tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64309574625814770062024-02-08T02:53:47.513-08:00Michael Leib #170Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-52965907321476644182011-09-17T08:58:00.000-07:002011-09-17T08:58:14.634-07:00The Road Less Traveled<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well since I slacked on getting my <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffff88; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;">blog</span> out last week after the German GP, I guess we can start there. Leading up into the German GP, I had rode during the week in practice roughly 4 times for the 2 months. Safe to say, my fitness was going to be tested. LOL. It was good to be back, and was good to be back refreshed after being home with some friends, celebrating my 20<sup>th</sup> birthday, and also being able to train in the ways I am use to. Going into Sunday in Germany, I had 9<sup>th</sup> Qualification gate pick, and was enjoying things they way they should be enjoyed. After the first race Sunday morning I found myself in 8<sup>th</sup> on the first lap, and was breathing heavier then a hooker in church. Got into 7<sup>th</sup> place and kind of hung in there till the end. A 7<sup>th</sup> isn’t where I deserve to be, or where I train to be obviously, but it was a step in the right direction for me. Turns out things I did not know, I got a 7<sup>th</sup> of a stock Husky engine, and also put in the best result of the year for Husky and the first top 10 since 2003 for Husky. Race 2 was another good start and on lap 2 sitting in 6<sup>th</sup> position I developed a injection issue and wasn’t comfortable to continue with the conditions. Having equaled my best finish of last year, given the circumstances I was dealt, I felt that was a pretty decent finish and something to be a little relieved about after struggling for the entire year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fermo GP was not what I had hoped for. I was wishing to leave off Europe with one last decent result, things just didn’t fall into place for that to happen. Honestly it was a horrible weekend. 14-13 for a 12<sup>th</sup> over all. It wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. First race Sunday morning on about lap 3 or 4 I had come up short on a double jump due to a loss of power we have been experiencing, and some how chunked a bit of my clutch finger off, witch later lead to a small crash. Rode the entire day with pretty much no clutch. 2<sup>nd</sup> race wasn’t much better, being already completely exhausted from the lack of being able to ride between the GP weekends, I simply just couldn’t push myself forward. I guess I couldn’t expect to be able to do so for 2x40 minutes after hardly riding much due to multiple reasons. At the end of the day,the season is finished here for me and the GP’s this year, and am not sure what 2012 will have in store for me. I have a feeling I will be racing in the states, and plan to use the things I have learned here in Europe to gain momentum moving forward.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They say the extra mile is always lonely. I never understood that comment till the past few weeks. I came to Europe to get some good results, and make a solid name for myself world wide, instead I did something a little different. I built a better, stronger me off the bike. The things that I have gone through the past 2 years have broken me down, and made me fix my weaknesses. Some people can say I didn’t fix anything… Some people would also say coming to Europe was a big mistake… I can tell you that without the things I have been forced to go through the past 2 years, I would never be the racer, also the person I strive to be in life. People can say I am just a spoiled American that doesn’t know what it is like to struggle, or a kid that forgot how to ride the past two years. I can tell you that if the truth about what I really dealt with here was told, everyone would have a different view of respect for me. Except I am not going to talk down and stoop down to other people’s level and do the same. Although I guess you can say from the results side, 7<sup>th</sup> is as good as I did here in Europe. Am I pleased with that? No, I am not. What I am pleased with are things I overcame mentally. I also met some people that will be life long friends of mine, and am so thankful to have had many of the great experiences that I got to have. Me being away from my father, and away from the easiness of being home and having a huge support group around me 24/7 allowed me to be forced to deal with things. I have never been the strongest rider from a mental standpoint of things, and I didn’t exactly realize that till half way through the GP season of 2010.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Strange enough the past few weeks I realized something better then a result, and better then a lot of other things. Looking back on 2011, I believe I came full circle with my life. Sitting here over looking the Adriatic sea in Italy thinking about last year, I remember feeling uncertain. Having doubt in myself and doubt in my future. Strange enough through all of this I am confident in myself and really for the first time. I guess it took losing everyone else’s faith in me, to be faithful in myself. This is a lesson that I have ran from my entire life, and being here I was forced to learn to overcome things that I never would have at home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As the final days here in Europe wind down to the end, and I prepare to head back home to the states, I find myself not regretting the things I had at one point about coming here to Europe. I find myself being able to learn from mistakes and being able to appreciate so many things other people take for granted. So many memories here I will remember for the rest of my life, and the different places in the world I got to see are unforgettable. I am a 20 year old American motocross racer that has had an experience some never have in a life time and I am thankful to all the people that made things possible for me here in Europe. Who knows, one day I could be back again when the opportunity is a little better then they have been. Life takes you places you would never think you would go, and you have to learn to dance in the rain. Literally with all the damn mud races. LOL.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For now, and what comes next? I am on a mission to put the pieces of my puzzle together and prove everything above to myself, and anyone that doubts my capability as a racer. I am ready to put the dream of my childhood into reality, and do it on purpose. Not by luck. Back into training season, and focused in on 2012 with nothing left on the table.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Check back in for updates, video’s, pictures, and all the other stuff going on in my life. I’ll be updating weekly. Goodbye Europe! And hello America!</span></div></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-49578519178062922002011-08-28T10:27:00.000-07:002011-08-28T10:27:25.963-07:00Confusion Continues...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">So the British GP was a miss, and to be honest there hasn’t been an exact reason why. All I have to say, is I was 100% healthy and ready to go. The team just decided to not be there for whatever reason. I have been here in the states from the Tuesday after Czech Republic GP, and there is something I need to get straight. Yes, I crashed, and yes, I rung the bell a little bit, was nothing serious and 3 days later I was back to full training. I have heard a lot of things that were a little bit untrue to say the least, and wanted to clear that up. The last few weeks have been pretty undecided 'till recently. As far as the month or two to come I will be back in Europe </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">This coming Monday, August 28th, I will be gearing up for the final 2 GP’s.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">The last few weeks, I have swung a leg over a dirt bike a few times and there is nothing better then riding in California with some family and friends. I have been able to train a lot here off the bike as well whitch has done me some good. I don’t have an explanation for this reason, but training in Europe seems to be about the most difficult thing about living there, whether it is trying to keep a solid schedule, or things just changing day by day. During the last 2 weeks I feel I have made more gains then I have for the past few months. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Going into the last 2 GP’s, I am looking forward to closing out the season and looking on to next year. The last 2 years have been nothing but learning for me. On and off the bike, I have accomplished so much mentally, and can’t wait to put it to work. People ask me why I say that when I have had hardly any results to speak of “for whatever reason”. There were things that I struggled with as an Amateur, and I am not going to say I solved all my issues in the last two years, because I haven’t. Although, I know what the problems are, and I know what I am changing in order to change myself from the inside out. Through all of this, I look back with no regrets. I am looking forward to getting this year finished up, and I am hoping 2012 to be a reflection as to what gains I have made the last two years. Time will tell.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Being home these past 2 weeks have been some of the best times I have had this year. It is awesome to see how you can learn to enjoy the little things, and not take things for granted. A lot has changed, but for the better I believe. Everything in your life is a lesson to prepare you for the future, so don’t sit back and watch life pass you by. I am off to go put in some laps today on the bike, and time to pack up for the final trip back to Europe. Time to finish what I have started. </div></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-63006477638960353462011-08-03T07:36:00.000-07:002011-08-03T07:36:08.632-07:00Spilling the Beans....Spilling the beans…<br />
<br />
So the weekend was basically full of DNF’s. One due to mechanical issues and one due to a second moto crash smashing my hand up a little. Although on a bright note, last year I was 19th best lap time and the second moto this year before my wreck I had 11th best time. Yeah, just a lap time I know. Although I did improve surprisingly… This week I would like to just write a little bit more about lessons in life, instead of dirt bikes. I already stressed last week on the brutality of the Lommel GP, so why do more blogging on that?<br />
<br />
