Renew Old Skills and Create Your Own Opportunities ? A Very Personal Note from The Kneeslider

The KneesliderYou might have noticed the many articles on old skills like casting metal I've been writing recently and other articles encouraging you to become more hands on, getting some tools and learning to work on your own motorcycle, whether a simple maintenance checkup or more involved mechanical or electrical repairs, and you may be wondering where I'm going with all of this. Well, it's connected to the continuing decline in the number of young people who can do any of these things as well as a startling loss of the "can do" attitude. Right now, there is work to be done and jobs available for people with all sorts of manual, hands on skills and no one to do the work.

In my area of the country, what's been called the "rust belt," there are manufacturing companies with openings for qualified welders and machinists, there isn't much call for unskilled manual labor, it's the guy who can actually do something, run a CNC machine, do high quality welding, install, maintain and repair all sorts of complex equipment, but what we have are lots of people with degrees in Peruvian pottery or its intellectual equivalent.

The most common complaint I hear from anyone looking for employees right now is that applicants, when you sift through the resumes, lack basic skills, let alone a real capacity and willingness to do the work. The serious manual skills, the kinds of things you used to learn the basics of in shop class or a trade school, have disappeared. Jobs we've been exporting because everyone here was going to magically transform into some sort of high level knowledge worker, along with a concerted push for universal college degrees, have made an absolute mess of what used to be a strenuous, but well worn road, to satisfying work and a decent income. A fact slowly and grudgingly being recognized is not everyone should go to college or is suited for college, but those same people are superb candidates to learn the skills for the exact positions now going begging.

Knowing about and knowing how are two very different sorts of knowledge and we have far too much of the first while the second has been almost totally abandoned. It is time to renew these skills, to bring young people back into the hands on world, to stop them from desiring only the clean, easy knowledge work where they will supposedly direct those "below" them and instead reconnect them to the concept of doing something where the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment is available every day, where you can see what you have done and where people really need you to be there.

People my age, in many companies have begun retiring or will be in the next five or ten years and there's no one to replace the skill that will walk out the door when they do. When the skills are lost, it's hard to bring it back. Industries where the US used to be strong have been lost and when someone tries to reestablish them, they find it almost impossible because there's no pool of talent to draw from.

If you have a skill you can pass on to someone younger than you, make every effort to do so. If there is someone that shows any interest, try to blow that spark into a flame. If you're young, think of the sense of achievement you'll feel as you actually build something and develop those skills. You'll also learn a little secret, people need you when you can do something. You won't be wondering how to earn a paycheck, you'll be able to find work when you want. Yes, ... really.

Now, here's the most important takeaway from all of this and it goes beyond renewing skills. In the previous post about building your own charcoal foundry, there's a process where you use basic hand tools, some lumber, charcoal, a hair dryer and other odds and ends to create everything necessary to melt scrap metal and cast it into carefully shaped and designed pieces that will, in turn, be used to build a lathe. Continuing this process, after building the metal lathe, it's used to build more machine tools. Think about that. You have taken a whole pile of scrap pieces and odds and ends plus basic tools and literally created "capital," wealth, something that can be used to then build and create more tools, more capital, you can create more wealth, from practically nothing! It doesn't grow on its own, you make it by combining knowledge and skill and effort and determination to make something that would not exist unless you decided to make it. You create a huge increase in the value of what you have to work with by applying your mind to the tools and materials at hand. OUR WHOLE COUNTRY WAS BUILT THAT WAY! These manual skills that are drifting away and the mindset of using them in productive and creative ways needs to be renewed, and yes, I am fired up about this because it pains me to see so many people complaining about everything, of how little they have, while failing to see or act upon the opportunities they can create for themselves to improve their own lot.

Skills can be learned and wealth can be created, from practically nothing. You don't need permission to learn, just desire and determination. You don't need a college degree to create wealth, you need skills, hard work and a positive attitude.

A few days ago on New Years Day, I sent out a newsletter to everyone who has subscribed, titled "Let's Get Started!" In it, I asked everyone to make this year, 2012, the year to do it, whatever plans and dreams you might have, just do it. For those of you who didn't receive it, I think it's important enough I'm including most of it below:

2012 is here. What are your plans? ...

