Category: Motocross

Coach Robb: Strength Training for Faster Lap Times

Coach Robb: Strength Training for Faster Lap Times

There are numerous professional opinions on whether or not strength training should be an instrumental part of a racer’s training program. In my opinion, strength training is imperative for the successful racer at multi-day races. Overall body strength will help prevent the effects of cumulative fatigue and allow for proper bike position and efficiency on the bike throughout the entire week of racing. Also, full body strength is a complement to the other elements of a complete performance training program: endurance, flexibility, nutrition and mental preparedness.

Three Direct Benefits of Strength Training:

1. It will increase the amount of force your muscles can exert on a particular object. As a racer, moving a motorcycle around that weighs anywhere from 60 to 100 plus kilograms for any extended period of time requires strength levels above the typical athlete that only has to concern themself with one’s body weight. When you add both the weight of the rider, the weight of the motorcycle and the law of physics that exponentially adds resistance to the working muscle, force is a key component for finishing a race as strong as you started.

Coach Robb: Strength Training for Faster Lap Times
2. Strength training will permit your muscles to reach a maximum output of force in a shorter period of time. Even if you are not a big fan of science, hang in there with me for this concept. Weight training will increase and facilitate the balance of strength in all working muscles and the resulting motor units (which include motor nerves and muscle fibres). One nerve impulse can charge hundreds of fibres at once; a rapid series of multiple fibre twitches can generate maximum force quickly and for a long period of time.  Weight training will “teach” your nervous system to recruit a wide variety of fibres.  As one group of fibres fatigue, another group will be prepared to relieve the fatigued group.  Without getting too complex, think about nerves as messengers from the brain which control every physical response.  If motor nerves don’t “tell” the muscle fibres to twitch, your muscles won’t contract.  The entire concept behind physical training is to teach your nervous system, with repeating particular muscular movements, to get the correct message to the working muscles. With a diversified strength program, you will initiate a message to include the number of fibres to be recruited, type of fibres used (fast twitch A or slow twitch B) and frequency of contractions. Remember, a diversified training program will recruit all of the fibres and the types of fibres needed for the required physical demands. This is the purpose behind sports specificity and related workout – the more specific the more productive.

Coach Robb: Strength Training for Faster Lap Times

3. The duration of time your muscles can sustain the level of force before exhaustion is extended. The overload principle is based on the concept of subjecting the muscles to slightly more load levels than it has incurred in the past. With incremental load levels, the muscles will increase the fibre solicitation and corresponding recruitment. With proper rest, the muscles will grow stronger by developing new muscle tissue as an adaptation to the load levels. With increased muscle mass, the muscles are able to exert higher levels of force and for extended periods of time before exhaustion. To capture a better idea of this concept, imagine you have muscles that fall under the category of primary and secondary muscles. The primary muscle groups are the obvious muscles that are responsible for assisting movement. The secondary muscle groups are also referred to as “assisters” for primary movement. However, once the primary muscle groups fatigue, the secondary muscles are required to step up to finish the task at hand. Strength training makes this task familiar to the secondary muscle groups at both the muscular and neuromuscular levels.

Coach Robb: Strength Training for Faster Lap Times

Three Indirect Benefits of Strength Training:

  1. Concerning tendons and ligaments, weight training will increase the size and overall strength of both which will increase the stability of the joints that they surround.
  2. Bone density will increase as a by-product of tensile force being placed on the bones – without this tensile force, the bones will actually become brittle and susceptible to breaking.
  3. An increased range of motion at the joint is due to the increased strength and size of the tendons and ligaments. This increased strength will enhance the ease of mobility within the joint due to tendon and ligament strength and resulting efficiency.

When you look at all three of these components collectively, they address the concern of every racer: broken bones and torn up joints (particularly knees). Keep in mind that the ultimate goal of the muscles and a self-protecting mechanism called the “Golgi Apparatus” are to keep the bones from being taken outside the normal range of motion. If you have a strong muscular system accompanied with good flexibility, you will be able to take large impacts without the typical injuries because your body has the proper mechanisms to protect itself.