I am currently sitting in a café in Belgium, looking out over the river watching the sun go down, thinking a little to much back on the year. We are four GP’s out of the end of the season and gathering the thoughts throughout the year are quite a journey to look back on. From coming over January 22nd and seeing snow on the ground with my mother, to this moment right now… haven’t exactly had one of those “easy going moments” if you know what I mean. I guess things were going well for me till about March 17th, the day I long darted in 5th gear to the top of my head… Before that I had some good speed, and was actually adapting quite well to everything, and then that kind of went south. Rode this thing called a couch for 3 months, literally. In that time I managed to mess some special things up which was out of character for myself. Although I learned lessons I will never have to learn again is a positive. After returning to Portugal GP with 2 days on the bike before hand since 3 months prior, I had this thing called a “reality check”. I knew the meaning of this word, but probably the first time I really experienced it. So from there I struggled with a bit of a character change in myself from March and just wasn’t the Michael Leib a lot of you know I am. Not to mention, quiet a bit of mechanical problems resulting in DNF’s. So struggling to get back into shape, I was simply rolling through the motions trying to get on my feet. Had a few top 15 finishes, and just never got back to normal. My father came out for 2 GP’s the beginning of July, and either a wreck on the start for me in Germany, or some mechanical issues, once again I was feeling a step back from where I started in Portugal in April. Then came along Latvia, first flash of something in a long time. After we got the bugs worked out of the bike Saturday and first moto Sunday, I ran lap times that would have put me into the top 8 in moto 2. In this moment, I folded a foot under the peg to DNF that as well. Lommel was an expectation of top 17 for me. Well, at least a goal from the previous 23rd over all in 2010. Had some bike issues Saturday and first moto Sunday, and once again second moto was 11th best time in the moto, HUGE IMPROVEMENT for me… but then a crash would lead to a nice bump on the hand and to much pain to continue. DNF. So I said before this was going to be a blog not about the bike… Here is where I get to that part.<br />
<br />
So where does that past leave you as far as a mental state of mind? Leaves you in two places… I can answer that saying, I wonder why a lot, although it is teaching me faith. We get tested, some more then others… I always used to be the one to wonder why it is easier for some and not others... That is not exactly going to do me any good now is it? I am 19 years old, traveling the world racing dirt bikes. I may not be getting the results or the respect I deserve, although I am learning things people don’t in a lifetime. It has taken till now to change how I think, and how I look at things. People say you are as good as your last race… Someone that has been very helpful to me lately is a person from Austria. Name of Cauldio Pica. He told me, “there are 1.7 million people in Japan who are going to work everyday… Do you think 1 of those people give a damn about your last race?” No they do not. No matter what you are doing or chasing in your life, you must understand people don’t care as much as we think they do. In other words, “a worry is a down payment you may never have, so why waste the money?” Through out my career I have worried about what people think, and what they will say about me after a performance. People are going to say what they want, regardless true or false. So many of us are guilty for letting others control our lives without even noticing. Before you realize it your life begins to spin out of control, for a reason so small. We makemistakes, we learn, and most of the time we do it all over again because we get lazy. Life is full of walls although only to see how bad we want to get to the other side. Many of us get lazy, and a lot of the times forget the reason we do things in the first place. Speaking for myself, everyday I try to better myself although often forget the reason of it. The reason being is I refuse to except to sit back and watch life pass me by. I want to be the best I can be. That is all we can be anyways. There is no line saying, if you don’t make it this far in life you failed. Your personal best is just as good as the thing you dream of every night. We all fail at things… What would it be if we all succeeded with everything? Life wouldn’t have so much of a meaning. Don’t be afraid to fail, because more then not, you most likely will. It is those that come back time after time to eventually succeed that make the journey worth while. I guess what I am trying to say is, life is short, don’t let thing’s get between you and your goals. Enjoy life and learn from the mistakes.<br />
<br />
Anyway, sorry to change it up a little this week, just felt like a change for the blog. Off to Czech in the morning for the weekend, hope for a good one! Should be a mud race. The jet ski is loaded and ready though. The weekend after is my 20th birthday, unreal. Life is starting to go by faster each day it seems. I will post a new blog mid next week. Take care, see you around!Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-65061857879094694672011-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:002011-07-30T15:04:03.827-07:00Grand Prix LommelHere I sit in a lovely laundry mat in the center of lommel, Belgium. I sit here thinking about what it is I can talk about this week. Have you ever have words actually scare you? Ever have a date on the calendar you just aren’t looking forward to? Haha. I do! Well, I am here in Belgium, and have been now for 1 week. Love it here, just about everything except for that thing called sand. Originally I was planning to move here in January because of my sand weakness. As I mentioned, been here for about a week and was able to ride a few days in the sand. First time I have rode with the Husqvarna in the sand as well. Had some bike problems the first few days, but was able to work everything out for at least one good day in the sand. It has been a pretty tough go at it here since I made the come back to the GP’s, and I have a feeling it is going to get tougher before I make it happen here by the end of the season! The team and everyone here understand’s my lack of performance in sand and we all realize for me it is more of a survival race, then results. Although, I am a racer and at the end of the day I am going to do the best I can. It is what I do. For those of you that don’t know the sand here in Belgium and have not seen it first hand, I suggest you be sure to witness it before making an opinion. It is nothing short of brutal. In a weird way, I am excited for it.<br />
<br />
Setting a new challenge for myself this weekend, to have as much fun as physically possible. For one reason and that being, if I do not have fun with it, I can tell you from last year… It “will” be hell. Not going to let that happen though. Other then that, life has been on the up and up. I really feel focused for right now, and am finally looking forward instead of backwards. Been a lot to take in since last March, and glad to see myself moving in the correct direction. I know the results have not been showing near enough to my capability level, and I am fully aware of it. I am changing things up a lot right now and I am sure the results are coming soon. Rebounding hasn’t been this difficult for me in the past, and I am glad to be slowly standing up on my own two feet for the first time. For right now I do not know what lies ahead of me in the near future, although one thing I am sure of is I am breaking down walls that have been in my way for a long time. This is worth more then a result to me. Many people at home have seen first hand my true colors on a bike, and I know they are still in there… Can’t wait till they shine again.<br />
<br />
Well, with that said, tomorrow is race day at the track. Going to be an interesting one and looking forward to putting it in the past. HAHA. Check back in next week for some insight from the weekendMichael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-6870150572087760372011-07-18T12:16:00.001-07:002011-07-18T12:16:34.446-07:00The First Flash<title></title> <style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Lucida Grande'}
span.s1 {font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'}
</style> <br />
<div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The last few months haven’t been anything short of a struggle for me. Explanation for not writing any blog’s as well I suppose. Lately, many things seem to little too late, regardless of the subject. We all have high’s and lows, and the reason is not something so easy to find from time to time. I am not so sure we ever truly know the answers. What I do know is it is all a time of growth for a better tomorrow. Just sometimes that tomorrow, isn’t exactly “tomorrow”. My buddy JL111 told me something last week that made complete sense to me and opened my eyes. "Life is about knocking down one wall at a time. How fast you can knock down walls that are put before you is only a matter of how much stronger you are becoming." Yeah ok, may sound simple and easy, but it was one of those times where it fit perfectly into my life. Life has challenges, the only thing we can do is knock down the walls, regardless of the situation. I suppose some are thicker then others:)…</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At the moment I am on an airplane somewhere over Sweden, and looking out of this airplane window is once again showing me how blessed I am to do what I am doing. Take away the pain, the struggles, and whatever life has thrown my way… Do I really need to be complaining? No. I like to anyways though… LOL. Just playing. Anyways, the past 4 GP’s haven’t been good for some reasons… So we can move right on to the last GP this past weekend in Kegums, Latvia. I have decided it is by far my favorite place in Europe. From the culture of life, the people, the women, the track, even the hotels. “Trust me the Hotels are a big deal to me”… LOL. Place is nothing short of a respectful way to live life and I was happy to be back there and enjoying somethings for the first time in a while. </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday was a struggle for me all day like the past few months and the harder I pushed, the worse off I was with it. Sunday was the first flash of light I have seen in my riding since last March. I know to have a 15<span class="s1"><sup>th</sup></span> in the first moto is not saying much, because myself, as well as whoever else knows me, knows I am much more capable then that. However, my lap times were good enough to put me top 7. During the past GP’s I have been good enough for… 13<span class="s1"><sup>th</sup></span>? Not a great feeling. Second moto was better as well, with good lap times to carry me into 8<span class="s1"><sup>th</sup></span>-9<span class="s1"><sup>th</sup></span> in Moto 2 and even 5<span class="s1"><sup>th</sup></span> best in the moto, except for just one small problem. When things go good, I like to make them that much harder, and decided after stuffing my foot under my foot peg to call it a day after making my way through a lot of the pack. I will be ok and just need to carry the good from the race and give my foot some time to heal up.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is quite relieving to see some speed that hasn’t been there for some time. Funny how much your thinking can change when you don’t see anything good for a while, because a little brightness can mean a lot. My life has been off the rails for a while, and I am not letting up till I am back on. I know the man upstairs has his plans for me, and I know everything that has been in my life, isn’t for the price of nothing at all. So for now I am keeping my head down, and focusing on one thing, myself. I was planning to head home for a bit in August for my birthday, but looks as if I will be staying here instead. I was excited to make my way home and see some people, but you never realize what you have, till it is what you had. </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh well, life is life and we can only learn. Learn to dance in the rain I like to say. Next week I am headed to Belgium to finally get myself in some sand to practice before the grueling GP of Lommel. Catch me next week. CIAO!