Rider Profile
Name: Rose Mickel
Age: 39
Home: Bernard, IA
Bike(s): KX 125, V65 Magna
What is your race number on your bike? 68
Years Riding: 31
Years Racing: 3
Classes: Women’s and 125C
Biggest Race Accomplishments: 2000 Summer Series Women’s Class Champion at Coal Valley, IL.
Race Goals: More series Championships, moving up to higher skill classes and competing competitively , and qualifying for Loretta Lynn’s in 2001.
Sponsors: Club Shakers, Synder Motorsports in Kieler, WI, and Sindt Motorsports in Dubuque, IA.
Favorite Track: Coal Valley
What's your worst crash? Jumping a double that had a lip on the take off ramp which kicked my front end down. It resulted in multiple road rash and the seperation of the cartlige in my chest. I wasn’t able to breathe very deeply or stretch my arms out, or lift or grab anything without pain in my chest. It kept me out for a few weeks.
Who is your favorite rider nationally, and why? He no longer rides, but it would definitely be Doug Henry #19.
Who is your favorite rider locally, and why? I have two, Ryan Sindt # and Austin Raubs #157. They both are great riders and yet seem to have time to talk to the new or up and coming riders as if they were on the same level as them.
How many times a week do you practice? 0
How do you train for a race? I try to keep myself active by playing paintball, or running after my kids. They’ll keep you in shape. Other than that, nothing specific.
How do you keep fit in the off season? Again, I play paintball, chase kids, and try to get some walking or weight lifting in.
How do you prepare for a race? Make sure that I’m Hydrated and stretched out before.
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 don’t think that they should try to separate men and women if women choose to ride in a man’s class. I think women should be given credit when racing with men because not all men care to have women race with them.
Is there a lot of competition? Yes and No. We get good turn outs and bad ones. It depends on if there are races going on at the same time.
Are there any other female riders racing with you, how many? Yes.
Who maintains your bike? I try and if there is something I can’t handle, I get my older brother to help. I always try to be there when he works on it, so maybe next time I can just take care of it.
Do you do any freestyle tricks? Not intentionally, only by accident.
On average, how many race events do you compete in during the year? Close to 30 race events, give or take a few.
Have you ever had a male rider give you some rough riding? If so, how did you react to it? Yeah, I had a little rough contact every now and then. I don’t believe to many of us women don’t at one time or another. As far how I deal with it, I try to give it back or try to just beat them in the race.
Do you find it difficult to obtain sponsors being a woman? To an extent, yes. Not to many sponsors will take you seriously, but then you get some of them that think it is awesome. Kind of an eye catcher, you’ll stand out more in the crowd.
Does your family provide you support, moral, etc.? Because of a paralyzing accident to my brother during racing, I can’t say they give me too much support. They don’t tell to quit though, they would probably like me to.
Do you find it hard to buy gear that actually fits? Yes.
What is the brand of gear that fits you best, and why? I wear Fox gear, the 2000 gear has more room in the thighs of the pants which I find really great. The jerseys would fit anyone ok.
Is there a brand(s) of gear that doesn’t fit you comfortably, and why? I would have to say MSR. I started out with it and there was no extra room in the thigh region of the pants and their nylon shirts would stand up to a beating and constant washing. The new stuff might be ok now, but I’m happy with Fox.
Is there anything else that you would like us to know about yourself? No