorcycle racers, they are always a hair away from a big fall and they learn to relax on that edge. Anyway, always believe yourself; we are capable of so much more than we think we are.

[@Desert_Spec]

​​@@microsoft790People also forget its not an overnight sport. Guys like this have been riding since they were kids, probably racking up thousands of hours before they're 20 years old. Average Joe might ride every few weekends and that's just not enough to reach their potential. At supercross level, their entire existence is based around getting a bike to go as fast as possible.

[@Quadz10]

Finally someone is talking about how important/safe “brain processing speed” is in Moto (racing sports). Topic and a half Jase🤘💯

[@dragonsnatch1146]

Getting back on the bike at 49 after 25 years without riding and this is what's been going through my head big time.

[@mr.channel6467]

So

[@dangentle983]

Don't quit. Olds'Cool

[@jasonpenney8658]

Phil Heath had the best comment when it comes to statements like “hard work beats talent.” Phil said hard work does be talent, but when talent works hard, it’s game over.

[@m3hsid10]

The whole comment is "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard". So it's self explanatory.

[@MrStorbeck]

The only thing is how on earth did Bubba never get mentioned in this discussion?

[@JamaicanGoose]

Cause he’s black lol

[@Nick-xw3dk]

Agree, no other person on earth has ever been willing to use more throttle and less brake for a longer period of time then JS. His brain works different than any normal human being or other riders.

[@tankeater]

Every time something like this is brought up and I'm so confused... I need to remember I started riding in Pre-school 😂🤘

[@Dashriprock4]

I was a pretty good Street/ playground basketball player. I had the opportunity to play with a couple college players and Semi-Pros. It was absolutely embarrassing. I was caught flat-footed so many times because the game moves so much faster with these guys. They were able to process the information about what was happening and make decisions quicker than I could possibly react. Athletically they weren't always Superior, but mentally they were light years ahead. Now if you combine Superior athleticism and the mental processing ability you get elite level. We see it in auto racing. The ability to process the information and make decisions. Certainly in motorcycling, It's not only information processing but it's the physical aspect as well.

[@FurioRaptor]

I definitely notice my eyes and processing my vision gets more difficult at higher speeds on my Limited. As smooth as she is, the vibrations at 100+ mph doesn’t get fully focused as quickly. Great point 🤙

[@graderman1240]

I’ve always felt like the ones that are “the best” in sports, are hitting a level where they aren’t thinking but feeling. Time will slow down in those moments. I always ride fastest in the woods when I’m in the zone and don’t have to think. I can literally grab a higher gear and just go. But all the supporting variables have to line up on that day for the moment to even happen. And that does take work. I don’t have the ability to put in that kind of work, so I don’t get those zone moments enough to be fast.

[@Clayton139]

Changed Subject: (Jase Macalpine) and Jason Weigandt should talk about the last weekend races, each week on the (Gypsy Tales) Podcast😊 Something, you two are good together. Think, each week, pre race or post race 😊?

[@menegrath1]

Tobby Neurology…BIG BALLS!

[@johng6586]

When i hopped on a r6 for the first time and performed the fastest start i have ever felt in my life i recognized that the world.wqs passing before my eyes faster then i had processed before. I then knew what adaption and repeatability were going to provide. Gotta get there and stay there and push for more.

[@ZensōMusic]

Super interesting conversation!

[@patbateman6729]

Just look at Bubba Pauli, our local bad boy,, and just watching and riding with him, all I can say is WOW we all just stop and watch in amazement, not just how much faster he is than everybodyelse, but how smooth, and how different and better his techniques are than everyone else. He is came very close to making a main in Supercross at SF, no help from Friese go figure. These guys making the main week end and week out are just on Another Level completely. Saying this SD mud race could be another mother nature equalizer, so lets get Bubba Pauli.

[@scottrugenstein7034]

Absolutely legit topic that applies to all racers in Motorsports

[@LifeAfter62]

It’s like Micheal Phelps and swimming, he was kinda a freak of nature in the build of his body for swimming.

[@Dashriprock4]

That's a really great example. And it's also a great example where he was able to find the sport that he was naturally gifted to participate in. Just think if he would have been born in Kazakhstan or somewhere like that

[@infidelmat]

Weege is definitely one of the most interesting interviews

[@wallypix1]

Preach!

