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Writer's pictureMax Gerston

Prescott Valley EnduroCross Recap – 5th Overall: Mindset, Momentum, and Lessons Learned

Updated: Oct 24

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Racing in Prescott Valley in front of a hometown crowd was an unforgettable experience. It was a night that tested both my physical endurance and mental preparation, with plenty of highs, challenges, and valuable takeaways. With 6-7-5 moto scores, I landed 5th overall—a solid result but, more importantly, a night where I grew as both a racer and competitor.  


This race wasn’t just about lap times; it was about staying mentally sharp, trusting my preparation, and learning how to perform under pressure. Here's a breakdown of what went well and where I can improve as I charge ahead in the season.  



What Went Well: Riding with Consistency and Confidence  

1. Staying Consistent and Improving Throughout the Night  

Consistency was one of the biggest wins from this weekend. I improved my mid-moto pace, staying competitive deep into each race. In a demanding series like EnduroCross, staying in the fight—especially when exhaustion kicks in—is key. Mentally, I kept telling myself to push through the fatigue, and it paid off, especially in the third moto when I finished stronger than I started.  


2. Picking Smart Lines and Adapting on the Fly  

Line selection was another area where I felt locked in. I didn’t settle for the same route every lap—I constantly adjusted my lines based on the situation, whether avoiding a bottleneck or cutting through a cleaner section. This flexibility gave me an edge, especially as the track conditions changed.  


3. Letting It Fly and Riding Loose  

One of the most rewarding parts of the night was riding with freedom and not holding back. In EnduroCross, hesitation can cost you valuable time, but I focused on staying loose and committing to my lines. The energy from the hometown crowd definitely helped me lean into the moment and just let it rip!  



Where I Can Improve: Fine-Tuning the Details  

1. Dialing in My Nutrition Routine  

One of the biggest challenges of the night was managing my nutrition. My stomach felt unsettled going into Moto 1, and it affected me even more in Moto 2, especially with the quick turnaround between races. By Moto 3, things started to settle, but I know that getting my nutrition routine dialed is critical moving forward. Proper fueling will help me stay strong throughout the night without those mid-race dips.  


2. Improving Reaction Times and Starts  

Another key takeaway was my starts and reaction times. In EnduroCross, a fast start can set the tone for the entire race, and I felt a bit off the mark, especially in the first two motos. Getting out front early makes a huge difference in avoiding traffic and choosing better lines. This is definitely something I’ll be focusing on as I prepare for the next event.  





Mindset and Performance: Gratitude, Breath work, and Awareness  

This race was a reminder that mindset is everything. It’s not just about showing up physically; it’s about bringing the right mental tools to perform at your best—no matter the obstacles.  


- Gratitude: Racing in front of my hometown crowd was a gift. Rather than feeling pressured, I leaned into the moment and reminded myself how grateful I am for the opportunity to compete, grow, and perform. Each lap was a chance to show what I’m capable of and embrace the process.  


- Breath work: When the pressure is on, controlling your breath can make all the difference. Before each moto, I used deep, intentional breaths to stay calm and centered. During the race, a couple of deep exhales between sections gave me a chance to reset and focus, even when the pace was intense.


- Awareness: Racing demands more than speed—it demands awareness of both the track and your body. Throughout the night, I stayed in tune with how I was feeling physically, making adjustments when necessary to manage fatigue. I also stayed aware of the race conditions, adapting my lines based on what was unfolding around me.


- Mindfulness: Staying mindful kept me in the moment, helping me focus on each section of the race rather than worrying about the finish. Whether it was feeling the grip of my tires through a tricky obstacle or soaking in the energy from the crowd, mindfulness helped me stay locked in and ride with purpose and clarity.


Final Thoughts: Charging Forward  

Prescott Valley was an incredible experience—a night filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments in front of a hometown crowd. Finishing 5th overall with 6-7-5 moto scores was a solid result, but more than that, it was a reminder that racing is as much a mental battle as a physical one.  


I’m proud of the consistency, adaptability, and grit I showed throughout the night. But there’s always room for improvement— Nutrition routines and reaction times are now top priorities as I look toward the next race.  


Now, it’s time to keep charging ahead and take everything I’ve learned into the rest of the season.  


Thanks to everyone who came out to support me in Prescott Valley. See you at the next one — Let’s go ridin’!





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