April 27 0900-1500hrs Murphy’s MX (Red Rock, Texas)
June 22 0900-1500hrs Murphy’s MX (Red Rock, Texas)
September 21 0900-1500hrs Murphy’s MX (Red Rock, Texas)
November 9 0900-1500hrs Murphy’s MX (Red Rock, Texas)
WHO: Veterans and First Responders with PTS(D)
WHAT: Project MX is an off-road motorcycle program that brings Veterans and First Responders together for a fun and exciting weekend of riding, camping, and camaraderie. The program provides trauma-scarred heroes an opportunity to learn Motocross (MX) and general off-road riding, which helps them work through frustrations, fears and aggression on a closed course, surrounded by skilled riding coaches and Motorcycle Missions staff.
WHERE: Currently we will be meeting at family owned and operated Murphy’s MX in Red Rock, Texas, just 40 minutes east of Austin, TX, and are expected to expand to other tracks all over the country in 2022 post-Covid.
WHEN: Weather depending, we meet every other weekend and ride on both Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm. Riders can come both days, or just one depending on demand and weather. Riders staying to camp overnight will automatically get to ride both days.
WHY: Research in PTSD has indicated that camaraderie, shared mission, and the intense release of adrenaline all help to mitigate symptoms. Off-Road and MX riding requires the focus to get away from stress, and gets hearts and minds racing.
HOW: We want participants to have fun and find passion. Riders will be started on our 125cc air cooled dirt bikes until they can demonstrate safe and controlled riding practice, and then can move up to our bigger 250cc bikes once our coaches determine they are ready. As part of their training, they will be taught how to maintain and prep their bike for their track day, as well as how to change the oil after a day of riding.
WHAT’S PROVIDED (at no charge)
2 HONDA CRF 125F’s
6 HONDA CRF 250F’s
2+ coaches on site at all times to help participants learn critical riding skills
TCX Motocross Boots (donated by Cyclist Law)
Bell MX-9 Motocross helmet (donated by Bell Powersports)
Answer MX Pants and gloves (donated by Tucker Powersports)
EVS knee and elbow pads, and neck brace (donated by Tucker Powersports)
100% MX goggles (donated by Tucker Powersports)
Motorcycle Missions MX Jersey
Bottled water (please also bring your own)
Propane grill for cooking should you wish to use it (48 hour notice required)
First aid kit
WHAT TO BRING
Riders are encouraged to wear thin and breathable clothing that they can sweat and be comfortable in under all the padding and gear. Knee high socks are preferred but not required.
Bring dry clean clothes to change in to
Water bottle, Gatorade, snack, and bag lunch. There is no food available for purchase except on race days.
Motorcycle Missions will provide a propane grill for you to cook your burgers and hotdogs on should you wish to use it. Please bring your own food, condiments and paper plates etc.
Sunscreen
WATER!!!!
WATER!!!!
WATER!!!!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Upon accepting a spot on our ride team for the day, a refundable deposit of $50 is required to reserve your spot. If you are doing the entire weekend, you will need to pay $100 to reserve both. You will get this back at the end of the day in the same manner you paid. Pay Pal and credit cards accepted. ***IF YOU DO NOT SHOW, YOUR MONEY WILL BE ACCEPTED AS A DONATION TO MOTORCYCLE MISSIONS AND YOU WILL NOT GET A REFUND.
Upon arrival to the park you will sign your liability waiver at the gate before being directed by staff to the Motorcycle Missions pit where we will be set up with all the bikes, gear and equipment for a great day of riding.
Before heading on to the track, the coaches will take you through the safety and maintenance checks you will be responsible for during your time with us. This includes regularly checking tire pressure, lubing and inspecting the chain, inspecting the cables and wires and looking for any possible hazards, and topping up the fuel. At the end of your ride, you will be responsible for cleaning your bike before helping staff and coaches put them away and tear down for the day.
New riders: the coaches will take you out on the smaller 125cc dirt bikes to teach you how to shift, brake and ride the bike in a controlled area. Once you have demonstrated you are safe and controlled, they will take you on a course to practice and hone your skills. Even if you end up being a superstar, you will not be permitted to ride the 250cc bike until at least your second or third day of riding with us. Exceptions may apply in certain circumstances and will be determined on a case by case basis.
Experienced riders: the coaches will require you to demonstrate safe and controlled riding skills on the 125cc dirt bikes before you can move up to the 250cc bikes. As soon as the coach deems you qualify to move up, this can occur immediately.
Riding occurs in 20 minute intervals - 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. You are encouraged to listen to what your body is telling you and rest as long as needed.
Drink TONS of water the night before training, and get plenty of sleep. Dirt riding is physically demanding and requires you to be 100 percent on your game to avoid injury. Absolutely do not drink alcohol or do drugs the night before you ride. Any sign of impairment will result in you not being able to ride.