[@estern001]

This is why I needed to meet a gypsy.

[@SLAYJUCE]

my brain was too slow for arenacross haha i wasn't able to make decisions that fast, front flipping the rhythm lol dbl vision is when your eyes are pointing in different directions

[@JSmith19858]

Absolutly agree about having a speed limit. I'll happily ride a 125 flat out and hammer everything as hard as needed to ride it fast, then jump on my 500 and be no quicker time wise around a track

[@mattcollins3572]

So true. Everyone has a frame rate. Mine is slow unfortunately. Even watching a video at regular speed other people can see things I can't until it is slo-mo. Please invent drug to fix.

[@guy_land_designer]

The ability to process information in the absence of fear is what makes every elite athlete, elite. Look at your special operators in the military, they are fearless in every sense of the word, so they excel in their abilities. A wide receiver going up vertically while crossing the middle does his calculations without fear of getting hit. A baseball player is able to swing with a launch angle and inside or outside swing, depending on the location of the pitch, in a tenth of a second because they aren't afraid to stand there and hold that ground while a 97mph slider is coming at their hip! The examples are everywhere in sport for those that excel because they do so without the fear that holds back so many from every achieving what they have. MX riders process track information without fear. A clear mind allows you to think clearly. Any thought that clouds the processing will automatically hinder the processing.

[@GYPSYTALES]

Casey Stoner and Mick Doohan both told me that they were scared all of the time.

[@guy_land_designer]

@GYPSYTALES compared to the average guy jumping on a super bike? No comparison.

[@romorrealoldmenoffroading163]

The trunk of optic nerves between the brain and eye in a professional motocross athlete is roughly double the size of a normal person. This is why they are able to see, analyze, compute, decide, and react to hundreds of inputs per second... check it out, it's fascinating.

[@CraigHenry-zq8jz]

Great topic.

[@toyotaecw]

Then there’s guys like Ken Roczen or Pastrana that just have unbelievable levels of pain tolerance.

[@gpaull2]

“How hard can it be, you just sit on it.” -Every non-rider I talk to.

[@14guitars67]

EYES! Jason, try different goggles and goggle lenses, including lens tints. Try prescription safety glasses instead of goggles. I have the same problem, and tint was a big factor. Also forcing myself to focus further out helped. Not claiming it will work for you. But it did help me.

[@BlueTransAm83]

So agree,,, cause granted I never got great on a bike but did ride/race. But speed, not a brag. Like Karts I was pretty good in... And 150 like he said still feels like 40 to me. But I notice others get jumpy or tight at 90 even. Its not a brave, oh see how fast I can go, im daring thing. No, Id say like 170 in a car (clean area) was where I started to feel a tad bit of blur or not collecting everything as should feeling. I think everyone's differs. Some its 210 in F1 still like 40 to them. No lie 40 150, same data, 170 data gets iffy. Others 60 70 data starts to get wohh for them, 210 F1 Data is still like 40 for them, maybe a tad wohhh at 210 but not much. The intake is still im sure easy for them to take in.

[@boomshakalaka408]

This some deep shit man!!

[@yeahok115sure]

Where is this video of RC and pastrana

[@yamahaxs6501]

There are humans who can see things at speed like they are in slow motion and their "edge" is far above others. They race. The rest of us are mere mortals

[@onlygazza]

I think some people have brilliant eyesight and quick reactions and then there are the rest of us !

[@hw2892]

We all got a screw loose, question is how loose

[@andersnord8255]

Great conversation! What would psychedelics do for mx riders? Can one (me) wonder.

[@Surfer_Jay]

Proof of this point is the example of both Valentino & Lewis swapping disciplines & both of them ripping almost immediately…

[@rg807]

The other thing that great riders have- the ability to continue to ride fast even when their heart rate is pegged.

[@budsteppin99]

I was born with my right eye pointing in at my nose they did surgery when I was little and what they call "overcorrected" it and it drifts off from time to time especially when im drunk or super tired and when I was a teenager and would get insanely stoned lol idk if they can fix it now but it would be nice cuz ppl always ask what's wrong with my eye when im at a party and I'm drunk 🤣 it gets old explaining it after awhile

[@MikeyL1kesIt]

So you’re saying Jett’s built like Michael Phelps.