</span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-63689457562513260852011-06-30T07:22:00.000-07:002011-06-30T07:31:25.233-07:00Step by Step<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After my two first races in the GP’s of Portugal and Spain, I have been looking forward to this 2-week break. Coming into the GP’s fresh of off the couch was not as easy as a step as I thought it would be. Even though the results were not where they should be, I took a lot away from both of those races. To sum everything up I have a lot of work to do and I am happy to have the problems of the last 3 months behind me. This past week following the GP of Spain where I finished: DNF-14, I got to put in some solid days training. Having the word training back in my vocabulary is something that puts a smile on my face. I heard a quote in a church service back home, “God gives you what you need, when you need it”. For some reason those words have stuck with me for sometime now, and everyday they seem to make more sense.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am stoked for this weekend, the GP is in Sweden. Last year I had gotten 13</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in moto 1, and a 7</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in moto 2. So It is one of the few GP’s that were pretty good to me last year and I'm excited to be headed back. My father will be heading out for the next 2 GP’s and that is something I am looking forward to. I know I have plenty of supporters on the team, but having someone that has been through it all with here in Europe, is definitely something to look forward to. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This coming week I also have two testing days in Milan, where the factory of Husqvarna is. During the time off the bike I have missed a lot of testing days especially leading into the GP season. So hopefully we can make some small gains, and get me feeling better on the bike.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So all in all I am feeling like my life is coming back more and more with each passing day. I know it is still a long road to get back to my level, but I am happy to be making progress once again. Last weekend the team and I headed up to the mountains for some fun on the bike and I was pretty stoked to just have a fun day out with some of my few friends here in Europe. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Off the bike things have been well… I am becoming quite the cook, house cleaner, and picking up a 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> language. The weather has turned from the brutal cold winter, to the humid hot summer. The scenery is back to what I remember from being here sometime last year and beginning to be quiet relaxing between the weeks. So for now things are back on the up, and I am getting more and more excited for the upcoming races… Check back in next week after the GP of some Sweden, and hopefully have some decent results to talk about. Thanks for reading, CIAO!</span></div></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-6654294121095002222011-06-16T09:50:00.000-07:002011-06-16T09:50:29.796-07:00Been Awhile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">Well this past weekend was the GP of Portugal. I went into the GP with 4 days of practice and about that many days of intense training. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into but I wanted to be on the gate. March was the last time I had been in really good health and at my normal physical level. Good idea or bad, I am glad I did it. I have a baseline either way and I now know the effects of not training and being prepared for a race. I have experienced similar times like this but not quite like this.<br />
<br />
Needless to say I was a fish out of water. LOL. I guess that part of it was expected, I just did not want to face the fact that I was going to be hurting that bad due to fatigue and lack of breathing. I have always been in good shape, but this is a first. After broken bones, I have still been able to maintain certain levels of training. Not one time have I struggled with 4 laps leading into the 19 + laps of the GP. The goals for now are to get my physical conditioning back to where it needs to be asap.<br />
<br />
This upcoming weekend, June 18th-19th, is the GP of Spain. After this weekend I will have a two week break where I can make up for the lack of riding and training which I am looking forward to. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">People do not realize how much riding there is throughout the weekend of a G.P. We have a 2 day event starting Saturday morning with a “free 35 minute practice”. After the free practice we have a “35 minute timed practice”. The reason for the timed practice is your position in the lap times determines your gate pick for your qualifying race. So with your gate pick from the timed practice we then have a “20min +2 lap moto”. This race is a sprint for your gate pick in both motos on Sunday. Sunday morning we have a 30 minute warm up practice. Then last but not least the grueling 2 x 35min +2 lap motos which leads to about 42 minute races. Not to mention, there is no track prep between those days. LOL.<br />
<br />
Other then the racing the weather has finally turned from the daily snowfall from the last time I was here in April, to the lovely humid 90 degree weather. Not really sure which I prefer. Even though I am not so well off with the physical side of things, I am so happy to be back racing and riding. Said it before and I’ll say it again, every time a break takes place and the return to racing comes around, it is even better then the last time. I am still on my own with everything and everyone across the pond, although my father will be joining me in 2 weeks. He will be staying for 2 weeks during Sweden as well as Germany. After he heads home, I will be sending out what I guess you could call “A MAN FRIEND” LOL. Say what you want about that, but I need a damn friend out here.<br />
<br />
So for now that is all, I will be preparing for the race this weekend. It is the first time this GP has been at this track in a few years, so I hope it suits me a bit more then last weekend. Check back in again next week. I don’t know how to say good bye in Spanish, although Italian is close enough. LOL. Chi vidiamo dopo!</span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-28262346173378397512011-06-08T14:43:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:43:04.888-07:00Back Across the Pond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, a fresh start, and another chance, I would say. After being off the bike for about 11 weeks I am finally back and ready to race. The last few months off with little training at the beginning, not riding, and watching the GP’s go on without me was not my idea of fun. However, I did enjoy my time home with my family and other important people in my life. A lot has changed and there is a lot to adapt to in every aspect of my life at the moment, from my personal life, to my physical condition, and back to racing, I have new challenges to chase and conquer. Riding this past week home in California, showed me once again why my love for the sport is so strong. Things happen for a reason I believe and I am back in Europe with a new attitude and different goals.<br />
<br />
I figure it is time to bring it back to the old school days. My father, and I of course, got to where I am now together, although it wasn’t always fun and games with us. We have had our share of what I like to call the “classic Mini Dad” days. Wanting nothing but good for me he wasn’t exactly easy on me. Although if he hadn’t been firm I probably wouldn’t be writing this blog or racing dirt bikes. Of course at the end of the day it was up to me, but I do believe he played a pretty big role. So with that said when I moved to Europe last year riding for Kawasaki Bud Racing, he took a back seat and let me do my own thing. Needless to say it needed to happen. Lately I feel something is missing somewhere. Maybe what I need is that push, or sense of direction, someone who knows me so well, call it synergy. I am pretty stoked for him to come out to the Swedish and German GP's, possibly more following.<br />
<br />
As for now, I am gearing up for my first GP in Portugal this weekend. Funny as I look back last year I remember breaking my wrist when I first came over and didn’t get to ride this GP. From what I saw last year, I enjoyed watching the racing and am really looking forward to being on the track. The track in Portugal has big jumps, amazing red dirt, and looks a little bit like a playground on a video game. I have ridden 4 times on motocross tracks and did some trail riding (thanks Husqvarna for the awesome TE310 ) leading up to this GP my physical condition is not at its best. I plan to use these next few races to race myself back into shape. It is not going to be easy doing 40+ minute moto’s although I am so stoked to say I am going racing this weekend. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wish I had some friends or family here but I guess some things we just have to do alone. It has come to the point where there isn’t a whole lot I wouldn't do to make my dream come true. I know I am headed in the right direction, just in God’s time, not mine.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to writing next week on my return to the GP's.