Nothing is certain

Finally the motocross national season has started and the t.v. coverage this year is great. The only real disappointment was that James Stewart was a no-show at the series opener at Glen Helen Raceway leaving his number one plate up for grabs this season. James claimed he wanted to race, but it was up to his team manager Larry Brooks to decide if Stewart would race nationals since his contract is for Supercross only.

Washington native Ryan Villopoto won the series opener for his first national win the 450 class. But again more disappointment as Villopoto caught and hurt his knee at the second round at Hangtown Raceway. Ultimately ending his race and season.

I'm kinda bummed with the way this season is starting to look, already two top racers are out. It's anybody's game now

A humble approach to going fast

Adam Metzler(439) battles closely with fellow pro Tiger Lacey(221) at Albany MX.

• Who: Adam Metzler
• What: Competing on the national motocross circuit
• Why: To compete among the best and make it a career
• How: Through hard work and support of family, friends and sponsors.
• Quote:"You think you're trying your hardest but the top guys are lapping you half way through the moto and you just realize its pretty intense"

Saturday, May 23, the 2009 motocross nationals started with their opening round at Glen Helen raceway in San Bernardino, Calif.

Adam Metzler is an AMA licensed pro who is competing as a privateer on the national circuit. He currently rides a Honda CRF450 and travels along with his technician Chris Booth. Metzler is 21 years old and is from Gaston, Ore. This is his fourth season at being a national license holder. He has had a lot of success as local rider here in the northwest, and each year he finish’s higher and higher up as he gains experience among the world’s best riders.

Metzler wasn’t too thrilled about how the weekend’s national at Glen Helen ended when a rock punctured his front tire leaving him unable to finish and having to pack up and look forward to next weekend’s race at Hangtown raceway in Prairie City, Calif.

When did you first start riding, and when did you think this could be your career?

AM: I started when I was about seven or eight riding in the woods. Doing it for fun at first and then just kept doing it for fun until I was 14 then decided I wanted to actually take it to the next level. When I turned 16 I realized I could make somewhat of a career out of it and turned pro, now I’m trying to make a living off it.

When was your first race, how old were you?

AM: I want to say my first race was on an RM80 when I was about 11 at Albany.

You’ve seen a lot of success locally here in the northwest, how much different is it now being a national rider?

AM: It’s a huge difference. I mean you go from getting top three’s and winning all the time back in the northwest, and then you come down here and you think you’re trying your hardest but (laughs) the top guys are lapping you half way through the moto and you just realize that it’s pretty intense.

Now you race the 450 class as opposed to the 250 class, why is this switch better for you?

AM: To tell you what I would be better on a 250, but it involves a bunch more money in the small bike class because everyone has a satellite or factory ride, and I think you stand a better chance in the 450 class because all you have to do is dump 500 bucks into an exhaust system where your pretty comparable with the rest of them, but where with the smaller bike you would have to dump six grand in it for it to even come close. Plus maintenance and everything is way less on the bigger bike.

But isn’t the competition a lot harder?

AM: Uh..yes and no. The only thing that’s the big difference about it, is all the 450 guys are skilled in what they do, they’ve been doing it forever so they know how to handle stuff and don’t make nearly as many mistakes. I mean if you can ride the 450 good then it’s pretty much the same, but they’re a lot of fast guys.

Now that you have Chris Booth your technician how is different than before you two teamed up?

AM: Oh it’s a world of difference going from having to worry about the race then coming off with something wrong with the bike then trying to fix it yourself for the next moto and just adding stress. And now you come off the track and being able to tell someone what’s wrong with it and talk it over is way easier on the mind and makes life a thousand times easier.

How did you two team up?

AM: Corey Hollen and me hanging out like every day, and he was living with him and one day Corey was like Booth said he would travel everywhere with you and help you out as much as you needed. Of course me being my stubborn self said oh yeah ok. So then one weekend I just gave him a shot and ever since then we’ve been hooked and he’s living with me.

Did you travel a lot as an amateur like a lot of the other pros?

AM: Yeah we did as much as money would allow, we did Texas every year, Las Vegas World Mini every year, and tried to hit up Loretta Lynn’s in Tennessee if we were good enough and made it, other than that we did mostly local races in the northwest.