As a top racer, you need to identify your weaknesses and address these variables specifically.


Coach Robb BeamsCity Coast Motorcycles has partnered with MotoE for 2019. We are excited to welcome Coach Robb Beams aboard as a feature writer for our website and newsletter

Coach Robb is an internationally recognised motorsports performance coach with 35 years of on and off-the-track experience. He is the founder of the Complete Racing Solutions Performance Program, MotoE Amateur Development Program, the Mental Blueprint of Success, and MotoE Educational Series. His success working with riders ranging from 65 cc to the Pro Sport include some of today’s top professionals including Ryan Dungey, Adam Cianciarulo, Jeremy Martin, Jordan Bailey, Alex Martin, Stilez Robertson and Logan Best.

In January 2019, Coach Robb and MotoE conducted two Amateur Motocross Performance Camps for members of the Wollongong Motorcycle Club. Based off the success of these camps, MotoE and Coach Robb will be returning in July. For more information visit MotoE Australian Performance Camps.  Follow our Facebook page to stay posted on our exclusive Meet the Coach special event held at City Coast Motorcycles on July 4.

This is not paid content.

Coach Robb: Keeping Cool while Training and Racing in the Heat and Humidity

motocross hydration

As we exercise, our bodies burn the calories that that we consume i.e., carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is the breakdown of these calories and muscle movement that causes heat to build up and raise our core body temperature initiating the demands of the body to maintain its ideal body temperature. There are several ways that the body dissipates heat (skin and exhalation, for example); however, the most complex system involves your ability to sweat.

Simply put, water molecules evaporate from your skin removing heat energy, leaving water molecules on your skin making you feel cooler. The endothermic process of converting liquid to a gas is beyond the scope of this article; however, the ultimate goal is to maintain your body’s ability to efficiently dissipate heat throughout exercise.  What makes it difficult is dealing with elements that we don’t have any control over – heat and humidity.

On hot days when there is little difference between the skin’s surface temperature and the ambient air temperatures, the skin provides only small cooling benefits – increasing the importance of sweating to maintain your internal core temperature. Humidity decreases your body’s ability to evaporate sweat because the air is already saturated with water vapor, slowing the evaporation rate. Though you and your clothes may be saturated, it is not helping you in your cooling process – sweat must evaporate to remove heat from your body. It is this concept that makes hydration so important; if you don’t have enough fluids to produce sweat you will over heat guaranteed, along with the adverse side effects – performance and health wise.

Coach Robb

On average, racers lose approximately 30-35 ounces (around one litre) of fluid per hour of exercise. The actual amount varies by body size, intensity & duration levels and heat/humidity levels. There are numerous formulas floating around in the sports performance world regarding ideal food and fluid intake; however, keep in mind that there are three things that we need to evaluate regarding ideal performance nutrition: fluid intake (sports drink & water) electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) and calories (sources & amount).

Here are my tips for training and racing in the heat and humidity:

 Wear gear that facilitate the evaporation process – avoid cotton at all costs!

Train at times that are relevant to your race i.e., if you are going to be racing at 2:00 pm, then practice at this same time, “teaching” your body to acclimate to the heat and humidity.

 Avoid over-hydrating on plain water; drink a sports drink that has a 4-6% concentration rate for optimal hydration levels. If the concentration rate is too high or too low, your body will not absorb your fluids and you may become nauseous.

Consume cold fluids; they absorb faster than warm fluids; use insulated bottles to help you keep your fluids cold.

During hard training intervals in the heat, back off of the intensity for 30 seconds; it is like shaking your hands over a jump.

Be sure to pay attention to external signs of heat stroke sequence:

Stage 1 – Dry skin: This is an indication that you have stopped sweating. Should this occur, stop the workout. You have hit a point where your fluid levels are dangerously low.

