Shortridge Doesn't Let Age Tell His Tale In Motocross

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Riders of all skill levels were slipping, sliding and dropping on the muddy track.

Ted Shortridge just watched and grinned.

“This is fun,” Shortridge said.

As usual, the 67-year-old Bristol, Va., resident was the oldest competitor in Sunday’s Mega Series event at scenic Pro Sport Motocross.

While most of the attention was focused on 17-year-old sensation P.J. Larsen, Shortridge attracted his share of admirers eager to gain some life-lessons.

“The kids just like the speed and want to go fast all the time,” Shortridge said. “I can watch them and know exactly what they’re doing on the track. I don’t have the reflexes like I once had, but I know what I need to do.”

Shortridge is certainly not lacking for passion. While many riders complained about the persistent rain and sticky goo Sunday, the homespun Shortridge went to work on his trusty Honda 250.

“I love the challenge,” Shortridge said. “You’ve just got to really enjoy this sport because nothing compares to riding a motorcycle. You use just about every muscle in your body out there on the track.”

Many of the pro riders, and even some amateurs, rely on personal trainers or have gym memberships. Shortridge follows his own program.

“I just work outside all the time, then I go riding at least once a week,” Shortridge said. “It works for me.”

The Shortridge story is unique, especially in a sport where many riders start in elementary school.

“When I was in my 30’s, I started out competing in enduro events where riders go through the woods,” Shortridge said. “My son got started in motocross around that time, and he eventually wanted me to go on the motocross track so I could be with him.

“So that’s what I did. I started in motocross when I was 53, and I still use that number when I ride. I would have loved to have started when I was younger, but we just didn’t have the motorcycles.”

Chris Shortridge was a natural on area tracks such as Muddy Creek in Blountville. He gradually moved to the elite A division before a cruel twist of fate altered his life.

“I lost Chris nearly three years ago in a car wreck at age 36,” Shortridge said. “Chris was a really good rider, and he was preparing to move up to the pro class.”

For Shortridge, his regular visits to the motocross track offer equal doses of therapy and competition.

“If I would have left, I would have wanted my son to keep on riding. And I feel he would want me to keep on riding now. That’s one of the reasons why I still do it,” Shortridge said.

“A lot of these riders out here were friends of Chris, and I have a lot of friends here too. They are all good people. We look out for each other.”

After winning several races in the 45-over and 48-over age groups, Shortridge now races in the 50-and-over class.

Blountville’s Cody Litz, a 17-year-old rider who competes in the B class, doesn’t have to search far to find a motivational role model.

“Ted is one of a kind, and he’s the nicest guy you will ever want to meet,” Litz said. “It’s amazing that anybody even half of Ted’s could still be racing, especially in motocross. Ted has had a couple spills, but he gets right back up and goes at it again.”

“To see Ted out here gives us all something to look forward to. I guess Ted is living the dream of every senior citizen.”

And the man who has the words “Old Man Racing” stenciled on the back of his truck is eager for more dream sequences.

“There’s no better place for me to go than a motocross track,” Shortridge said. “Riding helps you in stay in shape and keeps your mind sharp.

“As long as I can have a good time without wrecking, I’ve won.”

Notes: Larsen breezed to victories in his first four motos Sunday … The Kawasaki Tennessee State Championship will be held July 12-13 at Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville.

agregory@bristolnews.com (276) 645-2544