</span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-6160464544084945772011-05-28T17:25:00.000-07:002011-05-28T18:07:27.869-07:00Growing Pains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">For me growing pains have not exactly been on the outside like everyone else might have experienced, I am only 5’5. To me growing pains have had a different meaning in my life. Growing pains in my mind are the pains of the feeling of failure, or things that will make me stronger. I haven’t been keeping up on the blogs because I would rather not talk about how many doctor visits I have had, or how much playstation I have played here at home in my time off the bike. </span></div></div></blockquote><div></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">To give the short story, after I pulled out of Bulgaria and came home, I have been getting myself better day by day. April 13<sup>th</sup> I returned home here in the USA and have seen multiple doctors and have had scans on my brain as well as adjustments to my skull. I suffered from post concussion syndrome and it has been a very long road for me. This is the reason for the title “Growing Pains”. Head injuries are literally like grey matter as to how long or what exactly the problem is. I am that kid that pushes through when it gets tough, and unfortunately with this injury I have been on the couch with doctors orders. It has been a waiting game, literally. </span></div></div></blockquote><div></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been making a lot of progress the last few weeks and am gearing up to ride within 1 week. The French GP is coming up on June 5<sup>th</sup> which is my target race, and at the moment it is not looking likely that I will make that round so once again I find myself turning my focus onto the following weekend; Portugal. I hate to start a season out like this and for some reason it turned out just this way. </span></div></div></blockquote><div class="im"><div></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Training has been very slim for the last 10 weeks and my trainer and I are doing everything we possibly can to keep myself in shape while we wait it out. I have just been released from the doctor this weekend and will be beginning my training on the bike to test how much I can put my body through at the moment. Progress is slow, but it is getting better. Soon enough I will be out there. I have dreamed about racing for 2 weeks now, and it is giving me goosbumps to know I am getting close. I want nothing more then to get out there and show not one person but myself that I deserve to be there. </span></div></div></blockquote><div></div></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">On the bright side, I have been able to spend some time with the family as well as some of my good friends here at home. The USGP was as good as it gets for not racing I guess. I had a chance to do some commentating with David Bailey as well as Paul Mallin. That is quite a different side of racing than I am used to. Haha. I got to do the live <a href="http://mx-life.tv/" target="_blank">mx-life.tv</a> show which was a really good experience. So I have been busy and taking the correct steps to get myself better and I am happy that Husqvarna-Ricci Racing are supportive of my health as well as my family. Check back next week to see the progress as I get ready to head back to Europe and fend for the Americans… Ciao!</span></div></div></blockquote></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-83027038010244028612011-04-07T22:27:00.000-07:002011-04-07T22:42:06.996-07:00The Positive Mistake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">So it has been a rough first 2 months as far as results and staying off the dirt once or twice. I look at everything that happens in my life and know it is meant to serve a purpose. A purpose we don’t know although if we remain faithful things will be just fine. I have been taken some time off the bike during the last 2 weeks since I took a pretty hard fall. I have had an exam and everything checks out to be just fine. The downfall? I am experiencing some trouble as far as working out and getting going again in a normal flow of things. This weekend is the first GP in Bulgaria and I am feeling better now, so it is just a matter of time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Why is this a bad thing exactly? Many people can say you need to be training, you need to be riding, and you need to push through it. I disagree. In my mind the training is what I busted my a@@ for all winter long. The only good thing you can do to help an injury? Literally watch the clock turn round and round. So with all the time to think and train my mental side of racing, for me this is possibly a blessing in disguise. That is the way I see it as the season is long. We start April 10th and go all the way to September 11th. Having 2 weeks rest prior to the 1st GP is a bit relaxing and reassuring, knowing that all the work is done. I am going to come into the first GP rested and looking forward to being on a bike when many have already quite exhausted themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What are my goals and expectations for round 1? Two things, know who I am, and enjoy racing a dirt bike. The rest will follow. Keeping my emotions and my thoughts together is my key for the first race. Been looking forward to this moment for sometime now and am ready to make big gains this year. It's been a long time coming to get to this moment, and there is a long time to get to my next step.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As far as the rest here in Italy it has all be pretty good. Getting along good with the team and having some fun. I bought myself a pretty nice new road bike and can’t wait to count the miles, or should I say Kilometers. HAHA. Getting pretty good with this cooking thing and I guess sometimes living on your own isn’t so bad. I'm actually learning a lot about myself and how to overcome when I would fail to do so in the past. I am missing people at home, although daily I remind myself why I am here in order to have success.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next time I write I will be finished with my first GP and off to Belgium for some sand training. This is my biggest goal of the year and I can not wait to overcome that as well. Check back on April 14th for the next blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ciao!</span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-47129562805434624582011-03-26T09:02:00.000-07:002011-03-26T09:02:33.145-07:00Italian Championships<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Well we are nearing the end of the Italian championships at the moment and it has once again been a really good learning experience. I have not exactly had the results or the luck that I was looking for as 3 of 4 of the series races have been mud races. Let’s just say we Cali boys aren’t great in the beginning with sand, either are we great in the mud. This is the least of my worries because I am sure by the middle to end of the year I will see major progress in both of those areas. After the Brazilian GP I will be moving north to Belgium for the remaining 12 rounds of the series where I will learn to love the sand. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">So back to the Italian championships, even though the results have been consumed of DNF’s and DNS’s… I have been learning a lot. The first<sup></sup> race, FEB 27<sup>th,</sup> I had a bit of a crash in the first moto and was just a little bruised up, nothing more. The team and I had decided that having the GP’s around the corner and being our main focus, to sit out the rest of the day and move onto the 2<sup>nd</sup> race two weeks after. Once again it had rained for a few days before and left the track a mess. I went into the day hoping to progress my skills in the mud and I succeeded. The first moto I had 33<sup>rd</sup> gate pick and got out to a top 30 start. Keep in mind at the Italian championships we race 450’s and 250’s together and the mud was not in our favor. I worked my way up to about 12<sup>th</sup> and finished there. I was 2<sup>nd</sup> in MX2 behind Paulin. The 2<sup>nd</sup> race I got about the same start and went to work passing and fighting my way up to 8<sup>th</sup> and was leading the mx1 class. My lap times were pretty close to where I needed them to be and I was enjoying myself. With two laps to go I had found myself ejecting off the bike slamming into the beginning of the next jump. The bike was torn apart and was pretty much the end of that race. With the <sup></sup>third race coming up just 3 days later the team and I also decided to sit out that race as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">At the moment I am pretty sore although I am extremely lucky to walk away injury free. So I have made a mistake or two although I was able to see my speed against some of the top GP guys as well as my ability to run through the pack. We were all</span><span style="font-size: large;"> happy to see that. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">When we fall off the horse, we get back on. I have rode early this week and should be back in the swing of things in the next few days. The final race is coming up this weekend, March 27<sup>th</sup> and looks as if we might have decent weather with only a 40% chance of rain. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Sorry for the delay on the blog writing, I will be picking up my weekly blogs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for following... ciao! </span></div></div></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-80493830377683053122011-02-20T10:15:00.000-08:002011-02-20T10:15:25.532-08:00Things We Do For Things We Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">This week I really couldn’t find much to write about so I have decided to change it up a bit. Pretty much since I have been here I wake up, talk to my girlfriend and parents, ride 4 days a week, train 5 days a week, and do it all over again. Now please don’t mistake me for complaining because I know very well I am living a dream. Trust me I am taking advantage of that the best I can. At the same time, out of 24 hours in a day it is just not exactly possible to train and ride the complete day which leaves some down time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My down time at the moment revolves around myself, a computer, and an empty apartment. Now this may sound like a woe is me moment but it has actually done some good. For those of us that take life for granted, things as simple as having someone at the local store to say hello to in the morning, or even a neighbor across the street to wave at in the morning, make me realize that I need to be much more thankful. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This morning I went to the local market and the lady that works there day after day simply said “hello” in English. Yes, she knew I was an American because it is written all over my forehead… hahaha. The point I want to make is, for people to take a step back and to be thankful for everything in your life. Being across the world from your family, your girlfriend, and your friends really shows you a lot of things about yourself and the things so many people take for granted.<br />
<br />
