Hey motocross heads! Ever think about bikes without motors? Yeah, yeah, I know – where’s the noise, right? But hold on a sec. Let me tell you about something wild in SoCal that might just grab your attention: Jody’s Suicide Race at Saddleback.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Mountain bikes? Is this a joke?” Trust me, this ain’t no Sunday pedal in the park. This race is nuts. It’s got hills that look like they went to motocross school, climbs that make your legs scream, and downhills where you just gotta hang on and pray.
I was talking to my buddy, let’s call him “Sparky” (because he once tried to jump his XR75 over a bonfire and… well, you get it). Sparky’s been all over the motocross scene since back when bikes were brown and the helmets were open face. He’s seen it all, from Ascot to Carlsbad. But even Sparky, this old-school dirt bike dude, was buzzing about Jody’s Suicide Race.
“Dude,” Sparky said, eyes wide like he’d just seen a UFO, “This mountain bike thing… it’s like motocross, but uphill! And downhill! And no motor to save your butt!”
He had a point. We motocross fans, we love a good challenge. We love dirt flying, the smell of race gas, and the rush of pushing limits. Turns out, this Suicide Race thing? It’s got all that, just with pedals instead of throttles.
What’s the Deal with “Suicide” Anyway?
Okay, the name is a bit much, right? “Suicide”? Sounds like something you’d see on a horror movie poster. But hear me out. It’s not actually trying to kill you. (Probably). It’s just… tough. Really tough.
Saddleback Mountain is no joke. Those hills? They’re steep. Like, “walk your bike steep” for most normal humans. But for these mountain bike racers, it’s go time. They charge up climbs that seem vertical, their legs spinning like crazy. And then, they point those bikes downhill.
And downhill at Saddleback? Forget groomed tracks. We’re talking rocks, ruts, loose dirt, maybe a rattlesnake or two for extra kicks. It’s raw. It’s natural. It’s like Mother Nature designed a motocross track, but forgot the jumps and just made it all uphill and then down again.
Think about your favorite motocross track, maybe somewhere local like Perris or Glen Helen. Now, picture riding that on a bicycle. Uphill sections that make you think your lungs are gonna explode. Downhill sections that make you pray your brakes hold. That’s Jody’s Suicide Race in a nutshell.
Jody’s Story: More Than Just a Race Name
So, who’s Jody? Good question. Turns out, Jody Weisel is a name you might know if you dig deep into motocross history. He’s been around forever. Racer, writer, photographer, opinion-maker. The guy has seen more motos than most of us have had hot dinners.
Jody’s not just some random name they slapped on a race. He’s a legend. He’s the kind of guy who races every weekend, no matter what. Rain, shine, broken bones – Jody’s on the starting line. He’s old school grit in human form.
And the “Suicide” part? Well, that comes from Jody’s racing style, some say. He’s known for going all-out. Pushing hard. Taking chances. Maybe sometimes chances that look a little… crazy. “Suicide” might be a bit of a joke, but it also hints at the kind of effort you need to tackle this race. You have to commit.
Why Motocross Fans Should Pay Attention
Okay, okay. Bikes without motors. Still not convinced? Let me lay it out. We motocross people, we get it. It’s not just about twisting the throttle. It’s about skill. It’s about fitness. It’s about guts. And Jody’s Suicide Race? It’s got all that in spades.
For the Motocross Enthusiast:
You love bikes. You love speed. You love a challenge. This race is a bike challenge of a different kind. It tests your fitness in a way that motos sometimes don’t. Want to get in shape for the moto season? Try racing up Saddleback on a mountain bike. You’ll be fit real fast.
For the Off-Road Racing Fan:
You get the thrill of natural terrain. You understand the skill needed to read the land and make your machine work with it. Mountain biking on Saddleback is off-road racing, just with pedals. Same dirt, same rocks, same rush.
For the Vintage Motocross Historian:
Jody Weisel himself is vintage motocross history! Connecting a modern mountain bike race to a legend of the sport? That’s neat stuff. It links the past to the present, shows how the love of bikes and racing runs through generations, even across different kinds of bikes.
For the SoCal Motocross Community Member:
Saddleback is your backyard! You know those hills. You’ve probably ridden there on your moto. Now see people race up and down them on pedal bikes. It’s a local event that celebrates the land you ride and the spirit of competition you love.
For the Motocross Track Designer:
Check out how natural terrain becomes a racecourse. See how hills and slopes are used to create challenge and excitement. It’s a different way to think about track design, using what nature gives you instead of bulldozers and berms.
