Member of the Week: Karla Herman

What discipline(s) do you participate in?

I race woman's class in Hare Scramble.

When did you begin riding and/or racing?

I starting riding dirt bikes when I was around 14 years old.

What's one thing you love about the District 23 ARMCA community?

Everyone is soooo friendly at the tracks!

What is the significance of your riding number? Was it given to you or did you pick it for a specific reason?

I used to use 94 (after Kenny) when I first started riding but then I wanted to add my dads favorite number so I came up with 934.

What is your favorite track, course, trail, or event and why?

I absolutely LOVE Cambridge Hare Scramble and Staples Hare Scramble! Those are my absolute favorite races every year! They both are super flowy and the jumps at Staples are forgiving.

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

I’d say getting 4th against the guys in my first Hare Scramble ever! Or when I raced my 1st Motocross after 7 years and took 4th.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years within the sport?

I hope to be faster and healthier. I want to be able to run in the top 5 for points.

If you had to describe your riding style as a movie title, what would it be?

The Hangover

If you could race at any track in the world, where would it be and why?

Probably Redbud MX (in Berrien County, Michigan). I’ve never been and would love nothing more than to roll the jumps and get the full experience!

Who inspires you in racing or riding? And how has motorcycling impacted your life?

I want to set a good example for the girls who are thinking about trying dirt bikes or just starting out. That inspires me to keep riding, and hoping to give them that push they need to keep going! Riding has impacted my life in so many great ways! Meeting some of the best people through dirt bikes and this sport is the best relaxation out there!

What has been your favorite machine to race/ride and why?

I really enjoy riding my ktm350 with the timbersled kit. If we ever get snow again so I can take it out, that’d be great!!

What's one pre-race ritual or superstition you have?

I always talk to my dad in heaven while on the starting line.

What's the funniest or most unexpected thing that's happened to you at a race?

I launched myself off a small bridge, on a borrowed bike, within the first 3 minutes of a race. Oops!

What's a lesson you've learned from racing that applies to life outside the track?

Being confident in decisions and seeing things through.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new rider, what would it be?

Don’t give up! Watch those fast riders and learn from them, ask questions, and HAVE FUN!

Anything else you’d like to mention?

D23 is the coolest!