So back to the racing part… since that is the reason I am here anyways. Lol. This week was another solid week of training with only 1 rain day in between. I am 7 days away from race week 1 of 18. Starting off with the 4 Italian championships, all I can think about is the gate drop… A few other things but that gate dropping is a moment I am here for. Being that I train almost every day, I am beginning to become anxious to get to work on myself as a racer. I am here to make myself stronger, tougher, and a future champion. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I put myself in a difficult situation to find my way out, left everything behind for a little to find what I am made of and it is about to begin. This week leading into race season is going to be a lot of fun for me. I finally get to go to work and learn as much as possible. Be sure to check back next week to hear about the beginning of the season and where things begin. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ci vi diamo dopo! </span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-11758970629366156542011-02-04T00:22:00.000-08:002011-02-04T00:22:52.007-08:00Week Uno<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Week 1 in Italy… To say the least, we’re not in Kansas anymore. HAHA. So my first week getting to know my new life here in Italy has been pretty entertaining. From learning some Italian, riding a bit, the weather change, amazing Italian food, and learning many life lessons that never seem to do anything but surprise me. So far this week we have rode 3 times due to some heavy snow and some below freezing temperatures but I am pretty stoked on the new team. Good to know my best interest is their first priority. This week were also many photo shoots along with the team presentation. It is crazy to go from the things I have witnessed in the past to seeing a European team introduction. It is pretty cool to see how passionate they are about the sport I love and it is seen daily in everything they do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">25 days is the countdown to my first race of the year starting here in Italy for the Italian championships on Febuary 27<sup>th</sup>. I am dying to get going with the long busy year. Can’t wait to just break free and start to complete in what I have been working for this off season. I know it isn’t going to be an easy year and it is not going to be all fun and games. Of course it is going to be fun, but I want to learn, and I also want to be able to apply the thing’s I learn. I have dedicated about all I can into this year and with a strong team behind me I am ready to let it loose. It is crazy to think about how life has changed so much in just 12 months. On and off the bike. Don’t get me wrong, my dad and Rocket Exhaust gave me some pretty competitive bikes… but here I am a factory rider racing the world GP’s in 2011. Chances like this come few times in few people’s lives. No matter where I stand at the end of the year… I want to know I gave it 110%. I have been dealt the cards… time to play them as they fall.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In my spare time this week I got to go to our helmet sponsor down at Suomy and was amazed at how much testing and preparation goes into each helmet. I also got to see the crash testing as well and was amazed how much of a hit a helmet can take and how much information they can get out of it all. Always good to trust what is on your head when your falling out of the sky about to land on your head. HAHA. Also in my spare time this week I built a snowman. We had a 2 day snow storm with about 2 feet and there wasn’t much to do. So I figured I would do something productive. I think if there was a profession such as snowman building… I could have a shot at the tittle. HAHA. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well anyways. Off to go ride, check back next week as I test the race bikes for the first time. Should be pretty good and super stoked to get on one. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ciao!</span></div></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-10917734742130172522011-01-27T05:47:00.000-08:002011-01-27T05:47:35.694-08:00The End Where I Begin...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So here I am in Italy… Got off the airplane less than week ago to see snow, ice, and far below freezing weather. Lol. I guess you could say it is not California weather. I have been anxious for this moment for a couple of months now and it is time to push the limits once again. New team, new trainer, new mechanic, new country, and one year living away from home in Italy. I would say that is about as fresh a start one can have. Did I mention the miserable 9 hour time change. LOL. I have had a few days rest to adapt to some amazing food and some time with mom as well as the team.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This week we start riding and training along with my team mate Alessandro Lupino. We have 4 weeks before our first Italian championship to prepare for the long awaited World GP circuit. We have 4 Italian championship races before beginning the 15 race GP series. Teams here usually head south for practice, this might mean a journey to Sardinia in the near future. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last year was not an easy one for me dealing with the new lifestyle and everything else that came along with it. I have many things to prove to myself. I want to rise above when all odds are lost. I want to rebound from last year and perform to what I know I am capable of and what better moment then now. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">I have sacrificed this life of mine to be a champion. I might not be a champion tomorrow, or the day after, but I will live my dream of becoming a champion. Anything great in life takes time and sacrifice. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As for now it is off to work and a chance to get some seat time in on the new Husqvarna and prepare for the unknown. </span></div></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-71480208970467610442010-11-21T14:42:00.000-08:002010-11-21T14:42:57.748-08:00The Off SeasonThe off-season is something that at some point in everyone’s season is a time to look forward to. Something to help you get through week in and week out and something that also becomes a source of motivation to finish the season. For some, it is a relief the day it finally comes after a long hard fought season. Mid season when you are tired, beat up, and everything becomes a struggle nothing can sound better then relaxation time. To be honest this year I was looking forward to some time off, and now I have had a chance to do so. Funny thing is that after a week or two I began thinking about only what I had not accomplished that I set out to.<br />
<br />
I signed a factory contract much better then anything I expected, an awesome team, and awesome people around me but still I felt cut short. I felt cut short of what I did not do my last year in Europe. A lot of it was out of my control but in my eyes I failed. Nothing feels worse then that to me. The final race in Italy in September, I got two 7th place finishes and finally got some confidence only to have a 5 month off season. The feeling of your work not being finished and not being able to do anything about it just digs and digs inside. Everyday I train or ride, all I can think about is that day, and that moment is going to make me that much stronger when I line up on that first GP starting line. The feeling of being able to be 100% and the feeling of knowing I deserve to be there and deserve to be in the front of the pack is something that I am waiting quietly in the corner for.<br />
<br />
People say your only as good as your last race. This is a saying I have heard so many people say over the last few years and it is something I disagree with 100%. Example… Jeremy Mc Grath was known as “THE KING”. Towards the end of his career he had some not so good races. Even a guy like Ricky Carmichael, AKA -“the Goat” fell off at the end. My point is that you are not as good as your last race or whatever it is people say. You are as good as the work you put in, the time you sacrifice, the blood sweat and tears you suffer, and last but not least, you are as good as you believe you are. Anything you want in life you can achieve. I know what I want, and I am on a mission of my own to achieve that.Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-63279700502630954162010-11-01T12:22:00.000-07:002010-11-01T12:22:48.294-07:00No Boundaries<style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Cambria";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
</style> <style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Cambria";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
</style> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span> </span></span>People always tell me you get what you put into anything you do in life. I think of myself as someone that puts their heart and soul into my passion and love for racing and expect nothing but the best of myself with my chosen career. From injuries to breaking boundaries I believe my 10 years of racing I have given100%. Set back after set back, let down after let down, I felt like I never got what I deserved for my efforts toward my racing. Being here in Italy is a bit of a dream come true. It is the first time that I feel worthy of what is at hand for me. Not only do I feel worthy, I finally feel ready to use this opportunity to my maximum potential. I am 19 years old and am riding for my first factory team with a group of really good people around me. Not to mention the best food in the world… besides my mom’s cooking. I guess that is just a bonus.<span> </span>HAHA. I know it is not going to be all fun and games here racing the GP’s, although I am thankful for the opportunity I have been blessed with and looking forward to 2011. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Now a question I know a lot of people are wondering. Is the bike capable of really doing well? My opinion is the bike is plenty capable of doing well. To be honest, I love the bike and look forward to every chance I get to ride it. Compared to the other bikes it is like riding a bicycle against a Haley Davidson. The bike has plenty of potential and I know that factory Husky is going to use every bit of technology they have to make the bike everything it can be. The 2 times I have ridden the bike we have improved it drastically and I already think the bike is not so far away from a GP level. Only time will tell from here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>So now for some fun stuff here in Italy. Before the preparation for 2011 with testing, training, and back to work for the next 11 months, I thought it could be good to have some fun here. Well not to say that I haven’t been having a blast here, but you know what I mean. Ha-ha. I decided to head down the hill from the town I live in called Guiglia, to a town some of you might know as Maranello. For those of you that do not know why Maranello, Italy is so important, you might know the name Ferrari? Maranello is the home of Ferrari. Every car, the gallery, and the Formula 1 team are based in this town. I have the pleasure of living 20 minutes from there so with a day of not much to do my mechanic Francesco and I headed down there for the day. In one word, unbelievable. I got to drive the Ferrari 458, which is a new car for Ferrari. 100 mph in about 7.4 seconds? I have always wondered what driving an F1 car would be like, but the truth is I could not handle the thought of being in an F1 car. The 458 was unbelievably fast and sounded like nothing I have heard in person before. I had a really great time there. Got to do things that few people have ever done there at Ferrari and wont ever forget it. So as there are 2 days in a weekend I decided day 2 would be heading out to Venice, Italy for some sight seeing. Streets are water, sidewalks are 5 feet across, and looks like pirates of the Caribbean. </div><div class="MsoNormal">So without going on to much more about Italy it is time to head back to Husqvarna this week and do some more testing and training. There is also the biggest motorcycle trade show in all of Europe this week called Eicma Expo. I will be there 2 days as well as riding the other 2 days… then back to USA till beginning of next year. Very excited for what is to come in the near future and for now it is back to work. Catch up with me in 2 weeks for another update. Ciao!!!</div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-11014565139454936072010-10-20T08:08:00.000-07:002010-10-20T08:08:45.229-07:00A New Page<style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Cambria";
}@font-face {
font-family: "Lucida Grande";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
