Rider Profile

Name: Bonnie Matter

 

 

 

 

Age: 25

 

Home: Viola, IL

 

Bike(s): 99 Cr 125

 

What is your race number on your bike? 585

 

Years Riding: 2

 

Years Racing: 2

 

Classes: Women and 125C

 

Biggest Race Accomplishments: The second place I took at Coal Valley in the series. It was a hard battle.

 

Race Goals: To be the best that I can be.

 

Sponsors: Norris Motorsports

 

Favorite Track: Coal Valley , Il

 

What's your worst crash? When I was on a 85 Cr 125 and was going though a woop section and lost control . I landed on the handlebars with my stomach. I had a perfect circle from the end of the handlebar and the clutch. I bent the handle bar almost in a 90 degree angle. It was pretty bad.

 

Who is your favorite rider nationally, and why? That one is kinda hard. I would say Mike Larocco. He is a great rider and does not let the younger guys scare him out of racing. He is great to watch.

 

Who is your favorite rider locally, and why? I really do not have one.

 

How many times a week do you practice? Well if I can once during the week I will otherwise on the weekends.

 

How do you train for a race? I work in a factory. That helps me keep in shape.

 

How do you keep fit in the off season? I try to workout as much as I can.

 

How do you prepare for a race? I just tell myself you can only do as good as you want to do.

 

Do you think that female and male riders should always race separate classes,

or do you think people should not make a big deal when a woman races in the

men's class? I think that if a woman wants to ride with the men they should be able to. The men just need to get over it. If a woman can beat them that is their problem not ours.

 

Is there a lot of competition? Number wise, no, but myself and Rose Mickel battle every race.

 

Are there any other female riders racing with you, how many? It depends sometimes we have five or so and other times it is just me.

 

Who maintains your bike? I do. I do almost all the work on my bike.

 

Do you do any freestyle tricks? No, I have not even tried any yet.

 

On average, how many race events do you compete in during the year? I would say twenty or so.

 

Have you ever had a male rider give you some rough riding? If so, how did you react to it? Oh yeah, all the time. I had one tell me to get off the track. I just kept riding. I will not let anyone intimidate me.

 

Do you find it difficult to obtain sponsors being a woman? I had no problem getting Norris but I have not really tried anyone else.

 

Does your family provide you support, moral, etc.? No, my Dad is against me riding. He is afraid I will get hurt. My Mom and Dad are always happy when I bring home a trophy.

 

Do you find it hard to buy gear that actually fits? Not really. I am built almost like a guy and I like things baggy.

What is the brand of gear that fits you best, and why? Fox I think fits me best. I guess they have a little baggier fit. Either that or I buy the right size.

 

Is there a brand(s) of gear that doesn’t fit you comfortably, and why? I have tried AXO and they are just not comfortable.

 

Is there anything else that you would like us to know about yourself? I have never let anyone stand in my way.

 

Which track(s) do you normally race at? Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Coal Valley, Galesburg, Kahokia, and Peoria.