How supportive is your family with your racing?

AM: I want to say like 197 Percent behind me. Ever since I turned 18 and started turning pro and getting my own attitude and mind my dad kind of stepped back a little bit and let me do my own thing, but still behind me 100 percent, and they still come out and watch me. It’s better for them now there’s not two brothers racing now they just got to worry about one (laughs).

So goals for this season, are you trying to land a ride this season?

AM: Yeah I mean that’s what I’m shooting for every year, but the best I can do is just put my name out there whether it’s in the northwest scene or down here. Hopefully sooner than later someone will notice me. Practicing with all these guys down here I’m keeping up with them, someone has to see sooner or later so I’m just hoping and not going to give up, my older brother gave up to easily. I am going to keep pushing till either it’s not going anywhere or I get a ride then it will be that much easier

What time is it?....it's summer time

Adam Metzler shows he's stoked on summer.

The warmer weather has finally arrived and along with it the departure of the rain. There are so many activities and hobbies that can finally be brought back into swing. Here are a few of my favorite activites to do in spring and summer, and if you're looking for something new, try one of mine.



One of the best ways to chill out and relax is to spend a day and go fishing, preferably with family or friends. Fishing offers you relaxing no pressure activity that allows for you to get back to our basic roots of survival and enjoy it. But of course fishing can turn into a competiton very easily so keep it fun. I also make bets for whoever catches the first fish, the biggest fish, and the most.



For the more adventurous thrill seeker I recommend trying dirtbike riding. Oregon has an abundance of state parks and private facilities that allow for numerous spots to ride, each very different from each other. For a list of Oregon OHV riding areas click here. Dirtbiking offers a challenging activity that can be very rewarding and is great for the family, I mean what kid doesn't want to ride a motorcycle?



A low key and low impact activity, try going to one of the many coastal towns that line the Oregon Coast. Many of these places like Newport offer tourists activities like Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, the sea lion caves, or one of their great restaurants that offer a great seafood selection.



My final and most favorite summer activity is to combine all three of the above options. Areas like the town of Warrenton just below Astoria offers a free riding and camping area, it is also right on the water so when you're done with riding you may go fishing then at night head to one of the nearby towns and grab a good dinner. Just make sure you do it with enjoyable company. Have fun.



-Erik Bender

My best friend

The loss of a pet can be just as difficult as the death of a human, and is something anyone who has had an animal companion knows about since we as humans have life spans much longer than our dear animal friends.

On Friday May 22, my dear beloved Black Labrador Oreo had moved on to the other side while laying next to my mother at our country home in Hillsboro. There is nothing to prepare one for the emotions and feelings you face when the moment happens even if you think you're prepared.

Oreo was 12-year-old pure black lab with a white spot on the chest, hence the name Oreo. We picked him from a breeder when I was just a boy in elementary school. As a puppy he loved to play cause mischief, and that mentality stayed with him all his life. He didn't know a lot "trained" tricks, he just knew a few. However the tricks and skills he did know must have been self taught, for he could open any soda or water bottle and drink its contents, as well as get into coolers for subway sandwiches.

Having a lot of land to roam did not hurt either, as Oreo had abundant access to fields, forest's, and to a large pond to swim and loath in during the summer months. Oreo never wore a leash or even a collar because he was so loyal he would never run off, and he was also an outdoor only dog. The times he had to wear any of those items was to go visit the veterinarian and it never went very smooth.

In the later months of his life Oreo had developed cancer that formed a tumor and spread like wildfire. And as a family we decided not to put him down right away because he showed almost no signs of stress or pain, and as long as he was happy then we would enjoy his company until there is no other choice.

When Oreo's illness was taking the best of him, leaving him drained of energy and not eating.
So on May 22, a veterinarian from Companion Pets came to our house and re-assured us he was "ready to go," and we knew he would be miserable having a high fever and being ill in the hot months of summer.

My family buried him behind the creek that runs through our backyard. They made him a very nice little spot in the shade of the trees and covered his area with flowers all around. His spot is peaceful and is good reminder of the way Oreo was.

They say pets mirrors their owner, but maybe it's the owner that mirrors the pet. However it goes, it was a blessing to have friend like Oreo, he will be missed dearly.

