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Berryville boy lives for motocross
A few years ago, Berryville resident Brendan Ciaburri went to a motocross race with his father, Mike, in Hedgesville, W.Va. He became hooked, and the rest is history.
"He fell in love with it," Mike said.
Brendan, now 9, is in his third year of motocross racing, which is dirt bike racing on outdoor enclosed off-road circuits.
He recently became a member of a five-person team called the Outlanders, based in Luray. He and another 9-year-old are the youngest on the team, which is sponsored by several local businesses, including Olympus Gym, Dehaven's Trailers and Tina Pisauro of Oak Crest Realtors.
"We wouldn't be able to do this without the help of the sponsors," Mike said.
On most weekends, Brendan and Mike (and sometimes mother, Mandy, and sister, Lindsay) head out of town so Brendan can compete in races. Motocross races are unique because all of the riders (usually 30 to 35 of them) line up on a grate, which is dropped so that all of them begin riding at the same time.
Races consist of six laps around the track, and last about 15 to 20 minutes. The riders' speed varies depending on the track, Mike said.
Brendan owns two dirt bikes, KTM SX 65 models from 2005 and 2007, which require constant maintenance.
"Right when we get home, my dad and I have to work on them," Brendan said.
The Ciaburris rented a Bobcat and built a practice track on their property on Wycliffe Road, so Brendan can practice during the week. He is out most days, weather permitting.
Brendan said when he first saw a motocross race, he knew it was something he had to do. He wasn't even scared the first time he got on his dirt bike.
"The first time I got on, I flipped a couple of times, because I was getting used to it," he said.
Mike said that Brendan wears the best available protective gear. As is the case with most sports, Brendan has had his share of mishaps, but he has never been seriously hurt.
None of Brendan's friends at D.G. Cooley Elementary School, where he is in the fourth grade, are involved with motocross racing, but Brendan has made friends through his racing.
"Having fun with friends and jumping," are his favorite things about racing, he said.
Mike raced four-wheelers when he was in his late teens, but he had never tried motocross racing, although he enjoys watching it.
"I thought Brendan would enjoy it, but I didn't guess how much," he said.
One of the nice things about traveling up and down the East Coast for races is the chance to spend family time together in their motorhome, Mike said.
Brendan, who is an honor student, said that his goals are to participate in the world amateur championship, held in Nashville, Tenn., and to come in first place in a race.
"I love it," Brendan said.
"As long as the grades stay up," Mike added.
For more information, visit www.mcracingaction.com .
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