From training wheels to Supercross

Four years ago Matt Vincent of Lostant decided to return to the world of riding dirt bikes, and he decided to take his 4-year-old son, Amos, with him. Training wheels were mounted and Amos has never looked back. Since then, training wheels long gone, Amos has amassed the wall full of trophies sitting on the shelf in his bedroom. His walls are decorated with posters of professional riders.

“I’ve always ridden for fun,” said Matt.

“I want to win, though,” Amos added quickly.

They’re both members of the Variety Riders Motorcycle Club in Ottawa where Matt serves as board vice president. They both enjoy riding in hare scrambles, marked courses through wooded and rugged terrain.

“He’d like to try motocross. Fox Valley Offroad has a kids’ track they can practice on which isn’t as aggressive. He needs a little more practice though,” said Matt.

“I think I’m already there, I’m pretty good,” said Amos, with no doubt in his riding skills.

At home, Amos gets plenty of practice while riding laps around his yard, never hesitating to open the throttle.

“I try to keep him around the edges, so he doesn’t tear up the yard too much,” said Matt.

When asked if he’s ever crashed, Amos replied, “Usually not that much. Every time I get a new bike I crash, maybe twice, and then I never crash again.”

His favorite part of racing is being presented trophies.

“I’ve got two firsts and a lot of seconds and thirds,” said Amos.

His favorite part of riding is jumping.

“I also like mud. That’s one of my favorite parts, but Dad doesn’t because then he has to clean it,” said Amos.

“And I like to stay on the ground,” added Matt.

Matt and Amos both enjoy the atmosphere that riding provides.

“Everyone is there to have fun and will always lend you a hand with whatever you need,” Matt said.

Amos also enjoys the future he sees for himself astride a dirt bike, and his plans include riding one straight to top of the premier class of Supercross, just like his favorite pro, the multiple championship winning Ryan Dungey.

“Supercross is how you get a mansion and a million dollars. It’s an easy way for money,” said Amos.

“That’s not easy money,” laughed Matt.

Amos’ current ride is a 50cc KTM, and Dungey rides a 450cc KTM. But, Amos is ready for the bike waiting for him in the garage. It’s Kawasaki green, just like his dad’s bikes. It’s a KX65, a six speed, 65 cc dirt bike and is the platform which has launched the riding careers of countless professional riders.

“It’s lowered as far as we can get it. He just needs to grow a little more and get some practice on it to get used to shifting,” said Matt.

As quickly as children grow and learn, Amos will soon be riding comfortably and very quickly on his new bike and adding to his collection of trophies. Perhaps someday, in the not too distant future, a small boy will have posters of Amos Vincent on their bedroom wall.