For the Motocross Event Organizer:
Look at how a small, maybe quirky, event can draw people in. Jody’s Suicide Race isn’t some huge, corporate thing. It’s grassroots. It’s real. Learn how to make a race that’s tough, fun, and memorable, even without big budgets.
For the Motocross Safety Advocate:
Okay, “Suicide” sounds risky. But think about bike control, terrain awareness, and rider skill. Mountain bike racing, especially on tough courses, is all about safety and smart riding. See how these riders manage risk in a different bike sport.
For the Motocross Journalist:
Here’s a story! Motocross legend ties into crazy mountain bike race. It’s a crossover tale, something different and interesting for your readers. It’s not just another moto recap; it’s a fresh angle on bike culture.
For the Motocross Photographer:
Think of the shots! Mountain bikes against the Saddleback view. Riders pushing hard on insane climbs. Wheels kicking up dust on wild downhills. It’s visual gold, a different kind of bike action to capture.
For the Motocross Memorabilia Collector:
Race shirts, numbers, maybe even a signed Jody Weisel water bottle from the Suicide Race? Start a new collection! It’s a niche thing, but that makes it cooler, right?
For the Motocross Podcast Listener:
Someone needs to interview Jody about this race! Get the inside scoop. Hear the stories. Learn why “Suicide.” Podcast gold, I’m telling you.
For the Motocross Documentary Filmmaker:
Film this race! Follow Jody. Talk to the riders. Show the pain, the effort, the beauty of Saddleback, and the crazy challenge of this race. It’s a film waiting to happen.
For the Motocross Training Coach:
Add mountain biking to your rider’s training program! Hill climbs on a mountain bike are killer for moto fitness. Downhill skills translate across bike sports. It’s cross-training that’s actually fun.
For the Motocross Equipment Manufacturer:
Maybe there’s a market for mountain bike gear for motocross people? Gloves, helmets, hydration packs – stuff that works for both worlds. Think about it.
For the Motocross Social Media Influencer:
Ride the Suicide Race! Or at least go watch it and post about it. Show your followers something different. Prove you’re not just about motos; you’re about bikes, challenges, and neat stuff in general.
For the Motocross Forum Participant:
Start a thread! “Jody’s Suicide Race – Anyone Heard Of It?” Guaranteed to get people talking. Share this blog post. Get the buzz going.
For the Motocross Video Content Creator:
Film a GoPro run of the Suicide Race course (if you dare!). Edit it to some crazy music. Boom. Video views.
For the Motocross Apparel Designer:
“Suicide Race” t-shirts? Hats? Jerseys that say “I Survived Jody’s Suicide Race”? Merch it up!
For the Motocross Book Author:
Chapter idea: “The Day I Tried Jody’s Suicide Race (and Almost Died Laughing)”. Or maybe just a paragraph. But put it in your book!
My Own Little “Suicide” Moment
Okay, full disclosure. I haven’t actually raced Jody’s Suicide Race. Yet. But I did try riding my mountain bike up one of those Saddleback hills once. Just to see what it was like.
Dude. It was rough. I thought I was in okay shape from, you know, walking around the pits at the races and stuff. But those hills? They ate me alive. I was pushing my bike more than riding it. My legs were burning. My lungs were screaming. I think I even saw spots.
I made it maybe halfway up before I had to stop and catch my breath. And that was just one hill! These Suicide Race guys? They do a whole course of that stuff. I got respect. Big time respect.
Check It Out, You Might Just Dig It
So, maybe you’re still a moto-only person. That’s cool. But maybe, just maybe, this Jody’s Suicide Race thing sounds a little bit interesting? A little bit crazy? A little bit like something a motocross fan could actually appreciate?
If you’re in SoCal, look it up. See when it’s happening. Go watch. Cheer on those crazy mountain bikers as they punish themselves on those Saddleback hills. Who knows, you might even get inspired to try it yourself. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the “Suicide” part though!)
Even if you never pedal a mountain bike in anger, knowing about Jody’s Suicide Race is still a neat piece of bike culture. It’s a reminder that it’s all connected – motos, mountain bikes, all bikes. It’s about the love of two wheels, the thrill of the ride, and the never-ending quest to push ourselves harder.
And who knows, maybe next year, you’ll see me lined up at the start of Jody’s Suicide Race. Just don’t laugh when I’m pushing my bike uphill. Unless you’re offering me a tow. Then laugh away!
