Out of the Blue|Isa More|Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader’s.
Name: Isa More
Birthday: On a Christmas Day!
Hometown: Born in France near Paris, moved to Montreal.
Occupation: French & Math teacher in a trilingual primary school.
Number: #741
Bike: Yamaha YZ
Race Club: FMSQ/Endurocross series.
Classes: Women 35+
This week’s ‘Out of the Blue’ column features Quebec rider, #741 Isa More|Louka Moreau photo
How did you get started in racing?
Three years ago, I was driving next to a local track (SRA/St-Roch de l’Achigan) and I was enjoying with admiration and envy the riders jumps from my steering wheel. On a whim, I turned on my right, registered for riding classes for the month and I got hooked immediately! I went there renting bikes every weekend and started to make new friends from the local MX family.
A friend told me I could buy a bike for the same price I payed until now in renting (laughs). Therefore, I bought my first Yamaha and shortly after that, I decided to pick up a number and started racing in Endurocross with the FMSQ to learn faster and the hard way. I also took mechanical classes about 2 and 4-strokes at night after my job, started to read all the specialized press, took notes at every supercross on TV, learning everything I could about riders, factories, techniques, bikes. It was love at first sight.
When my mom came to visit me from France, I brought her to Sainte-Julie at an AMXQ race and I asked her: I really don’t understand why motocross makes me so happy and deeply and she said: Well, your grandpa was riding too! So, I guess it is all about the power of genes and karma (laughs)!
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Never! I was playing with Barbies, rollerskating or skateboarding, going to the beach, listening to good music and traveling all around the world with my divorced parents. I always loved cars and bikes, deluxe for eyes and ears.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
Of course! This is a male sport! But where there is a will, there is a way. Women are strong, when they believe in something, they can fight hard to get it. I believe in any dream you can have, no matter if you are born male or female. Life wants you to bite hard to succeed! If you want to compete, you have everything you need here or there: Canadian Nationals, Challenge Québec, FMSQ, Ontario, USA, tracks to practice. The motocross family is a dynamic and close-knit support for any woman who wants to try.
“I am now coordinator for the FMSQ in communications and marketing and I will do my best to represent Endurocross in a constructive and united way.”|Lilou Milla Moreau photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I am never a fan of someone in special, but I have heroes in this sport: Jeremy McGrath for his 7 SX titles and 74 victories, Travis Pastrana for being a pillar in the FMX world and an inspiration for everybody, Marvin Musquin the french rider succeeding in the USA, Ashley Fiolek for being deaf and having the guts to ride anyways, the daring Tom Pagès for his innovative tricks. He trains 10 hours a day and never takes holidays. I always have a soft spot for people with passion, ethics, craziness, generosity and who remain humble.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I always like to see some hair coming out of the helmets (laughs) and a lot of women MX champions made names for themselves while paving the way for the racers of today, but I have currently a total respect for Eve Brodeur, our motocross prodigy who will make history. She is killing it at a young age and stays down to earth and friendly with everybody. Her dad and mom are also amazing and you can see she is free in her passion, not under a pressure she would not want herself. She will race more in the States in 2016; therefore, she becomes our representative into the MX world.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I look up to all the talented, the smooth and the fast, but I also appreciate the determined rider who never gives up. The attitude off track, the openness also has an essential importance to me. I interviewed a lot of Canadian riders as a magazine journalist and I really liked talking with Tyler Medaglia, he is one of a kind.
What is your favourite track and why?
My favorite track is Franklin Motosports (Ormstown), the owners are so welcoming and friendly, as the local riders who are always ready to help but also XTOWN (Mirabel), the track is always A1 and most of my friends almost live there (laughs).
I think I appreciate all of them for a different emotional reason. My dream is to travel from track to track in Quebec, Canada and USA to write a travel diary: The Routard Guide of Motocross (laughs).
Who is your hero?
My heroes are kids fighting cancer, people fighting intolerance, freestylers playing their life every second, all athletes pushing their limits, artists that put some colors and forms during these hard times of terrorism, warriors of happiness and people who makes a difference in this cynical society.
What are your goals for this season?
My two last seasons were not full-time seasons, I got interviews to do for our MX magazine during the Nationals, also had two surgeries, but now I am ready to complete a full season and to get to a top 5 in my category. I always told to myself: Never do any DNF (except for mechanical issues) and never be the last one. I always kept my promise.
When she’s not riding or racing motocross, she’s writing about it|Richard Séguin photo
What are your biggest accomplishments?
First race, first place, first podium (at Franklin). Also, I was very happy to be part of a MX magazine (Grindmx), it was the best opportunity for me to promote a sport I love and the riders. I am now coordinator for the FMSQ in communications and marketing and I will do my best to represent Endurocross in a constructive and united way.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
For me, it is very stressful (laughs). I come here alone with my trailer and my little Golf after hours of driving, prepare the bike alone, at the gate alone, happy when I hear some friends cheering at the scan, trying my best in the sand, rocks, mud, roots, fast track. I finally breathe when the race is over, when I can socialize, analyze my race and help my friends at their gate. I love the adrenaline rush during the race, although Endurocross is long and hard but I am SO proud of myself when it is done. You know this feeling of achievement when you do not quit even when it is crazy or this feeling after making love (laughs)?
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Writing about motocross. I am always thinking about motocross! What I can do for the members, the riders, the association. Otherwise, I love to go snowboarding, to do Bikram Yoga at 42 degrees, going to the movies, skating, going to art exhibits, road trips, or relaxing with my BFF Netflix. I also try to be the best stimulating and refreshing mom I can with my kids!
“When my mom came to visit me from France, I brought her to Sainte-Julie at an AMXQ race and I asked her: I really don’t understand why motocross makes me so happy and deeply and she said: Well, your grandpa was riding too! So, I guess it is all about the power of genes and karma!”|FMSQ photo
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
Sharing the same passion is always a bonus, right? When I come back alone from a competition or from a practice at 10:00pm on a Sunday night, taking care of the trailer, the gear, the bike, the dirt everywhere…I wish we were two to share the chores (laughs)… ‘You do the oil change, I do the filters’ type of couple (laughs) or ‘you pour the Epsom salts in a warm bath and I do snack’ (laughs). But this is my life and I love it, I will embrace whatever it gives me. I am alive, healthy as my kids, nothing else really matters right (laughs)? I know I always can count on my closest friends to help me for any problems I can not solve myself. This is reassuring at times.
Will your children be motocross racers?
My children are free to do the sport they want to try, I am here to help achieve any dreams they can have. The problem would be more ‘where can I find the money to support my mini crew on their bikes?’ (laughs)!
Who do you want to thank?
Any friend who ever helped me and encouraged me. And you Jeff for the interview! Thank you Direct Motocross.