Stage 2 – Cold chills: You will have visible goose bumps. Your body is attempting to capture your attention; you crossed the danger line; performance is irrelevant.

Stage 3 – Become lightheaded: You get a headache or feel queasy – you are so dehydrated that your core body temperature has reached a critically dangerous point; bodily functions are being negatively affected.

Stage 4 – Cooking: The top of your head feels like someone has put a hot skillet there; your head feels “hot”. You are literally “cooking” yourself from the inside out. Long term problems could result if you continue.


Coach Robb BeamsCity Coast Motorcycles is excited to welcome Coach Robb Beams aboard as a feature writer for our website and newsletter

Coach Robb is an internationally recognised motorsports performance coach with 35 years of on and off-the-track experience. He is the founder of the Complete Racing Solutions Performance Program, MotoE Amateur Development Program, the Mental Blueprint of Success, and MotoE Educational Series. His success working with riders ranging from 65 cc to the Pro Sport include some of today’s top professionals including Ryan Dungey, Adam Cianciarulo, Jeremy Martin, Jordan Bailey, Alex Martin, Stilez Robertson and Logan Best.

In January 2019, Coach Robb and MotoE conducted two Amateur Motocross Performance Camps for members of the Wollongong Motorcycle Club. Based off the success of these camps, MotoE and Coach Robb will be returning in July. For more information visit MotoE Australian Performance Camps.

This is not paid content.

Opinion: Coach Robb’s Training School was a Blast!

Coach Robb Beams and Brock Ninness

Our MX Team’s Brock Ninness shares his MotoE Australian Performance Camp experience…

Coach Robb’s training school was a blast! On the January school holidays, I took part in a three-day camp run by Coach Robb Beams, founder of the Complete Racing Solutions Performance Program.

We started our first day with talking about our frustrations on and off the bike, from pre-race preparation to working on how to last a full moto; as the three days went by we challenged ourselves to overcome these frustrations. The cool part about this school was that it wasn’t all about riding and going fast. During our riding breaks we sat down and discussed nutrition, hydration, race prep, ways to approach practice days, training at the gym, recovery, mindset, as well as the mental parts of racing bikes.

Coach Robb explained the importance of hydration and eating appropriate meals through race days and backed up his comments based on information from his past clients and his own experience as an accomplished triathlete.

Coach Robb at Wollongong Motorcycle Club

On-the-bike training consisted of starts, cornering and jumping (what I would say are the three most important parts of a race track). We learned about how essential it is to grip the bike with our lower body off the start and to keep your bike as straight as possible. Coach Robb went over the proper use of the front brake through corners, especially right-hand corners; you have to really rely on the front brake and this helps enormously when turning and needing to change direction quickly. Coach Robb also taught us scrubbing technique, so we get back to the ground as fast as possible to keep driving forward. He explained that as you progress and get faster, you should be scrubbing more and more so you can get back on the ground and keep charging forward.

Sitting there, receiving all this information at first seemed over-the-top and overwhelming, but knowing of Coach Robb’s success with professional riders such as Adam Cianciarulo and Ryan Dungey helped to keep me engaged with his conversation. Coach Robb has seen and done what it takes to be the best and explained to us riders exactly what he did with these professionals. This has really inspired me to keep going with what I’m doing and to keep pushing towards my dream to be the best.

Brock Ninness #47

 Connect with Brock on Instagram

Brock participated in the MotoE Performance Camp at Wollongong Motorcycle Club. Find out more information and about up-and-coming Australian camps with Coach Robb HERE.

This is not paid content.

Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup a Winner!

Image by Josh Lynch – JL Photography

Pristine weather created the perfect scene for the Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup. Australia’s biggest and best two-banger race weekend has been growing rapidly since it began in 2016 and Event Organiser Shannon Ninness couldn’t be happier with the outcome:

“The pits were overflowing and there was more entertainment involving the spectators this year, like the Peg the Pirelli competition. Drag racing down the main straight was extremely well received.