A man's resistance

Photo courtesy of sxc.hu

• Who: Benji Lewis
• What: Refusing involuntary military activation
  
• Where: United Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis
• Why: To tell others that we should have a choice to turn down participating in war
• Quote: “While you’re in the marine core it’s kind of hard to realize what you’re a part of.”

What if your country called on you? Should you turn it down? What if you have already served a tour a duty and were asked to return back to lines of battle? Shouldn't you have a choice?

On Sunday May 17, Benji Lewis, 23, spoke at the United Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis. Lewis spoke about his involuntary activation back into the Marine Corps and his refusal to go back into service. The event was hosted by the band emma’s revolution, which is an activist band that is mix of pop and folk holding a concert for Lewis's cause. Their music is catchy and easy to follow and is meant to inspire action and open mindedness.

Lewis spoke of why he refused involuntary activation, and that individuals need to go “outside the framework” to achieve goals and reach a better future, but the only way to do that is to resist the influence of the world around you. Lewis spoke of his thoughts on America abusing military and economic power throughout the world.

Lewis’s experience in the Marine Corps made it sound like he might have felt distant from the world. “While you’re in the marine core it’s kind of hard to realize what you’re a part of.” Going on to talking about how there is no time for extra things the military offers like their college degree programs because of training.

Lewis wants to achieve a society that allows growth of the individual and not just the country and government, a society that is not using military force to build its strength.

Lewis enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17, served two tours in Iraq, and earned an honorable discharge after four years of active duty. Lewis is refusing to enlist in a third tour of duty as a mortar-man. Lewis was part of the first siege in Fallujah, and after his second tour became an urban combat instructor in hopes to “mitigate some of the effects of war, and I think I did though.... not enough.”

In a letter to the public Lewis said “My battalion returned to the states in August but deployed just four short months later in January 2005. Once again we deployed to Fallujah. Unlike during my first tour, there were few notable instances my second time around. For me it was seven months of reflection about the disaster we had created in Iraq, my government, and the price of service.”

Lewis is very open about his refusal to report to active duty. He speaks at various venues nationwide and is asking for support for his cause, and hopes others will raise their voice in hopes he will not be prosecuted but he is “prepared to be court-martialed.” said Lewis said.

For more information on Benji Lewis and other troops refusing service and asking for support click here.

He won't bite....yet!

In a previous post called Last Chance: A Window to the Big Time. I told the story of Nic Wolfer and his mission to obtain a national pro motocross license and compete on the top level.

Well Nic Wolfer applied shortly after the story was posted, and was granted a national license by the AMA. When asked how he felt about finally getting his license, he simply said "I'm nervous." It's relief to him that he has the license, now its on to the big show and time to put it all together.

Nic will be attempting to qualify at this years Washougal national race in Washougal Wash. The national will take place Saturday, July 25.

The bike Nic plans to compete in the event with is a 2008 Suzuki RM250. He will be one of the only riders to be competing on a two stroke bike.

Moms are celebrated eveywhere.

Mother's Day is a great way to show your mother how much she is loved an appreciated no matter how much she may shake her head at you.

Mother's Day in my family usually consists of dinner or a breakfast out for Mom and some cards and gifts. This year I got my mom the as seen on T.V. "Snuggie."

Mother's Day is also celebrated around the world in over 50 Countries, and is not specific to race, religion, or region. However Mother's Day is celebrated on different dates depending on the country and/or region.

The making of Father's Day came after Mother's Day said Wikipedia.com for the reason that moms had their own day

According to About.com mothers day in Japan is similar to ours in the U.S., because it falls on the second in May and children make their mothers gifts and art.

Metallica: the blackest comeback

Fans rejoiced as metal heavyweight band Metallica announced the release of their newest album in late 2008 "Death Magnetic." Their newest album in five years.

Not long after "Death Magnetics's" release Metallica went on an international "World Magnetic Tour" for late 2008 to mid 2009. fans couldn't be happier. "Death Magnetic" also won a couple Grammies "we are excited that the album won...Best Recording Package and My Apocalypse won for Best Metal Performance!" said Metallica on their site after the awards.

