Motocross – A Way of Life!
We got a chance to catch up with a local Motocross racer who is always on the go and has been for 40+ years. John “Buzz” Sharra from Torrington, CT has been riding and racing for quite some time and has some inspiring words for MX riders. Here is how it all started and how he continues to do the thing he loves the most!
How and at what age did you first get interested in Motocross?
Well when I started out there was no Motocross in the USA to speak of, but around the time I was about 20. Someone gave me a Harly 65cc Motorcycle that was made in Italy and then I moved up to a Hodaka 100 in 1968.
Tell us about the first time you rode a dirt bike…
My first rides on dirt bikes were mainly dirt roads and fields.
How did you become so passionate about Motocross?
When I started riding and racing it was late 1968 and it was still scrambles. As I got better and faster I picked up a small sponsorship on Rickman Zundapps. I also had access to a Cheny Triumph 250. Around this time in the early 70s the area was changing from Scrambles to MX and the MSC District was changing from District 2 to 34.
Lots of people get injured or grow too old to compete…what have you done to remain physically fit and actively involved?
I have not been with out injuries. The worst was back around 1970 with a double compound fracture to my left leg. I had some how managed to break that leg a total of 3 times, but the worst was at Southwick when I crashed leading the field over a blind jump and got landed on by many bikes. The good out weighs the bad and the fun out weighs the pain. Working out doors and never smoking has helped me stay active. As my line of work was very labor intensive. The non-smoking and no drinking part has a lot to say for staying fit and trim.
Tell us your greatest moment regarding motocross…
The greatest moment, well that would be my first expert race.
What tips can you give to young riders about respecting the sport and others they compete against?
As for tips to young riders as in most cases it is the “ME” generation, but this is all for FUN and it stops being fun when you get hurt or hurt someone else. Aggressive riding can backfire on you at times and for the young experts you must lead by example! More people are watching you than you know and look up to you and are influenced by your actions.
Tell us what you are doing these days as far as competing…
Myself last year as it was my first year of semi retirement I hit every vintage race I could find. True Vintage as put on by AHRMA and ACR and I also did the Vintage Class at some of the modern tracks. I still like the old style grass tracks and scrambles though. The ones with the rubber band starts! I had a very good year and during the winter I stay on the flat ice or do a fun event like the first Walden M/S event in December. I did that on my 1971 SL 125 and had a blast. Over 2 hours of a great time!
What other hobbies or interests do you have outside the world of motocross?
I like to fish! I also really like to put one of the vintage bikes together from scratch and bring it back to life and race it not just look at it!
Who you would like to thank and acknowledge for your involvement in the sport…
The main people who have helped me all these years are Gary Edmonds of Edmonds Racing in Gaylordsville, CT. He has always done my engines and still does to this day and with out him I could never have done what I did. Also Mitch from Strictly Dirt in Canton, CT, he has been a great help. Bob the welder from Torrington who is always fixing something that I break and with out his help this year I could never have gotten the 3 class championships!
If you can give one piece of advise to everyone whether in motocross or life in general, what would it be?
If you are doing something for fun keep it fun, when it is not fun anymore move on to something that is!
