Frid’Eh Update #14 Presented by Gamma Sales

By Jeff McConkey and Billy Rainford

Welcome to Week #14 here at the DMX Frid’Eh Update this week presented by Gamma Sales. It’s a bit of a strange week here for the ‘ol Update – last week was #13 and this is #14. The only reason this is an issue is because of some archaic superstition surrounding the ‘dreaded’ number 13. What gives, you ask?

I ripped this from www.history.com:

September 13, 2013

What’s so unlucky about the number 13?

Researchers estimate that at least 10 percent of the U.S. population has a fear of the number 13, and each year the even more specific fear of Friday the 13, known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, results in financial losses in excess of $800 million annually, as people avoid marrying, traveling or in the most severe cases, even working. But what’s so unlucky about the number 13, and how did this numerical superstition get started?

An early myth surrounding the origin of the fear involved one of the world’s oldest legal documents, the Code of Hammurabi, which reportedly omitted a 13th law from its list of legal rules. In reality, the omission was no more than a clerical error made by one of the document’s earliest translators who failed to include a line of text—in fact, the code doesn’t numerically list its laws at all.

Mathematicians and scientists, meanwhile, point to preeminence of the number 12, often considered a “perfect” number, in the ancient world. The ancient Sumerians developed numeral system based on the use of 12 that is still used for measuring time today; most calendars have 12 months; a single day is comprised of two 12-hour half days, etc. Following so closely on the heels of a “perfect” number, some argue, the poor 13 was sure to be found lacking and unusual. This fear of the unknown would seem to play into two other popular theories for the number’s unlucky connotation, both of which revolve around the appearance of a 13th guest at two ancient events: In the Bible, Judas Iscariot, the 13th apostle to arrive at the Last Supper, is the person who betrays Jesus. Meanwhile ancient Norse lore holds that evil and turmoil were first introduced in the world by the appearance of the treacherous and mischievous god Loki at a dinner party in Valhalla. He was the 13th guest, upsetting the balance of the 12 gods already in attendance.

It also seems as if unexplained fears surrounding the number 13 are a primarily Western construct. Some cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, actually considered the number lucky, while others have simply swapped numbers as the base of their phobias—4 is avoided in much of Asia, for example. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, more than 80 percent of hi-rise buildings in the United States do not have a 13th floor, and the vast majority of hotels, hospitals and airports avoid using the number for rooms and gates as well. But in much of East and Southeast Asia, where tetraphobia is the norm, you’d be hard-pressed to find much use of the number 4 in private or public life, thanks to similar sounds for the Chinese language (and Chinese-influenced linguistic sub-groups) words for “four” and “death.”

So, there you go. It’s silly…or is it?

Last week was #13 and so it was Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha rider Shawn Maffenbeier‘s ‘official’ week. If you read the column last week, you know that Shawn would have run #13 in 2015 but the decision was already made to go with #14 before he had the chance to even think about it. That left us with an opening to have some fun with this week’s dedication. We’ll dedicate this one to all the riders who’ve thrown caution to the wind and flouted the idea that there is anything special about the #13.

We’ve had a few riders take the #13 and others opt for #14. We talked to a few today to get their takes:

Tyler Medaglia

I love it! I wanted #13 as my permanent number but Stally (Mark Stallybrass) said no. I’ve heard number 13 is lucky for Italians and my buddy Davi Ginolfi is running it this year and doing well. He’s about as Italian as I am.

Actually, if you ask Tyler which number he’d hate to run, he’ll tell you #79 is the ugliest number and the one he’d not want to run. 13? No problem.

#13 is no problem for Tyler Medaglia. In fact, he wanted it as his permanent number! – Bigwave photo

Chuck Mesley

Ya, it was a good year. I would run it again. I think it was the only year I never got hurt during the Nationals. (laughs)

Chuck Mesley says it was the only year he didn’t get hurt during the Nationals. – Bigwave photo

Hayden Halstead

No, he’s never had to make the decision, but he’s a good guy and is always willing to help us out with our hair-brained articles so I got in touch with him too. Hayden is currently down south getting set to compete in the 2015 Rockstar Energy MX Nationals.

I would definitely run the number I earned. 13 would be a number to be proud of because it would represent all the hard work you’ve put in! I know lots of people are superstitious but I’m gonna worry about kickers on jumps, rather than unlucky numbers and black cats running in front of me on the track! Also, Mats Sundin rocked the 13 for longer than I’ve been alive, and he was a boss!!

If and when it happens, Hayden Halstead would be proud of the #13. – Bigwave photo

Topher Ingalls

If you’re surprised that Topher Ingalls loves the #13, you’ve never met Topher Ingalls. He was #13 in ’13. That’s enough to scare most people but not him. He says that “number 14 was worse the next year! 13 is now my favourite number. 2013 was one of my favourite years. I only took #14 the next year because it was something new.

Topher also says that if he could have it as a permanent number he would.

Topher Ingalls was #13 in ’13 but says it is now his favourite number. – Bigwave photo

Thanks for playing along, guys.