</style> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande";">The 2010 season has come and gone for me and 2011 is approaching quite fast. I have been home for about 3 weeks and put riding on the back of my mind for a little while. I have taken up some new things like golf, being a normal kid, and enjoying myself. “laughs”. After the stressful year I had in Europe I needed some time away and I did just that. This week is my first week back riding and back in to full training once again. I am feeling very refreshed and getting back that itch to get back to work.</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande";">Now some of you may be asking where and what 2011 has in store for me? For 2011 I will be racing back in Europe and living in Italy. I have signed with Ricci Racing who was previously a Yamaha team and who has transferred over to factory Husqvarna for 2011. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande";">I am looking forward to going out there October 24th for a couple of weeks to ride the bike and meet the team. I have heard great things about the team and what is available to me, not to mention where better to live then Italy? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande";">Last year was tough out there for me, but there are so many things to learn living in Europe. My goal was to show my potential as a rider this year in Europe and due to some other issues I was not able to do so. This year I am on a factory team and I think it is going to be a great opportunity to get out there and show the true colors of what I can accomplish.</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande";">Catch up with me next week to hear about the team, the bikes, and how good the Italian food is. “laughs”. Ciao!</span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-57212624936883769572010-09-14T03:30:00.000-07:002010-09-14T03:30:16.984-07:00Good-bye Euro Trip!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"> <!--StartFragment--> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Good-bye Euro trip!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well the long awaited final GP here in Fermo, Italy. After a few disappointing weekends I was ready to put myself on the line fore my one last shot at proving something to myself here in Europe. So the week leading up into Fermo here in Italy I finally got 2 days of training on the bike in which has not happened in a month or 2. My trainer Jacky Vimond and I felt good about the work we have done and were ready to give it one last shot, hoping nothing failed that was out of our control. We arrived to the track Friday afternoon and found out it has been raining all day long. It is not a secret that us California people are not the greatest in mud… and sand for that matter. LOL. Regardless, rain or shine I was going to accomplish what I set out to do this last weekend. This weekend was also the first time I have seen my parents in 3 and a half months and I was very happy to see them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday morning we arrived to the track at 9am for a 10am practice and were relieved to see a decently dry track and were ready to go. First practice I believe I was 5<sup>th</sup> fastest on the lap time and was enjoying playing around and throwing my bike around. Really the first time I have been very comfortable on the bike and the weekend started just the way I had wanted. In the chrono practice I had the 7<sup>th</sup> fastest time and also the first time I have even been into the top 10 in the lap times witch was really good for my confidence seeming as though I haven’t had so much after the past few months. Going into the Qualifying race I just wanted to go do the best I could. I got out of the gate and got squeezed out 10 feet out of the gate leaving me close to last. Just settled into a pace and at the end of the race I finished in at 9<sup>th</sup> place. Once again I have never been into the top 10 with gate pick on Sunday so Saturday for me was a success. We left the track early and got to have a nice dinner with my mom and dad along with my girl Haley. It was very relaxing and just what I needed for Sunday. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday morning I woke up feeling like I got hit by a train. After the problems the past few months I have not had much seat time on the bike at all and really was not feeling so strong. This was very different for me seeming as though I am always in very good riding shape and always confident in the time I have put in on the bike. This weekend my goal was to let nothing stand in my way and I was not going to let that up. First Moto came and this was the time for me to make it happen. Feeling weak, low confidence, and a nearly stock engine it was go time. Gate dropped and about 20 feet out of the gate I looked to the right and I was in front. Came out of the first turn in 12<sup>th</sup> and put my head down. I did not have much energy but I was going to hang it out there with what I had. Worked my way up into 7<sup>th</sup> and finished there. I had matched my best finish in Sweden with a 7<sup>th</sup> so I was somewhat satisfied. Second moto, I wanted more. Honestly was the first time I was dead tired going into any race I have ever been in but I had one last shot. Got out to a horrible start and one last time I put my head down. Went into the second turn in 23<sup>rd</sup> and started to pick people off. Worked my way back into 7<sup>th</sup> and just couldn’t catch the riders in front of me. I was drained, seeing double, and still had 15 minutes of racing, longest 15 minutes I have ever had. LOL. So I finished the weekend 7-7 for 7<sup>th</sup> overall. I wanted top 5 but it is what it is. Given the circumstances I am happy with what I accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So I guess that is it for my rookie year here in Europe. It has been a hell of a ride, but something I will never forget. My mission here was to come here and get into the top 5 and yes… I did fail. Although, I learned things so far beyond just a result on a piece of paper, or what people think. This last weekend in Italy was more then just a race. It was a weekend for me to prove to myself who I am. After broken bones, broken bikes, living on my own, and pretty much finding ground zero I have rebounded. I fell down and I got back up from something I didn’t think was possible. Sure my results are not what they could be, and sure my capability as a rider is a question for many people, but for the first time I know what I can do. I know that if you take the first step in faith the rest will unfold before you. You may never know the reason for what you are going through, or why you feel you always get things the hard way… but there will always be something to learn at the end of the trail. Even if my results and finishes aren’t what I wanted… I learned things people wouldn’t in a lifetime. I met amazing people and traveled the world at 19 years old, vacationed in some of the greatest places of Europe with my girlfriend Haley, got to race a dirt bike all over the world and become myself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Good things or bad I want to thank everyone for the opportunity given to me from Bud Racing, my trainer Jacky Vimond, my mechanic Ludo, and everyone that has supported me through all of this. So with that said I am “somewhere in Italy” with my Mom, my Dad, and my girlfriend Haley on vacation loving life. I return home to the US September 22<sup>nd</sup> and as far as plans for next year? Unknown. It will work itself out and whatever I am handed I know there is not much I can’t work though. I will continue to post more blogs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you for following me and we will see you around! Ciao!<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment--> </span>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-65487983827588868772010-09-08T15:51:00.001-07:002010-09-08T15:51:05.142-07:00One Last Shot...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This weekend we raced the Holland GP in the sand of Leirop. I have once again left another sand GP a little bit disappointed in myself and other things that have gotten in the way. We arrived to the track Friday night and I was well ready for the sand and another chance to score some points and prove to myself I can adapt no matter the circumstances. Saturday was pretty tough and the first practice I saw that it was going to be much tougher then I had anticipated. First practice I had 18<sup>th</sup> fastest time and I couldn’t understand where I was going slow and off pace but I was determined to go to school once again. In the timed practice the track changed completely and with a small bike problem I had 31<sup>st</sup> gate pick leading into the qualifying race. I was not such a happy camper but I also know that a race is a race and a lap time is a lap time. As the gate dropped in the qualifying race I had another rider crash into me half way down the line leaving me in 27<sup>th</sup> in the second turn. Slowly I settled in and made my way to 18<sup>th</sup> by half way as my bike started to have some troubles and forced me into slowing down leaving me 22<sup>nd</sup>. Just glad I was able to finish and Sunday was a new day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sunday morning practice I was starting to feel a little better on an already beaten track from the day before. I don’t get it… Why leave a track with 4ft high sand whoops? Haha. Not so sure that would happen in the states but is what it is. After practice I was happy to have my girlfiend Haley back with me, as well as some of her family she has been staying with in Holland. With that said it was already off to a better then Saturday. First race I did not have such a great jump and was in around 18<sup>th</sup> with a few mistakes. For the first time in the sand I had a few decent sand riders in front of me and was able to learn from them and gain a little confidence up until about 5 laps in, had an electrical issue that lead to a DNF. For second race I went out with a smile on my face and was looking forward to just going to do my best. Got out to a really good start from the far outside and came around in 10<sup>th</sup> place. Made a small mistake in the first lap leaving me in 12<sup>th</sup> place but still miles better then any other sand race. I tucked in behind some riders and finally was feeling good and enjoying myself. As I began to close the gap between the riders in front of me I was beginning to hear a noise in the motor and decided to not risk something to happen at the wrong time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So with 2 DNF’s and some mechanical problems I ended my weekend with exactly what I did not want to happen. As we go into the final GP in Italy next weekend I am going in and planning on leaving nothing on the table. As the Euro-trip is winding down, I have still yet to do what I am very well capable of doing. Definitely many things have been out of my control and have taken away some chances that I could have had, but I have to say I don’t regret a second of it. This weekend I have not only my girlfriend Haley back with me but I also my mom and dad at the races for the first time in 4 months. So with “one last shot” I am excited and motivated to have a successful weekend in Italy and leave here on a good note. As of now I am in a sprinter van with my trainer Jacky Vimond ,his girlfriend Manola and my girlfriend Haley for 15 hours on route to Italy. So check in for my final race here in Europe this coming weekend… Cheers!</span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-38065111098613088892010-08-30T21:28:00.000-07:002010-08-31T07:11:33.707-07:00Jet Lag...So after being in Brazil last weekend we get a nice weekend off before the GP in Holland at Llerop. I thought I was getting pretty adapted to dealing with all the different time zones but being in Brazil for almost a week hit me pretty good and I am well in need of some recovering time after a nice 30 hour traveling day. Anyway, Friday, Jacky my trainer, his girlfriend Manola, and I drove up here to the training house in Belgium and it has been quite a weather change. It has gone from 90 degrees with 100% humidity to 40 degrees with pouring rain and winds that are bone chilling. Friday night we got here at about 8pm after 1,200 miles of driving and had the weekend off to recover. My girlfriend Haley has been at her family's house in Holland so I decided to drive another 300k as soon as I got to Belgium to go have some relaxing time.<br />
