This season marks the first time that Lucas Oil Pro Motocross has been lucky enough to have Geoff Aaron come out to multiple rounds. The 10-time AMA National Trials champion was present at Budds Creek and RedBud this year, putting on a stunt show for the fans. If you haven’t been able to see him at the first two events, there's still one more chance to check him out this Saturday at Unadilla.
In over two decades of competing, Geoff's racked up quite the trophy case:
- 73 National Trials wins
- 6 New England Trials Championships
- 6 El Trial de Espana honors
- 15 –time USA member of the U.S. Trials Des Nations Team
- AMA Amateur Athlete of the year in 2000
- 2000 and 2006 AMA Sports Athlete of the Year
Five years ago, Geoff Aaron retired from trials competition, choosing to focus solely instead on endurocross. Aaron is in his second season with the GEICO Honda endurocross team. We caught up with him before his trip to Unadilla and asked him a few questions.
What got you started in riding trials?
I grew up in Connecticut, and the terrain was really rugged around our house. When I wanted a dirt bike as a kid, my dad said a trials bike would be smart. He owned a Bultaco Sherpa T, and I learned to ride on that. Once I was hooked, I bought a very used Yamaha TY 175 as my first bike. I've been trying to ride my motorcycle over obstacles ever since!
Have you raced motocross?
Even though I am now a regular at the local motocross tracks for open practice, I've only raced a couple times at Broome Tioga while I was in school at Ithaca College in New York.
What is the best thing about being involved with Red Bull? How long have you been involved with them?
The coolest part about being affiliated with Red Bull is that they help bring athletes' dreams to life. Have a good idea or goal? They support your ambitions and can make them a reality. It's a very cool company. I've been with Red Bull since 2001.
What are you focusing on the most now?
My program is currently split 50/50 between ERE/GasGas MotoTrial performances and GEICO Honda Endurocross. We have around 40 events a year both racing and demos. It's awesome!
What types of training do you do?
My training mostly consists of bike time. I juggle between motocross, trials, endurocross and mountain biking. I'm always busy.
Do you road bike or montain bike?
I ride a Cannondale Jeckyl mountain bike.
What are the major differences between trials and motocross/supercross beside the obvious (the bike)?
The biggest difference between trials and racing is that trials is very individual. It's just you against the terrain. All eyes are on you, with nobody to blame but yourself. Racing is a little different. Starts, corners, jumps and other racers. You are constantly acting and reacting to other riders. It's a different animal. Both take crazy skill and are the most fun disciplines in my opinion.
After being a part of all the different championship series, what do you think of the outdoor championship series?
National motocross is great. Many of the tracks have a lot of racing history, and the riders really stepped up their game over the years. Riders like Dungey, Stewart, Barcia, Tomac and Baggett are ridiculously fast. Very fun to watch.
Do you ever ride with any of the pros from the series?
One of the National pros, Kevin Rookstool #71, also rides on the GEICO Honda endurocross team with me.
Do you ever freeride with the freestyle riders?
On tour the last few years for Nuclear Cowboyz, I've had a chance to hang out and ride with many of the top freestylers. I love those guys. #respect
Be sure to check out Geoff Aaron if you're at the Red Bull Unadilla National on Saturday.
