Meet the East Coasters headed to OAO at Fox Raceway!
Years ago, we started our #fastfriends interview series to spotlight some of the amazing women and athletes in our community, but to also show HOW ladies from all walks of life have gotten themselves into riding, gotten themselves to an Over And Out event, or stepped outside their comfort zone in some way.
By sharing these stories of challenges and small victories, we think it’ll be that much easier for someone else to try something new: a long-distance trip, hauling a trailer for the first time, taking a dirt bike lesson, or going to OAO alone as a new rider!
Well, as our West Coast event with Vicki Golden fast approaches, we have been floored to find out that Kurt Nicoll of Champion MX - who offers the current lineup of KTM motocross bikes - got completely booked up by ladies coming to our event from the East Coast!
Read on to meet just some of these gals, learn why they’re traveling coast-to-coast for another epic riding experience, and see some tips they’ve offered up for anyone looking to one day do the same!
Julia Rosario | Wallingford, CT | @Julia_Rosario
The couple East Coast Over And Out events I went to were soooo awesome, I knew experiencing one in California of all places would just be top tier! The oppertunity to ride on new terrain, new tracks, and to try my hand at motocross in such a comfortable and welcoming enviroment is something I couldn't miss.
Travel Tip: Try not to let planning overwhelm or intimidate you, even if you haven't traveled alone before. Take it one step at a time, and maybe try reaching out to other girls who ride. Don't be scared fo ask for help or advice! Everyone in this community is so helpful and genuinely nice to talk to. It'll all work out and in the end it's gonna be so worth it!
Molly Felter | Brick, NJ | @guatemollya
Over And Out Moto events ALWAYS deliver. Whether it is NJ, NY, PA, CA or beyond, it is going to be an unforgettable weekend. The opportunity to ride Fox Raceway exclusively with a ton of badass women already sounds unreal and then you throw lessons with Vicki Golden into the deal? I am in. All the way in!
My advice for other girls looking to make the trip out: Do not hesitate to ask other OAO gals for suggestions, opinions, help and invitations! This community is incredibly hospitable, welcoming and helpful.
Kelly Smoker | Lancaster, PA | @kelly2smoker
When this opportunity opened up last year I jumped on it. I flew out by myself and came home with so much more, including the urge to buy a 250SXF! At first I was apprehensive about renting a bike but Kurt at ChampionMX was awesome to work with. He got my bike dialed in and took care of us all weekend for fluids, wrenching etc. I ended up connecting with some other east coast girls; we rode all day, learned so much, and supported one another, forming a bond forged by all things moto. I am truly grateful for what these events have to offer and I'd probably follow Over and Out anywhere! .
My advice for anyone considering coming to Cali: Just buy the ticket, follow OAO on social media and join the OAO facebook group for support and information. Or, reach out to me, I'd love to talk logistics and help you get out there!
Becca Trout | Lancaster, PA | @becca_trout
I went last year and had so much fun that I didn’t want to miss this event this year. It doesn’t matter where the OAO event is, I never want to miss any of them!
I actually met Kelly Smoker for the first time last year at the CA event and we live 30 mins from each other in PA! It’s a a small world and more than likely there is someone that lives close to you that is also willing to travel to a long distance event with you. Reach out to your riding community to see who is also traveling to the event so you can coordinate travel plans.
Liz Kiniery | Philadelphia, PA | @lizismoto
I love the community that Over and Out creates through its events - and what better than that community at an amazing track in sunshiny California!?
A good travel tip: Moto gear is heavy! Weigh your checked bag before you get to the airport! Weight limits are sneaky sneaky!
Katherine Sydor | Washington DC | @xhousewifex
I had plans to be in California the week after OAO’s West Coast event and was just about to book my flights when I saw the Over and Out flyer! I went to the flagship East Coast event last fall and IT WAS AMAZING, so I knew I had to sign up.
Even though I'm going alone and won't know anyone, the vibe at the last event was so wonderful, I'm not too worried about being able to meet people and make some new rad lady dirt bike friends. My advice is always do what scares you! (This is advice I'm taking myself by going to this alone!)
Nikki Johnston | Millville, NJ
I've attended a majority of the OAO events the past few years and always have a blast! Last year I thought it would have been cool to attend the CA event but didn't go. When I found out that OAO was having another CA event, this time at a track I've watched the pros race at on TV, I had to find a way to make it happen!
I looked at several options and prices for traveling and where I was going to stay when I got there. Luckily things came together and I'm flying out to CA solo to meet up with a few people that I already know. Can't wait to see everyone there and meet some new riders!
Jennifer Thomsen | Flemington, NJ
Im heading out to CA to learn more motocross techniques, how to properly jump and to train with legend Vicki Golden.
My advice to other women who would love to do this too: Just sign up, rent a bike, and try a class. I’ve met women even in their 50s who came to OAO just to try riding a dirt bike for the first time! Whether you’ve been riding for one day or five years you’ll make friends!
Veronica Kucharski | Massachusetts
I wanted to travel out to CA because I know I probably wont get the chance to attend an event quite like this one while getting to enjoy the weather that CA has to offer - I’m sick of the cold and snow! haha.
My advice? Just do it and dont look back, I know it’s scary to do for the first time but it will be worth it. I love to travel and have done most of my travels alone. Yes, it is scary sometimes but the memories you create are priceless. And, at the end of the day there is no better feeling then the “I did it!” feeling.
We’re looking forward to riding with these ladies and hundreds of others at our 2023 Moto Camp with Vicki Golden at Fox Raceway!!