“We had nearly 40 new riders experiencing Mt Kembla for the first time. We hit almost 250 entries coming from as far afield as Broome in WA.

“The trade alley was booming; this event gives good exposure and is a great platform for local businesses.

“We had live streaming for the first time which is really appealing to sponsors able to run ads on air plus have their track signage shown off. People who missed the event can still catch the action from the links of our Facebook page.

“The Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup is is now marked on the calendar for all riders and it continues to grow,” said Shannon.

Corey James – 2018 Winner

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles Corey James has been recrowned the Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup Winner, having also earned the title in 2016:

“The first lap’s always a bit hairy, but you know I’ve been at national level before and racing and so you sort of get used to going the first corner banging bars,” said Corey. Watch the full story on WIN News Illawarra HERE

Two-banger freak Justin “Bushy” Bush organised the freestyle motocross shows, juggled the mic and raced across the weekend:

“Props go out for all those involved, from the riders to the spectators and to all involved behind the scenes.

“A special mention to the FMX crew who put on some great entertainment and rode the nuts off their bikes. I can’t wait for next year,” said Bushy.

Organiser Shannon Ninness

Six months in the making, Shannon was excited to be given the honour in the main feature race:

“Waving the chequered flag was the icing on the cake after an amazing weekend of racing and fun in the pits.

“It actually wasn’t planned to have me do that job, but the flaggy who was allocated that Marshall spot came over to me during the last few minutes of the race and said ‘you should be doing this, you deserve it’.

“I was stoked and ran out to the finish line waiting for the winner. It was the best ending!” exclaimed Shannon.

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Australia’s Best 2-Banger Weekend is Back

Preparations are underway for the Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup. Australia’s one and only two-banger race weekend will be held on October 27 and 28 at Wollongong Motorcycle Club. City Coast Motorcycles has been supporting the event since it began in 2016 and has partnered with Yamaha Motor Australia to sponsor two classes. Here’s our Q&A with Organiser Shannon Ninness.

Shannon Ninness 2 Stroke Cup
Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup Organiser Shannon Ninness

Now in its third year, the Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup has gone from strength to strength to become a national fixture on the MX Calendar. Why do people love it so much?

People love it because it’s not like any other MX race event. Nowhere else has a full weekend of only two-strokes. It’s open to everyone: pros, vets, vintage, women and juniors. People get so excited to see the old two-strokes rule out on the track and hear that sound; its sometimes like a secret society because four-strokes are so much more prominent on the gates today.

How much time goes into planning this event behind the scenes?

This year the Wollongong Motorcycle Club Race Committee started discussing how we wanted to tackle the event in March. By the end of April, we had a bit of a plan. During May I put out a letter announcing the event and to seek sponsorship to our previous supporters and it has spread to a lot of new supporters, too. I had all classes fully sponsored and locked in during July. We all have our tasks that we are working on for different parts of the 2 Stroke Cup, but I do a spend time working on it every night after dinner has been made for my boys. Lately I have been concentrating on submitting the supplementary regulations to MNSW for approval and getting the race order finalised, so competitors are aware of what they can enter when entries open. Things take a lot of time when working with my team, sponsors, suppliers, then rechecking with sponsors and my team, replying to suppliers, making changes, and it all goes around again. It’s all good though, I do enjoy this. I am just a little more under pressure this year as I will be away a few weeks right before the 2 Stroke Cup for a MX event in Tasmania.

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles
Image by Noel Downey

We know first-hand events like this don’t happen without the hard work of volunteers; how big is your crew?

It’s hard to put a number to it. There is only a small number of us that are really hands-on at the moment, but the crew grows immensely in the lead up with track prep, getting signage displayed, getting the trophies built, and of course paying the bills!

What is the secret to the Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup’s success?

