Out of the Blue | Cali Austad | Brought to You by Schrader’s

Out of the Blue | Cali Austad | Brought to You by Schrader’s

This week, we feature #97 Cali Austad from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, in our ‘Out of the Blue’ WMX column brought to you by Schrader’s.

By Jensen Amyotte

Name: Cali Austad
Date of Birth: October 23rd, 2009
Hometown: Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Grade: 10
Race Number: 97
Bike: 2025 FC250
Classes: 250 Junior, Ladies A, Schoolboy

Who/what inspired you to get onto a dirt bike and how long have you been racing/riding? 

I’ve been racing for 11 years now and I started when I was 4. My mom was the one that got me into biking, and still to this day inspires me to keep doing it!

As a racer, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?

Definitely height. Not being able to touch the ground makes it really difficult but it can still be manageable with start blocks or the good old one leg up the other down.  Another thing would be maintaining good body strength and endurance. When you’re in a race you need the endurance to keep yourself going, to keep pushing strong so you keep yourself ahead.

From your first ride to where you are now what is something you never thought you would be able to overcome but have?

Over time I have learned how to time jumps. This skill has given me the ability to hit a lot of the jumps on Alberta tracks. Looking back, I didn’t think I would be hitting the jumps I am today.

What is your favourite track and why?

Wild Rose Motocross Association. There is variety of tracks to go on there and they are all so fun to ride on. Each track has awesome flow.

What event do you look forward to most every year? What’s one you don’t ever want to miss?

I’m excited to be doing the spring and fall series at Wild Rose, Iron Horse Arenacross has been an off season favourite the last couple of years. This year specifically I’m looking forward to attending my first WMX Triple Crown. Thanks to #267 Jorrdyn Brennan and her mom, Ashley, I will be heading to California with them, so I am pretty stoked for that!

Who has been your biggest inspiration/hero on and off the track?

My mom, #361 Josi Ball. My mom is one person I love battling with on the track as she always rides with me. #812 Nathan Larsgard. He’s always there to help me at the line and puts me in the right headspace with his inspiration. #109 Layne Austad. My older sister will always be my biggest cheerleader on the side lines. I love how she takes the time to watch me and cheer me on!

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

I listen to music to avoid distractions before a race. I find that being alone and just listening to tunes gets me ready and helps me get in the right mentality for a race.

What are your plans for this upcoming season? Any specific events you’re looking forward to?

I plan to continue training and working harder to improve on my skills. I’m hoping to hit up more provincial series, as we normally race CAMS. Walton has been a goal of mine and I am hoping it’s in the agenda this season!

What are your biggest accomplishments to date? 

Honestly, just getting to where I am at today. Never would I have thought I could be as fast as I am. There’s still lots of room to grow but one day at a time. I am extremely proud of myself for putting in the effort to get the results I’m getting today.

What is the biggest lesson that racing has taught you so far?

Motocross has taught me importance of perseverance. It’s a sport that’s full of challenges and competition. You have to be willing to push yourself and keep trying, no matter how hard it is. There is always going to be a new goal but it teaches you to learn from your mistakes and come back stronger.

Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series? Or have you competed in the WMX Triple Crown Series? What are your thoughts on the series?

I have never gone, but I’m hoping to get there in future events. The Triple Crown Series is full of fast and amazing riders. I think it would be a great experience to be competing in it and would [give me] a good idea of how fast I could get in the future.

Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank my parents, step parents, my grandparents, my sisters, and everyone who supported my racing: Cycle Works Red Deer and Littleladyracing!