<br />
I was really excited to see her after being away for the entire month of August and also got to meet some more of her family which was really fun. I got there at about midnight and since I spent my birthday away they had a nice birthday cake waiting for me. I was so stoked! Haha. Saturday I got to sleep in for about 11 hours and it was well needed. Haley gave me the grand tour of where they are in Holland and it is a very nice country although the rain was a bit annoying. We got to feed some sheep, walk around town, and ride bicycles through some pretty tall corn fields. Being on the road a lot of the time is a bit tiring and a day with Haley and her family was really nice to just relax and recharge the batteries a little bit before heading into the last 2 GP’s and then heading home in late September.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning it was time to get back to Belgium for some sand riding on Sunday afternoon whitch is well needed for me. Haha. We all know how “good” I am in sand. For this weekend we are making some good bike changes that should really help me for this weekend in Holland but most of all the last GP in Italy September 11th and 12th. As far as preparing for this weekend my main focus is riding sand, sand, and more sand. I want to improve as much as I can from the last sand race on August 1st here in Belgium. I am used to adapting to tracks quite well but this sand stuff is just a little bit different for me. Although it is different it is something new and another challenge for me to accomplish.<br />
<br />
My main goal the next 2 weekends is to have some fun and enjoy myself on the bike. I know when these things come together with my racing there is always a good result and with a new bike setup and a bit more confidence in that… I am expecting to have some better speed.<br />
<br />
Well that is about it for this week. Next week should be interesting after the Holland sand this weekend so be sure to check back! Thanks for reading and will be posting again next week. Cheers!Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-81195654297857725052010-08-26T08:01:00.000-07:002010-08-26T08:01:51.070-07:00What Doesn't Kill Us Can Only Make Us Stronger...If We Let It.This past weekend we raced in Brazil for the World GP circuit. We flew into Brazil Wednesday night with a 9 hour layover in San Poulo before flying into Campo Grande where the GP would be held. We met up with my trainer Jacky's friend Patrick for dinner before catching the next flight. My first impression of Brazil was pretty shocking since I had always heard of Brazil being super nice and to be honest, I was a little surprised with what I saw to be their way of life. It was a very poor country but hey, I am not here for vacation right? LOL. Food in Brazil is not so bad with some of the best meat I have ever had.<br />
<br />
The first night at the hotel was pretty interesting, as it turns out Campo Grande is a big military town which I did not know at the time. I guess you can say that the automatic machine guns at 2 am were shocking at first. Pretty scary stuff for sure. With little sleep the following morning we were off to the track for a track walk along with my mechanic Jeremy who put my bike together from a 3 x 6 box. LOL. So we waited until Saturday and I was really excited to ride the weekend in Brazil.<br />
<br />
Saturday we got out to the track and it was go time. My American buddy Scott Simon made the trip out to be with me since he races the Brazilian championship and is leading the points in both MX1 and MX2. So starting the day off I went into the first practice ready to go. The track was pretty muddy from all of the water from the days before but I was riding with a smile on my face. A few laps later we had a bike problem and had to cut it out early. In the timed practice for the qualifying race gate pick we also had another problem. So we went into that with a 19th gate pick. It was pretty questionable to why the bike was having issues but I remained focused on my job, to do the best I can with whatever the situation may be. During the sighting lap of the qualifying race the bike quit 3 turns from the finish. Luckily, I was close to the starting line and ran the bike there before we had to load into the gate. My bike was pouring fuel out of the carburetor and I was getting a little frustrated as to why there were so many things going wrong. I was unable to start that moto leaving me with last gate pick for both motos on Sunday. My mechanic Jeremy worked really hard to make sure the bike was good for the following race day so that we could do what we came to do.<br />
<br />
Race day Sunday...Woke up in a positive mood and was ready to get the job done. During practice the bike ran just fine and we were back on track. First moto, I got out to a 25th place start and quickly worked my way into the top 10. I started to experience more bike problems around half way through so I started to ride conservatively to save the bike along with another top 10 finish. I came across the line in 9th but I was not so happy with what we had going on. We switched the complete motor around for the next race and it sounded fine afterward and once again I was ready to go to work. I lined about on the far outside with a good staring landing me into the top 10 just behind fellow American, Zach Osborne. I started to improve my lap times and make some ground between us ans was shaping up to move forward into the top 6 or maybe even top 5 as my bike began to quit once again. 5 laps in I pulled off and we packed up. I had a lot of potential last weekend to do well but I guess it just was not meant to be. All I can do is focus on the remaining races here in Europe for this year and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
Right now I am in France and getting ready to head back to Belgium this Friday for some sand on the 4th and 5th of September. The race is held in Holland and I get a chance to redeem myself after my performance in the Belgian GP in the beginning of August. I am looking forward to that and I want to improve the most I can to show myself that I can adapt to all conditions. The sand here is much deeper than home and honestly it is something I would be wasting my time trying to explain, it is something that you would have to see to really understand. I have a new motor set up and ready for the next GP in Holland so it should be a fun weekend. Another good note I will get my girlfriend back who has been staying with family in Holland for the last several weeks. So it should be a fun weekend although for now I am off to Belgium...<br />
<br />
Catch up with me next week to hear about my weekend off and training in Belgium! Ar'voir!Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-13726870382643484792010-08-18T08:07:00.000-07:002010-08-18T08:07:45.349-07:00Mission: Visa Needed to Race Brazil!About nine days ago, the team and I realized I didn't have a visa and would not be able to race in Brazil this weekend unless I got one in a hurry. As I write this I am on my way to Brazil and how I got here is nothing short of a miracle.<br />
Living in France made traveling to Paris the only option for getting this mission accomplished. To get a Visa usually takes 10 days if you are lucky, at this point I had only 7 and you must leave your passport at the consulate office while it is being processed, which means you cannot leave the country. Luckily the schedule accommodated this plan.<br />
After the GP in Czech, I hopped on a plane and headed for Paris only we didn't land in Paris since there was too much fog to land, instead we landed in Czech and were bussed over 6 hours to a location outside of Paris where my team had a limo waiting for me. I found myself sharing this ride with two guys from my own backyard,Temecula! When I asked if they were brothers, they let me know they were not but instead said proudly that they were together...alrighty then. haha. I was dropped off at the American-Brazilian consulate office and because of the 8 hour delay I missed my window of opportunity and decided to spend the night and try again in the morning. Now this mission had to be done in 6 days of less.<br />
There I was walking around Paris pulling my suitcase looking for a place to stay in this high-end part of town. What to do? I called Mom who got on her computer and guided me through the streets to a cheap hotel only to find a naked lady waving at me through the window and rocks thrown into the falling hotel sign. This was only a couple blocks away and it was ghetto-style. Mom talked me into spending more money and being safe by staying closer to the consulate office so I could get a jump on the day in the morning, she also talked me into getting a massage, which we joked about.<br />
<br />
After I settled in I had an awesome dinner, listened to musicians under the Eiffel Tower, treated myself to a Nutella crepe, and yes I did get a killer massage at the hotel and then slept a good 8 hours. When I got back to the consulate office an hour early, I was 8th in line and found out they only take in 20 applicants and I watched them send over 100 people away that day. When I met with my representative, she did not speak a word of English and I was not sure if I was even in the right place after all I had been through. After some sign language, pointing to calendars, and laughing till my side hurt, I left my passport with this lady hoping that when I came back on Monday (2 days ago!!! ) I would have a Visa. I think she was trying to tell me that I would have to wait until today...I pleaded and showed her the calendar again and pointed to the 17th and said a prayer as I left.<br />
After The French Championship I got a ride with the video crew to Paris. It was a 6 hour hair ball ride including e-brake corners around cliffs and some serious speed, these guys were insane. I arrived in Paris at 4 am and only got about 3 hours sleep before getting back in line at the consulate's office. I was first in line, the doors opened at 9:30 and I didn't know what to expect. The team's plan payed off as only an hour later I was headed to the airport with a Visa in hand. After waiting 6 hours at the airport I was on my way to my home away from home, Hossegor, France. Basically, ate dinner, washed gear, packed and at 2:00 am headed to the airport and on my way to Brazil looking forward to a good weekend of racing.<br />