The Update is brought to you by Gamma Sales this week.

Not only is the Update brought to you by Jeff Fullerton and all the great people and brands over at Gamma Sales, but we are running an awesome contest with them and Just 1 Helmets.

Like the picture says, all you have to do is head over to the Gamma Sales Facebook page HERE, ‘like’ them, and you’re entered. It really couldn’t be much easier than that! We’ll announce the first winner of a J12 Carbon Just 1 Helmet next Frid’Eh. Good luck to everyone. Oh, how to say this nicely…the contest is only open to Canadian residents due to shipping. 3 helmets in 3 weeks, not bad!

Jeff McConkey

Hi, guys. It’s been a bit soggy here the past while in Southern Ontario, but hey…at least it’s not snow! The outdoor season kicked off last weekend at two of the best tracks in the country, let alone Ontario. MotoPark and Gopher Dunes opened their gates and you couldn’t ask for much more on an Easter weekend. It was really nice to see all of the social media pictures of the new bikes, new gear and even new riders out hitting the track. There is really nothing better than watching the looks on the faces of new riders and even their proud parents as they hit the track for the first time. Just 2 weeks ago, I was on the road with a friend to drive the 6-plus hours to Centre Honda Magog in Magog, Quebec, to pick up the last 2014 Honda CRF50 in the country. Now THAT is a proper ‘moto dad’ in the making. It’s amazing what lengths certain parents are willing to go to, and the sacrifices they make, just to see the smile on their child’s face.

Jacob Rivers’ dad went above and beyond for his new Honda CRF50. – McConkey Photo

I Wouldn’t Change a Thing!

Most people frown, and even want to run away from the sport of motocross before I even get a quarter of the way down my extended list of injuries. But honestly, as much as being hurt sucks, if I could go back in time would I do a redo and not race moto…heck no! Over the years, I have met so many great people and friends, and I have been able to see most of our great country and the United States. I wouldn’t trade those memories or connections for anything. Yes, the injuries are an unfortunate part of it, but where else can you spend that much time with your friends, family and loved ones. In my opinion, there is no better place to be on weekends and a few nights through the week. If you are dedicated enough to moto, you don’t have time to be a bad kid. You need to be physically fit. Motocross is a very tough and demanding sport. You can’t be a lazy ass and expect to get good results.

Next, you are with your family and not out roaming the streets or getting up to no good. On Friday and Saturday nights you need to be in bed at an early enough hour to wake up ready to perform your best. Smoking and drinking really don’t go with the sport at all. If you want to do well, both of those activities are seriously frowned upon. So why wouldn’t you choose motocross? You get to challenge yourself every time you throw a leg over. You will also get to travel and see some of the nicest scenery all over our beautiful country. And then throw in the countless friends and fellow competitors that you will meet and it’s a no-brainer.

MMRS Opening Weekend

That brings me to April 18th and 19th. That is the date to the MMRS opening weekend. This weekend will feature a motocross school from 9-12 on Saturday followed by an open practice until 4pm. Then, a full day of open practice on Sunday. The MMRS club is offering instructions for everyone, from complete beginners, all the way up to the future Pros. It is a very enjoyable family atmosphere packed in with some serious competition for the more serious racers. The tracks are safe and fun, and they have a full variety of tracks. From the rolling sandy hills of Mutco Mountain, to the high speed hard packed Madoc track, MMRS has everything and more when it comes to terrain. I know I talk about this club a lot, but if you are in Ontario, this club is a must! Check them out on the web and see for yourself. www.mmrs.ca. You won’t be let down.

Supercross Returns this Weekend!

The Monster Energy AMA SX returns this Saturday after their 1 week break for Easter. This week, the season resumes in Houston. That means, in 250 action that the West coast 250 riders make their long-awaited return. Will anyone be able to slow down 250 West points leader Cooper Webb? I doubt it. Cooper is full of speed, fitness, and confidence. Add in a great bike and team, and that spells trouble for the rest of the West.

250 West points leader Cooper Webb returns to action this weekend in Houston. – Bigwave photo

In 450 action, Ryan Dungey has a huge lead, but Eli Tomac isn’t going to make it easy for RD5. Eli, in my opinion, has the most speed in the class, and if he can catch a groove…I don’t see anyone beating him.

Here are my predictions:

250 West

1st: Cooper Webb
2nd: Justin Hill
3rd: Malcolm Stewart
4th: Tyler Bowers
5th: Jessy Nelson

450 Class

1st: Eli Tomac
2nd: Ryan Dungey
3rd: Chad Reed
4th: Davi Millsaps
5th: Josh Grant

Jeff has Eli Tomac picked as the 450 winner in Houston. – Bigwave photo

Well, that’s it for me this week. Be sure to check out my ‘Out Of The Blue‘ with Madison DeVine and ‘On The Radar‘ with Kyle McLeod and always remember to #smileforBC!

