We’ve been testing the 2010 450 Motocross bikes this week and these things are absolute rocket ship! The pure acceleration and thrust is hard for the brain to comprehend at times, but it makes me wonder whether or not it’s even necessary. I’m on a whirlwind trip to Moto Mecca here in Southern California, and during my time so far I’ve chased Malcolm Smith across the desert and sampled the baddest motocross machines known to man on four different tracks. But tomorrow I’ve got another day of riding scheduled and I probably won’t go faster than 20 mph, but it’s the most exciting part of my trip.

Gary LaPlante of MotoVentures has invited me out to his ranch in Anza, CA for a day of instruction on motorcycles that don’t even have a seat. Trials riding is one of the smallest facets of two-wheeled motorsports, right there with hillclimbing and speedway. It’s goofy, slow and breaks every concept of normal dirt bike “style.” I think there’s really something to this trials gig, seeing how the top European enduro riders all seem to have some history with the sport. Traditional trials has expanded to indoor competitions and these days there are some freestyle guys who are doing ridiculous things outside the box. Try searching for trials on YouTube and see what pops up, just be prepared to waste a lot of time.

I have no idea how well I’ll take to the sport. I’ve heard that you need to start young in order to really master the balance and throttle/clutch control, but I’ll give it hell anyway. Stay tuned for a report.