To many, motocross is a loud, chaotic, muddy mess of a sport, but the reality couldn’t be further from this myth. Zeph, member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group, talks us through the reality of this fantastic misunderstood sport.
I have chosen to write about a sport that’s often misunderstood, underestimated, and unfairly maligned – motocross. Something that I love!
To many, motocross is just ‘dirt bikes and noise.’ But that uninformed view completely overlooks the incredible skill, discipline, and athleticism this sport demands. Motocross riders are not just thrill-seekers – they are highly trained athletes. It takes intense physical conditioning to wrestle a 150-pound bike through mud, over jumps, and across rough terrain. These riders experience G-forces, elevated heart rates, and split-second decision-making – all while staying upright at high speeds.
Motocross is also often criticised for being dangerous or reckless. But here’s the truth: every sport has risks – what sets motocross apart is how deeply riders respect those risks. Training, safety gear, track design, and constant evolution in technology all work to reduce injuries and protect the athletes (e.g. Having airbags put in some body armour). When I broke my arms the medics were amazing to help me feel safe.
But maybe the biggest misunderstanding? People think motocross is just chaos. In reality, its precision, control, strategy and fitness. Watching a top-level rider, such as Cole Davies, hit a perfect scrub or skim through a set of whoops with balance and grace is like watching a dancer or a gymnast – only with an engine beneath them.
Motocross also builds community. Go to any track, and you’ll find families, mentorship, support, and lifelong friendships. It teaches resilience, humility, and how to push past your limits – not just on the bike, but in life.
So next time you see a motocross rider, don’t just see dirt and noise – see the athlete, the passion behind the helmet. This sport deserves a second look, and a whole lot more respect.
Zeph
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
