[5150.4mx]

Being from S. Cal myself, then getting out of riding for many years... then moving up here and essentially learning to ride all over again... well... I had to pipe in on this topic (even tho it's old and has been beaten to death).

So... my take is this... yeah, S. Cal tracks are generally speaking, better. On avg, they are prepped better (even tho it is hotter down there), the jumps are better (bigger), and the flow is better (rythem sections, and just a funner, more inspiring layout). Most places down there are larger (more land). So, there is more areas to work with. So, Club and SCMX are "land challenged." But, the new SCMX layout is fun. So, Ralph is doing a good job with what he has. I've still yet to see a super fun layout at club since Kirk's layout about 1.5 - 2 yrs ago, with the original LOF, uphil step-ups, rythem section, etc.

E. St is as good as any S. Cal track. That place has fun jumps, fun layout, great prep, multiple lines, get's rough, etc, etc. It's a "real motocross" track. HT can be good, at least most days I've been there.

Bottom line... S. Cal has more tracks, hence more competition, hence I think each track feels an obligation to stay on top of their game, lest riders will go elsewhere. Plus, there's a lot of pride down there in general about mx. I.e., I think if a track totally sucked all the time, it would be an embarrasment in the capitol of mx land. So, that may be a factor.

I would agree that it would be nicer to have better tracks around the Bay area. If I lived in Sac, I'd have less to complain about, as E, RF, and HT I think are the best tracks around. With the addition of Fish's new track, that area is the place to live if you want great moto in your backyard. For all us suckers down by the Bay, we'll just have to drive far north, or far south if we want the best the state has to offer.

(disclaimer... this is my opinion only... no need for anyone to get butt hurt)