Passion! The team are all moto enthusiasts and love riding. I think that with the team we have and the different strengths we all have, it all works in the end. We have been blessed the last two years with the weather so that is also a big help!

Spill the beans: do you have any big names coming this year?

Well so far I have heard we will see Kirk Gibbs, Jay and Ryan Marmont, Olly Malone, Dylan Long and Josh Brookes. I also expect riders from the YJR team to enter as well. We will see what happens once entries open.

Ryan Marmont 2 Stroke Cup
2017 Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup Winner Ryan Marmont is expected to return to defend his crown

What new things do you have in store for 2018?

We have added an additional 250cc class to the program. This class was in high demand last year and sold out early. It extends the day’s riding a bit but hopefully means the participants are happy and don’t miss out on being a part of the Cup. The Crew are discussing a few little extra fun things to do after racing on Day 1, but I cannot release any info yet. This year will see the event captured with live timing and track video footage thanks to Motowerx Live and I have also gained a videographer to record racing. We have our VIPs in Trade Alley and the fun in the pits over the weekend. Maxima Racing Oils will be in the pits with a lube station where riders can visit with their bikes. I’d particularly love to see some of the vets get out on the track for a display ride – think Anthony Gunter, Trevor Jordan, Paul Grant, Dean Burt, Lyndon Heffernan, Timothy Sim, Michel Constantinou – you know, all those who used to kill it in their day; the ones who rode before I was on training wheels! Surely there’s more guys I’ve never heard of!

Apart from some great 2-banger action, what else will be happening over the weekend? 

Bushy from City Coast Motorcycles is rounding up some sponsors to support the FMX show, plus we will have heaps of giveaways in the pits all weekend. Not just for riders, but spectators can get amongst it, too. A band will play tunes for the campers and the Willows Canteen will be open late for dinner. We unfortunately clash with the Moto GP this year, so we are working on getting a screen up to stream the racing for the GP lovers as well.

Justin Bush from City Coast Motorcycles is MC
2-Banger freak Bushy is back on the mic at the 2018 Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup.

The event’s open to the general public. What’s the best time for spectators to get to the track?

Ha ha if you want a park arrive early! On Saturday the 27th we will start with practice at 12pm followed with Round 1 of racing. FMX will finish the day (as well as another little project we are working on) followed by music, food and beers around the fire pits. On Day 2 racing will begin at 8am and will finish at approximately at 4pm for the presentation.

Who’s your tip to take the win?

Preferably my husband in the Vets class on his 5-hunny ha ha. But for the 2 Stroke Cup, it’s a 20 minute + 2 lap moto with $1000 up for grabs. Last year saw Ryan Marmont take the win, with young gun John Bova close behind. I am a big fan of John and I’d love to see him take it home this year!  It is a very exciting race. 20 minutes is a long time and anything can happen!

2 Stroke Cup Shannon Ninness
Motomum: Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup Organiser Shannon Ninness with sons Brock and Kurt who will race in the 125cc and 85cc categories. Husband Alan is also competing in the Vets class.

When do registrations open?

Saturday the 8th September is the plan, or somewhere around that date. We will put a link to our event on our social media pages and HERE on the City Coast Motorcycles website.

Follow:
https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrokeCup/
and
https://www.instagram.com/mtkemblamx_2strokecup/

Ride On Fox or Shift For Free

Ride on Fox For Free

Spend $250 on Fox or Shift at City Coast Motorcycles and you can ride FOR FREE!

Simply complete your details, upload the receipt from City Coast Motorcycles then select the park of your choice, eg, Wollongong Motorcycle Club. Your ride fee voucher will be in your Inbox within 72 hours. Offer Ends June 30. You’re welcome!