All in all things are working out for me. The Rockstar Energy Bud Racing team continues to support me, my trainer Jacky believes I have what it takes, and my family, friends, and girl Haley are all there in my corner. As I write this my "Big Brother" Scottie Simon is waiting for me in Brazil to cheer me on this weekend and I am psyched to see him for sure.<br />
Mission accomplished...Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-232899545072621792010-08-13T15:47:00.000-07:002010-08-13T15:47:48.502-07:00Czech RepublicThis weekend we had the GP in Czech Republic, and where to begin. Haha. We flew in Friday night and landed on to a frozen runway with the most rain fall I have ever seen. That isn’t much to most people, seeming as though I am from California, it was a downpour. We ended up getting to the hotel around 9pm and went straight to dinner. I thought people smoked a lot on France, but I was sadly mistaken. It was unbelievable how much smoke was in the room. I could hardly breath and my eyes were leaking… Yes, LEAKING. Lol<br />
<br />
Saturday finally arrived and I was looking forward to the weekend in Czech since I was told that the track suited my conditions unlike the week before in the Belgium sand. We arrived at the track that morning to non-stop rain and a track I could literally ride a jet ski on. I am not exactly the professional mud rider at the moment along with sand, but I was ready to have some fun in the mud. So despite the rain and everything else that was going on the FIM decided to cancel the 25+2 lap race and we would take our chronological time for gate pick. One thing about these Euros is they can do a sprint lap like no other, something I am not used to at all. So I qualified a whopping 24th. I was pretty disappointed but I figured Sunday would be better with no rain in the forecast. <br />
<br />
Sunday rolls around with the sun shinning and just a few clouds in the sky, along with a smile on my face. I showed up to the track for practice and they did not even touch the track from the day before. To say the least the track was pretty gnarly. All of the tracks here are much rougher then the ones in the states and that is another thing I had not expected. In practice I figured out some issues with my riding and learning the mud and ran 15th fastest time. Still not anything close to where I should be but it was a start. With 5 minutes left on the practice clock, I found myself on the side of the track a little dazed and confused while people were standing over me yelling in some odd language. My trainer Jacky told me someone crossed into my line off a jump and I hit the ground without my motorcycle.<br />
<br />
I was pretty bummed that I found myself in question of what I did but that is the price we pay sometimes. I wanted to ride the first moto and see what would happen. I got out to a mid pack start and 1 lap later I decided that it was not the right time to be on a motorcycle and put myself at even more risk. The near future will take me to Brazil, Holland, and also Italy. I would rather focus on those things and give it everything I have. I just got my Brazilian visa and am heading back home now to Hossegor, France. Starting to feel better and just waiting till next weekend as I travel to northern France for another French championship. As I write blog #3 I am on a train headed home from Paris relaxing. So for now I will say goodbye and look forward to the weekend to arrive. See you next week!Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-1312754428611014032010-08-10T07:07:00.000-07:002010-08-10T07:07:32.677-07:00July 25th we made our way up to Belgium from a little bit of time in the sand before the Lommel Grand Prix last week. All the guys out here have been telling me how crazy this sand race is and to be honest… I had no idea on what I was really getting myself into this past weekend. During the week practicing at some local sand tracks I was riding pretty well and on the clock I was pretty close to the top guys here in the sand, yet did I know that what we were riding was pretty much hard packed compared to this weekend.<br />
<br />
It all hit me after my second practice that this weekend was not exactly going to be a fun one for me. It was quite strange for me to not adapt quickly to a track like I have been doing since May when I first got here. Every time I swing a leg over a bike here I have been forced to learn different terrain and have been doing well with that. In my 10 years of racing I have never seen anything like what I saw this weekend. By far it was the roughest track I have ever been on, the most difficult sand I have seen, and the first time I felt like I forgot how to ride a motorcycle. Ha ha. Me and a few others coming from America have the same opinion.<br />
<br />
So with that said my results were 24-23 and I was pretty disappointed in that. I struggled all weekend long but I will say that I once again learned so much in the 2 days of racing this past weekend. I plan on spending most of my winter learning how to ride sand so this never happens again and am really focused on doing well in the 3 sand GP’s of next year. I am really hoping to stay here next year and learn as much as possible. I am learning all of my weak points and I am happy to learn them now instead of further in my career.<br />
<br />
Right now I am just getting back into Hossegor, France where I am living and I am looking forward to this weekend while we head to Czech Republic for the Locket Grand Prix which is much more my riding style and terrain. I am feeling confident for the weeks to come and feeling more focused and determined then I have been in a long time.Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430957462581477006.post-26499489587693566482010-07-27T15:23:00.001-07:002010-07-28T08:21:40.807-07:00Bonjour, Je M'Appelle Michael Leib #170<meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/andi/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-charset:77; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;">Bonjour!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;">My name is Michael Leib from Menifee California. I am 18 years old traveling the world racing the FIM World Grand Prix (GP) Motocross series for the French Rockstar Bud Racing Kawasaki Team. I have to say that I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity with this team at this time and be able to train with Jacky Vimond, a former World Champion. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;">My once in a lifetime opportunity started off with a phone call from Bud Racing on April 26</span><span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "";">th</span></sup></span><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"> with an offer to finish the remainder of the GP season. May 3</span><span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "";">rd</span></sup></span><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"> I was on a plane on my way to my first real shot at the big leagues. May 4</span><span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "";">th</span></sup></span><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"> was my first day on the bike and unfortunately, I had a crash that left me watching from the sidelines for two weeks. Fortunately, the team stuck with me and I learned more in those 4 weeks then I have in my entire life. Eleven days after my wreck I attempted to ride to see if the upcoming GP in Spain would be possible the following weekend. I was able to ride a short period but due to my wrist injury, I was too weak to do as much as grab the clutch lever. Riding two days later I decided to give it my best shot and hope for the best that weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;">The Spain GP was one of the toughest weekends I’ve had so far. The feeling of fighting for my ride here in Europe and dealing with a frustrating injury from the start was very difficult. I was able to start both motos but complete only a few laps of each before I lost complete strength in my arm. Looking forward to the USGP two weeks later at my home track Glen Helen, I continued to recover but was only able to get in two rough days on the bike before heading out to the United States. Practice day at the USGP was my first real chance I had to ride the bike and see what it felt like. I ended up 11</span><span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "";">th</span></sup></span><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"> fastest in timed practice and was feeling better each lap. Race day I was feeling good but I had bike issues in both motos that led to DNF finishes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;">A week later in ST. Jean France it was the same story with the bike issues. The next weekend in Germany I got my first moto finish with a 10-DNF, Latvia the following weekend was DNF-11. After those races we really got the bike dialed in and made some necessary adjustments. The team worked extremely hard to solve every problem and smooth everything out. At the next GP in Sweden, feeling more comfortable on the bike, I finished 13-7 for 9</span><span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "";">th</span></sup></span><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"> overall. Finally, adapting to the bike and also to my surroundings here in Europe, I began to build my confidence and results. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;">The next weekend in Iffendic, France, for the French National Championships (a series we do on the side of the World GP circuit), I was fastest in qualifying and was feeling more at home with the Rockstar Bud Racing Team and the race bike. First moto I finished a 4</span><span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "";">th</span></sup></span><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"> after stopping for a new pair of goggles and moto two the bike had an engine failure resulting in a DNF. Moto three we tried a different motor from a practice bike but it was pretty tired and I chose to call it a day. Overall it was a good weekend and the first time I really felt comfortable on my new Kawasaki. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;">I race my first GP in the sand this coming weekend in Lommel, Belgium. I hear that there is just nothing like the Belgium sand, although I am looking forward to a new challenge. I really enjoy learning and riding in all different types of tracks and terrain every time I get on my bike. This upcoming week I am training in Belgium close to Lommel. I am hoping to learn as much as possible and leave with a new experience in the sand this week. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "";"><span style="font-size: large;">As for now I have my girlfriend Haley here with me. We got the opportunity to enjoy 5 days in Paris during my off time. Had an amazing time, returned feeling very relaxed and refreshed but anxious to get back to racing. So that is all for my first blog! Check back with me for weekly updates. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>Michael Leibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11887517628867827098noreply@blogger.com0