But that wasn't the end. On March 29. Metallica and Neversoft created "Guitar Hero: Metallica." Metallica's songs started appearing in the franchise in Guitar Hero 3 then Guitar Hero: World Tour before making a game based on just Metallica.

If that wasn't enough for the followers of one of the heaviest bands out there, Metallica also took over XM RADIO channel 42 and SIRIUS channel 27 for few months offering nothing but Metallica's music.

Metallica has redeemed themselves among fans who questioned their future as a band after the disappointing, rehab induced "St. Anger" album.

Chatting is fun again

As a society we are hopelessly addicted to social networking sites. There are over 4.7 million registered users between Facebook.com, Myspace.com, and Twitter.com alone. But what do you do if you want to social network but don’t have any friends to network with, or just don’t like your friends?

Meet Leif K-Brooks, an 18-year-old high school student from Brattleboro, Vt. K-Brooks has created a web site called Omegle. Its main and only purpose is to connect you with other users anonymously and one on one for a quick, or long chat with a total stranger. There are an estimated 3,000 users and quickly growing.

Omegle is one of the simplest social web sites to use. You simply go to the Omegle homepage, and click the “start a chat” button and you’re instantly matched up with another user. Users on Omegle do not have to sign up or even give out an e-mail address to use the site, just chat that’s all.

The format of Omegle is simple. Once you’ve entered the chat room with your random paired match, you room name becomes “you,” and the anonymous person is labeled “stranger.”

It’s fun, random, and slightly awkward as some conversations start out wrong or obscene but it's just for fun. “I use Omegle a couple times during the week, the conversations that you get into with strangers are hilarious, and I just do it for fun,” said Omegle user Mark Meadows who claims to have used most popular networking sites at one time or another.

Omegle is completely anonymous so there is no filter on the site for age, language, and content. So users need to be prepared for anything to be said by users just on to get a laugh by being offensive. “Trolls are currently the biggest problem facing Omegle. Unfortunately, a percentage of the site's user base, instead of trying to have interesting conversations, likes to harass other users through vulgarity, spamming, and so on,” said K-Brooks in the his Official Omegle Blog.

So if you’re bored with the usual sites that connect you to people try Omegle, or just try it to try it.

• Who: Leif K-Brooks
• Where: Brattleboro, Vt.
• What: Omegle.com chat with strangers
• How: One on one chat with an anonymous stranger selected at random
• Quote: “I use Omegle a couple times during the week, the conversations that you get into with strangers are hilarious, and I just do it for fun.”

I'll take that back

The AMA Supercross season is officially over and at the end of the night it was James Stewart who took home the championship.
I got to enjoy the Saturday night event at home watching it live on the SPEED channel and the final round in Las Vegas.
The race did not disappoint as for me it was like a re-run of the Seattle race but with a little extra drama.
Stewart got out to an early lead but was quickly passed by Ryan Villopoto who was Seattle round's winner. Villopoto never looked back for the remainder of race and the rookie got his second win of the season.
Chad Reed who was trailing Stewart in points by six coming into the final round, stalked Stewart closely but did not make a move for the pass when the opportunity presented itself. Reed followed Stewart into the fastest sweeping corner on the track and as Stewart played it safe and looked to uncharacteristically let Reed pass, Reed aggressively cut into Stewart sending him off the course.
Reed would have been able to grasp the championship if Stewart placed four or more spots behind him, and since Stewart didn't bobble Reed tried to force him to. Reed finished three points behind Stewart in the final standings and had to hand his number one plate back to Stewart who was champion in 2007.

Pigs arent flying

I personally don't buy the whole swine flu pandemic that is happening and so far most deaths are in Mexico and no where else in the world.
According to Malcom Ritter, AP. there are 245 confirmed cases in the US, but only one death to a child in Texas. So far I think the media blew this way out of control and the government did not do a whole lot to calm the public down that appears to be freaking out.
A lot of people die in the US every year from ordinary flu, and ordinary flu is just as contagious as well. According to CDC.gov there were more deaths in lasts years flu season then the three previous flu seasons, and the flu season is beginning to start later and later than its usual time in February.
I don't think swine flu is something to completely freak out over, and until its like black plague status I don't really wanna worry about it.