Member of the Week: Rich Burns

What discipline(s) do you participate in? Class(es)?

B Veteran in Enduros and Hare Scrambles

When did you begin riding and racing? At what point did you become a District 23 ARMCA member?

I started riding road bikes when I turned 18, but started riding dirt bikes a little late in the game compared to some, at 27. I started racing and became a D23 Member 2 years later in 2017.

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?

I made it to every Hare Scramble and Enduro in 2022—it was a big time commitment, but a very fun way to spend a summer!

What are your goals for 2023? Beyond?

I hope to keep making new connections through the D23 community, and I’ve also been trying to cross off new riding destinations over the past few years. So far I’ve been out to Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and South Dakota. British Columbia might be next on the list!

Why do you continue to race in D23 ARMCA?

The people! It’s definitely not just about race results. Over the past 7-8 years of attending D23 races, I’ve met genuinely great people who support and encourage one another.. both on and off the bike. It’s fun seeing familiar faces at events weekend after weekend and continuing to make new friends that share the same passions!

Who inspires you in racing?

The riders that are still at it after decades. There are some really fast and experienced people at the events that have been riding and racing since I was in diapers. I hope that I can reach their pace some day!

What is your favorite food to eat on race day?

Well it’s a drink, not a food… but I enjoy a good hot milk. I am convinced this is unrelated to me being known for dry heaving during the races.

What else do you like to do for fun?

Anything outside; backpacking, hiking, camping, dog parks, road biking, mountain biking, snowboarding.. brewery patios.

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?

In the end, it’s faster to back it down from your absolute maximum pace and stay upright, than it is to push too hard and fall down. Falling down is not fast. Great advice that I’m still working on trying to follow.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

Shoutout to all the volunteers and workers that make this all possible! There are a lot of people that put in a lot of hours clearing trails, organizing events, working events, etc. so that the rest of us can get out and enjoy them. Thank you!