[@danoa8859]

Bible says ,we’re fearfully and wonderfully made.

[@CraigHenry-zq8jz]

Celabelam?

[@jamesadams2334]

Sx riders are motocross riders that have developed their sense of timing and rhythm for the short sx tracks with big obstacles so that they don't have to race regular long motocross motos.

[@OtisFlint]

Wut? Its generally all the same riders in SX and MX, very few exceptions

[@Eric_412]

My theory is everyone is good at something that they can achieve a high level of success at but only the very select few actually find what that thing is.. I believe that behind every successful person are parents that sacrifice a lot in order to give their kids the opportunity to find what they excel at.. Toby Price is a good example of this but with Toby it’s just not his talent that’s got him to where he is, its he is blessed with the biggest set of balls known to mankind..😂😂😂

[@jmmcgeachy85]

James and Malcom Stewart are a perfect example of this. James excelled and was something special, malcom is someone who had everything given to him and all the chances and has proven to be a mediocre rider. He only has a factory ride because of his name. The lawerance brothers are similar. Hunter is a great rider and has worked hard to get there. For Jett it all comes so much more naturally

[@microsoft790]

I bet at the same point in their career Malcom has spent 1/10th the time on the bike James did. He didn’t start taking the sport seriously until he was already a professional. Just look at the way he rides the KX250 in mini o’s 2008. It’s almost hilarious watching him go so fast sitting down elbows down.

[@craigmccall7450]

Thick neck and small waist. That's all I needed. Thanks!

[@rg807]

Marty Tripes= talent. Ron Lechien= talent. Etc.

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

If you need corrective lens you are f’ed. If you have a weak eye you are dbl f’ed. I was f’ed from birth. In the late 70’s Cycle (iirc ) printed an article about vision . It absolutely explained my difficulty riding in the woods and explained why I should stick to MX , flat track and road racing. I could pick up visual cues on the track and know where to brake . Forgot to mention Observed Trials.

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

Forgot to mention Migraine headaches. Triple f’ed.

[@brucewygal133]

Just think that these riders are just the ones that could afford to race all their lives. What about all the people who never get a chance to compete at a higher level. There are probably people out there with the talent to blow everyone away in any sport you can name, but never get the chance due to any number of reasons. Not saying that I could have been a great rider, but I was definitely limited by my resources way back in the day.

[@timkis64]

its probaby safe to say, these pro motorcross riders turn 50, they feel every race, everyday in their aching bones & joints.its a young mans game.but you pay later too.

[@Dennis-ff2pf]

Luren your eyes not to bounce i learnt how to do it playing outfield in baseball.

[@Motosportz]

Two of my ride buddies have one functional eye. They are both very fast. You adjust. Stop making excuses 🙂

[@LilSebastian_]

Anyone can play sports. Money is the factor in racing so you don’t have the best. You have the best that can afford to race.

[@georgecarmel6114]

Natural talent only takes you so far. To make it professionally, it takes a lot of work and self motivation and endurance and tenacity to make a champion.

[@sean.d7171]

Talent is not born I have see it happen to someone it's 100% earned. If you think someone is better than you cos of natural talent that's you making excuses, they may ride less and be faster but if you put more work In they will not be faster. Hardwork is not doing 1000 Laps it's doing 50L 100% focused and going over it in your head afterwards and then being excited to ride 50Laps faster tomorrow. It's total dedication and top riders even carmichael burn out in effort before they ever get to there max potential.

[@carterschichtel9678]

Really similar to a horse jockey then anything lol

[@chadmc4217]

Balls

[@tjroe5190]

No fear = speed

[@DrtyALGreen]

I think they're on to something here with the genetics. Like why do so many gingers rule at dirt bikes? It probably has something to do with their unique biology.

[@microsoft790]

Pain threshold… it’s been proven gingers react less to pain. Lots of kids get hurt and quit, redheads might be more willing to get back on and keep practicing. That gene can get passed down to people that aren’t gingers, though. I think I have it. Grandma is a ginger.

[@dangentle983]

I've been tripping about that question for 40+ yrs in/around this sport. Magoo...rc...ferry. Henry..Hannah..Glover. roberts.roczen.of course Villo.. man, most all the truly greats were "ginger" or Redheads. Wonder why that is? Anybody got a clue?

[@motofunk1]

Danny Hamel