TERMS & CONDITIONS
Promotion is open from 9th May to 30th June 2018
Minimum transaction amount on Fox and Shift MX18 products is $250.00, which can include full priced or sale items purchased in one transaction.
Voucher valid for 90 days from purchase date.
Voucher can not be gifted to another person.
Voucher is only valid for the nominated entry as registered on www.rideonfox.com.au or www.rideonshift.com.au
i.e. whoever’s name is entered on the website, the voucher is valid for them.
Voucher valid for one (1) ride only.
Voucher is valid for park/track fee and does not cover any additional license fee (i.e. Motorcycle Australia Licence) if required.
Consumer can apply for multiple vouchers as long as each transaction is to the value of $250.00 or more on MX18 Fox or Shift products.
Voucher will be emailed to your nominated email address within 72 hours of purchase.
By entering your details, you agree to allow Fox Head Australia or Shift Racing Austrlia to share your full name with the relevant park or club you have selected. They will use your name to cross check and validate your voucher upon entry.

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles Mark Merlo

Success at the Mt Kembla 2-Stroke Cup

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles were loving that sweet two-banger sound at the Mt Kembla 2-Stroke Cup on the weekend.  They also cleaned up with some fantastic results!

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles Brock Ninness
125cc junior class winner: Brock Ninness. Image by Noel Downey

New recruit Mason Hills won the 85cc class with Brock Ninness in second; Brock later went on to win the 125cc Junior class. Corey James won both the 500cc class and Pre-95 classes.

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles Corey James
Corey James wins both the 500cc and pre-95 classes. Image by Noel Downey

Jake Nugent nicely won the 35+ division. Calib Best fought hard in the largest category – the City Coast Motorcycles 250cc event – taking home a well-earned second place. Lachy Caunt came third in the Clubman class. Great racing was also put in by Liam Williams and Jake Watts. City Coast Motorcycles resident two-banger fanatic, Justin “Bushy” Bush got stuck in to both the Senior 125s and his microphone duties.

Our FMX Team’s Tom Robinson and Dylon Mcdonald also threw down for the excited crowds.

And then our own Mark Merlo aka The Captain claimed third prize in the big one – The Mt Kembla Two Stroke Cup – ahead of team mate Calib Best in fourth.

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles Mark Merlo
Mark Merlo takes home 3rd in the 2-Stroke Cup Championship. Image by Noel Downey

Wollongong Images photographer Noel Downey said the event was nothing short of spectacular:

“The way the day unfolded was excellent; the program was great, there were national level riders and up-and-comers, plus the weather turned it on for us. Being a two-stroke event – and one of the only real good ones I have been to in Australia and America – it was just phenomenal,” Noel said.

The annual Mt Kembla 2-stroke Cup began in 2016, with Corey James crowned champion and Jaiden Corrigan taking out second place.

Thanks to Shannon and Al Ninness, Justin Bush and Wollongong Motorcycle Club for their hard work in building another top-notch event.

City Coast Motorcycles launches the 2018 YZ450F

City Coast Motorcycles supported Yamaha Motorcycles Australia at the Official 2018 YZ450F ride day. Customers joined Tim, Bushy and Jamie at Mount Kembla and the model received an unprecedented number of preorders.

“What an awesome bike. Really well balanced and feels much lighter, ” said Manager Tim. “The new smart phone power tuning app and electric start take it to the next level”.

The all-new ground-breaking Yamaha YZ450F features the world’s first smartphone engine tuning app on a production motocross bike, as well as electric start and all new engine, compact bilateral beam frame, new bodywork and much more.

The bar has once again been raised to deliver a class leading 450cc race bike with even more controlability. The new YZ450F heralds a new era of advanced racing technology with a level of power, handling and rider interaction never seen before.

City Coast Motorcycles also held the Official 2018 YZ450F launch day at its Keira Street premises, with more soon to be collected. Congratulations to all the lucky new owners!

YZ450F launch
Congratulations Chris
YZ450F launch
Congratulations Besty
YZ450F launch
Congratulations David
YZ450F launch
Congratulations Luke
YZ450F launch
Congratulations Corey