Joel Falde is a lifelong hillclimb racer that has strong roots in District 23 ARMCA racing. After a short hiatus during his 20's, Joel rejoined the racing community in his 30's and has been active ever since. We chat about his experiences over the years, his professional racing, and the importance of family to his racing. Visit armca.org for more information on how you can be a part of the hillclimbing community, or visit us on social media @d23armca.
D23 ARMCA Member of the Week November 8th
Member of the Week: Ryan Pettis
Written By: Jackie Riess
Ryan Pettis is a Hare Scrambler at heart, but he enjoys all forms of off-road riding, including Enduro, in District 23 ARMCA. The whole story began with Ryan’s two older brothers. They had dirt bikes, and of course, Ryan wanted one too. His dad said “yes,” but with one condition: he had to be able to ride a bicycle first. Ryan vividly remembers learning how to bicycle, especially the first time he rode on his own. Once he realized he was meeting his dad’s requirement, he turned his bike around and got back to his dad to ask, “can I get a dirt bike now?” Ryan was soon cruising around on his PW50 and has been racing ever since.
Ryan just finished his successful 2021 season in 250 C Hare Scrambles, where he won the class and the C overall for the season. Over the winter, he will be training to improve his speed and his overall fitness. In 2022, he will be competing in the 250 B class, where he has goals of being in the top 3. Ryan continues to race in District 23 ARMCA because of the amazing community where everyone has your back.
Ryan attributes a lot of his success to his friend and mentor, Logan Kittock. Inspired by his speed, humbleness, and dedication, Ryan loves learning from him and even has him on speed dial to ask him for advice. Though Logan has given Ryan many words of advice, the tips on riding technique have stuck with him, in addition to his advice to “ride with faster people.” Ryan would like to pass these words on to other District 23 ARMCA members, as well as advice to truly listen to those that inspire you.
In addition to riding and racing, Ryan loves to snowmobile, snowboard, work at his interior painting business, and spend time with his family and girlfriend. He even enjoys a bowl of Chicken Alfredo before his races. Though Ryan enjoys the sweeter things in life, motorcycling has had the biggest impact. It has taught him some of the most important lessons about building strong character, like how to be kind, how to be a good role model for kids, and how to be persistent when life knocks you down. Though he has taken these lessons for himself, Ryan encourages others to see the life lessons in their own riding experiences.
This article was prepared by an independent contractor and may not be the views of the board of directors of District 23 ARMCA or any of their sponsors or affiliates.
The Roots Podcast Episode 17 from MN District 23 ARMCA
Nick Swenson grew up racing motocross and off-road events in District 23 ARMCA. He soon found that off-road racing was his true passion, and honed in his off-road skills. After plans to compete in the National Enduro series fell through due to a broken collar bone in 2021, he set his sights on racing The International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). Part 2 of his interview includes details on the racing format, his experiences in Italy, a couple listener questions, and his goals for the future!
This podcast was prepared by an independent contractor and may not be the views of the board of directors of District 23 ARMCA or any of their sponsors or affiliates.
Status Update: Points, Awards, Yearbook, and Year End Banquets
Year end points have been finalized for all disciplines, and those receiving awards will receive letters in the coming weeks. All award recipients should submit photos for our virtual yearbook (top 10 in each class featured) and print yearbook (top 3 in each class featured). These are due by November 15th and can be completed at the link below. Thank you for a wonderful season, and congratulations to all our award winners! We are proud to have your talent in District 23 ARMCA!
2021 Season Year End Banquet information is now available for MX & Quad MX, Off Road, and Hill Climb
D23 ARMCA Member of the Week October 25th
Member of the Week: Nick Jackson
Written By: Jackie Riess
Nick Jackson began racing motocross at four years old. Though this was short lived at the time, he began racing full time in District 23 ARMCA when he turned ten. He worked his way through the ranks, and now competes in the A classes in District 23 ARMCA, and even competed in two AMA Pro Motocross Nationals in 2021. In the future, Nick would like to continue competing in Pro Motocross Nationals, and would like to make a return to Loretta Lynn’s ranch in 2022 in the 30+ class with his sights set on a top 5 finish.
Nick attributes much of the joy in his life to motorcycling. Some of the greatest relationships in his life have come from this sport. He even explains that motorcycling kept him from going down the wrong path like many of the kids he grew up with. In addition to the friendships he’s made through racing, Nick values his family, and enjoys visiting new places with the people closest to him.
Once advised to “be the person you want to be, not what others want you to be,” Nick has stayed true to himself. He loves learning how to improve on the track, through his graphics business (Black Diamond MX), and in everyday life. He even rewards himself with his favorite treat after big days: a Snickers and a Sugar Free RedBull. Nick encourages other District 23 ARMCA members to “remember we all started riding for the fun of motorcycles.”
This article was prepared by an independent contractor and may not be the views of the board of directors of District 23 ARMCA or any of their sponsors or affiliates.
The Roots Podcast Episode 16 from MN District 23 ARMCA
Nick Swenson grew up racing motocross and off-road events in District 23 ARMCA. He soon found that off-road racing was his true passion, and honed in his off-road skills. After plans to compete in the National Enduro series fell through due to a broken collar bone in 2021, he set his sights on racing The International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). Part 1 (of 2) of his interview includes his background in racing and his preparation for ISDE. Part 2 will be released on November 1st!
D23 Events Week of October 11th
D23 ARMCA Member of the Week October 11th
Member of the Week: Zach Crider
Written By: Jackie Riess
After receiving a dirt bike for his fourth birthday, Zach Crider was a recreational rider for most of his life. However, the switch flipped in 2017 when he became a District 23 ARMCA member and began competing in motocross. Zach now competes in a multitude of classes including 125cc 2-stroke, Schoolboy 1, Schoolboy 2, and 450 C.
Inspired by the great Ryan Dungey, Zach uses motocross to stay focused and determined when setting goals. Achieving many of them, Zach saw the culmination of his determination in his 2021 season. He qualified for the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross National for the first time this summer in 125 C and 450 C. Though some mechanical issues skewed his overall results, he was proud to stand on the podium in his final moto of 450 C after finishing second. Zach again showed his persistence, and strives to return next year in the B classes.
Zach enjoys the convenience of racing in D23 ARMCA, where most tracks are within a couple hours. Fueled by his mom’s famous biscuits and gravy, he also loves to ride his pit bike and hone in his wheelie skills. Once being advised to “be a good sport” and “keep his chin up,” Zach encourages other D23 ARMCA members to “push, race to the checkered flag, be a good sport, and always be a good example to the other riders."
The Roots Podcast Episode 15 from MN AMA District 23 ARMCA
Clay Olson grew up riding and racing motocross here in Minnesota. He loved spending time in the shop with his dad, and eventually began PDR Performance to help support his motocross racing. Clay now continues to race in District 23 ARMCA and supports many riders within the district, as well as the district itself.
This podcast was prepared by an independent contractor and may not be the views of the board of directors of District 23 ARMCA or any of their sponsors or affiliates.
