How old were you when you started riding? Who helped you at first?
I was twelve years old when I started riding, and without question my father is who helped me initially. Not in the sense you might think though; dirt bikes were never his thing. My Dad’s greatest influence was assisting with bike maintenance and repair.
Tell us about your first bike.
My first bike was a 1996 Honda XR80, and believe it or not I still have it. My friend had the same bike and that’s what really started it for me. Once I got one, we didn’t stop riding until the gas tanks were empty or something broke. After he moved on from bikes, I was introduced to some KPTR guys because I didn’t know anyone at the time who would ride for hours on end. It was interesting then as I was in middle school and they were, basically my father’s age. They let me tag along on their ritual Sunday rides but they warned me; “If you don’t keep up kid, we’re going to leave you in the woods.”
How long have you been a NETRA member? What does NETRA mean to you?
I have been a NETRA member since 2005. I filled out the NETRA registration form with Jerry Shinner’s guidance, at DeMoranville’s Farm to race my first Hare Scramble. I was completely hooked after accepting the C200 class, 5th place trophy. When I joined, I had no idea what a Hare Scramble, or NETRA was, but now know that NETRA is best described as a large family. Much more than an association, NETRA is truly a group of people who enjoy spending time together doing the same thing; riding and racing.
You're really active in enduros. What attracts you to them?
The strategy required by the format of enduro racing is what most attracts me. Enduro racing requires a unique combination of speed, endurance, preparation, and attention to the clock. In addition to the usual Saturday preparation, enduro adds route sheet cutting, taping, programming (if you run a computer), and analysis. I appreciate the planning required for the event, and effort that goes into each one.
You were one of the key voices in making enduros have consistent timekeeping last season and this one. What are your thoughts on that?
Consistency at each race is what I stood up for at the Competition Committee meeting. For several years, we had raced three different type of rules; Brand X, AMA, and Start Control format. It was difficult to keep track of the rules from weekend to weekend and I believe this affected both race results, and rider enjoyment. This year, with all races in the same format, I think is easier for us to focus on enjoying each event.
You're also active in the administrative side of NETRA...on the Comp Committee and as the enduro vice chair. What makes you volunteer extra time for this?
Growing up riding with the KPTR crew, I witnessed the truth to the saying “Many hands make light work.” I’ve learned that in addition to helping at club events, including both local and state forest trail maintenance, and roadway cleaning at the state forests. I believe it’s important to volunteer to keep NETRA strong and ensure our future access to trails.
Anyone you'd like to thank?
Thanks to my parents for their support through the good times and the bad. All the guys in the KPTR club for being the supportive characters they are. The NETRA family. And finally, thanks to my sponsors for helping to make my race season easier; Moose Racing, Factory Connection, Moto Nation, Renthal, Spy Optics, Dunlop Tires, and Matrix Concepts.
Rider Profile: Phil Mealy