Billy Rainford

Thanks, Jeff. If you’re looking for Jeff the next 10 days, you’ll have to hop on a plane and head to Varadero, Cuba. Jeff and Melissa taking a well-deserved break and heading to the small country just off the southern shore of Florida. I was just there a couple months ago and everyone says you should visit while it’s still got its weird and wonderful flavour before it gets fully taken over by capitalism. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! I’m just saying it won’t feel the same once the gates are opened to the American tourists. Fast food and box stores can’t be far behind…

Jeff mentioned the Houston Supercross this weekend. I just wanted to add that #94 Ken Roczen will not be on the gate. Here is the tweet from RCH:

RCH Racing @RCHracing

Roczen, physicians, @hartluck & @RickyCarmichael made decision for #94 to sit out this weekend will evaluate his recovery 1 race at a time

That’s a tough blow for the team, but obviously the right decision. Kenny is still young and has a few championships in his future; no point putting his future in jeopardy. He will be a contender for the 450 title once we move to the great outdoors.

No Ken Roczen for Houston SX this weekend. – Bigwave photo

FMF California Classic

Watch the 2nd annual event live on Racer TV Sunday, April 12 from 8am-6om PST. Here is the LINK.

We’ve got several Canadians out in California who plan to line up including, Wyatt Waddell and Casey Keast.

Practice was Thursday and racing is underway now. Good luck to everyone competing. Be sure to check it out live!

Canadians at ‘Champ Factory’ – Seb Tortelli MX School in California

Saw this over on Sebastian Tortelli‘s Facebook page. He’s another famous #13 rider.

Click HERE to see his short video clip he’s calling “The Canadians are taking over!”

MX101 Canada’s Motorcycle Yamaha Gets Their Man?

This next item is still residing in the ‘rumour mill’ category but this rumour definitely has some teeth. After sifting through resumes, going back and forth in emails, and playing phone tag, it’s starting to sound like the MX101 Canada’s Motorcycle Yamaha team (more major sponsors to be announced in the coming days) has pulled the trigger on their 2nd MX2 rider for the 2015 Canadian National season.

Names being tossed around included, Josh Cartwright, Jacob Hayes, Justin Starling, and Jimmy Decotis. If you were heading to Las Vegas to place a bet on the outcome of this one, the smart money would be on the rider with the initials ‘JD’ (I just realized all their first names start with a ‘J.’)

What every team is looking for is a rider with the potential to win and, failing that, the personality and reputation to create a buzz. After all, pro sports is all about advertising when you get to the bottom line. Jimmy Decotis fills those needs – he can win and he has a name that will draw spectators and fans to their pit.

Like I said, we’re all waiting for the official Press Release on who their 2nd rider is, but we can be pretty confident they will have the current 6th-place 250 East SX rider (tied for 5th) under their awning when the gate drops for round one out at Whispering Pines in Kamloops, BC. Stay tuned for more on this as we receive information.

Has the MX101 Canada’s Motorcycle Yamaha team landed Jimmy Decotis? Smart money says yes. – Bigwave photo

#tbt 2009 World Minis in Las Vegas

What started out as ‘grabbing a few shots’ from the World Minis in 2009 for a short Throwback Thursday article turned into an all-afternoon affair yesterday as I scrolled through old photos and realized just how stacked that year was. If you didn’t get the chance to walk down memory lane yesterday, click HERE to go to the article. Be warned, you may want to consider packing a sandwich or two…

Here is a taste:

#128 Dean Wilson.

#312 Jason Anderson.

#79 Jessy Nelson.

#179 Blake Baggett.

#7 Cooper Webb leading #76 Matt Bisceglia leading #92 Adam Cianciarulo.

#35 Joey Crown on a 65.

#181 Jake Piccolo.

#16 Cole Thompson.

#271 Malcolm Stewart.

Ryan Lockhart to Race Tacoma Round of Amsoil Arenacross

When the 2015 Amsoil Arenacross Series heads to Tacoma, Washington, April 18th you’ll see a familiar face lined up. Ryan Lockhart will be there. When I spoke with him yesterday and asked him why, he literally said, “I don’t actually know why!” In true ‘Newf’ fashion, he’ll probably show up, grab a holeshot or two, and pull off a top 8 or 10 finish in the main. Good luck, Ryan.

Josh Damery Arenacross Canceled for 2015

The annual Josh Damery Arenacross now held in Springhill, Nova Scotia, has been canceled for 2015 due to the extended harsh weather being experienced in the Maritimes.

Tim Tremblay is a New Father

Congratulations to Cindy Lajoie and Tim Tremblay on the birth of their daughter, Tifany, born April 9th.

Parts Canada TransCan Championship and ANQ Schedule

Thanks for reading this week. Be sure to head over to the Gamma Sales Facebook page and ‘LIKE’ them for your chance to win a J12 Carbon Just 1 Helmet. Tracks are open all over Canada, finally, so have a great weekend. We should be out at Gopher Dunes for the season opener Sunday. Don’t forget to ride like someone’s taking pictures!