Whatever your dream, mastering new skills, tackling a project that's been in the back of your mind for awhile or even if you just want to get your old bike back on the road, this is the year to do it. Sure, there are lots of reasons to wait, until things get better, until the economy is booming, until after the election, until ..., until ..., or you can just get started now.

You already know you're going to hear about a lot of people working on their dreams, starting new companies and moving ahead, even in this economy. They'll accomplish a lot and you can be one of them. You can wait or you can work. On The Kneeslider, we write about the ones who get to work. I can't wait to see the results; I know I'll be surprised and inspired, you probably will be, too.

This year, I'm going to stay in closer touch with all of you through these emails. You see, I think this year is going to be absolutely great and I want to make sure you hear about it. In a way, I have an unfair advantage; I've been getting emails from builders telling me about projects under way so I can see they aren't sitting around waiting for the world to change, I already know about cool things in the pipeline you'll be seeing later this year. I get charged up just thinking about it. Wouldn't you rather be in that productive and creative group than sitting around waiting? Don't let the bad news fool you. There are a lot of good things already happening!

This sluggish economy is a huge opportunity; you just have to look at it with different eyes. Be a problem solver. Learn new things, try new things, be one of the success stories and above all, be positive. A negative, critical attitude is your enemy, it keeps you from seeing the enormous possibilities, it makes obstacles look bigger and creates excuses. Don't be "that guy." Be positive and aware, look for ways to do things better and then do them. Start today, whenever you look at what someone is doing, pick out the good points instead of trying to find flaws. If you catch yourself saying "somebody should," start saying "I will." It's all attitude.

If this entire post sounds like it's written with passion and emotion, it is, probably more than has ever appeared in any post on The Kneeslider. Some of you may already feel the way I do, but I believe every one of us can do so much more and waiting for some perfect alignment of the planets with an economy humming along and everyone in good spirits before getting started will keep you from ever accomplishing anything at all.

None of us needs to be "given" an opportunity to do something great, each one of us can create our own opportunities. The skills and attitude that built this country can be renewed, the opportunities for each of us to get to work are already here, you just have to start.

If you have skills you can teach to someone younger, create an opportunity to do just that and begin. If you want to learn more skills, start learning. If you have a dream, begin working on it today. Right now is the time.

Join me in making this year the best year ever. It will make your life and the life of everyone around you better. I think that's a goal worth pursuing.

One final note: I will be saying much more along these lines in upcoming newsletters with ideas, projects and other material that will not appear on The Kneeslider. If you want to be a part of it and you haven't already subscribed, just enter your name and email in the form over in the sidebar and click "sign me up!".

Source: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2012/01/05/renew-old-skills-and-create-your-own-opportunities-a-very-personal-note-from-the-kneeslider/

Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici Tim Ferry

100% - Bevo Forti Joins 100% Goggles

As previewed exclusively by industry insiders in the Anaheim pits, 100% is proud and excited to announce that Bevo Forti is joining the new goggle venture. Regarded as one of the most recognizable and respected men in motocross, Bevo has amassed 40 years of experience in the industry.

Forti bought his first motorcycle, a Suzuki Savage, in 1970 and has been hooked ever since. He quickly hit the amateur racing circuit before becoming a mechanic for privateer John Savitski in 1972.

Beginning in 1978, Bevo worked as a mechanic for Factory Yamaha until he joined Scott USA in 1981. Bevo has spent the last 30 years in the development, sales and race support of Scott USA?s goggle line.

Throughout his tenure, Bevo has worked closely with the likes of Bob Hannah, David Bailey, Jeff Stanton, Mike Larocco, Jeremy McGrath, and Chad Reed, to name just a few. As 100% launches a new line of premier motocross goggles this month, Bevo brings a wealth of experience to the team. He will play an integral part in the brand positioning, dealer and rider relations, and the development of new products. Checkout the full range below ? click for bigger pics.

Bevo understands what it means to give 100% as evidenced by his longtime passion for motocross. He has logged nearly 2 million miles in the air and countless hours on the road, attending over 1500 motocross events throughout his impressive career.

His dedication has been recognized with the SFX Supercross Lifetime Achievement Award. Bevo?s son, John Kuzo, who has grown up on the circuit and has built years of experience in rider service and support is taking the position of Rider Support Manager for 100%?s pro and amateur athletes.

National Sales Manager Chris Favro rounds out the team and will apply his experience to execute a successful relationship with Parts Unlimited, which will serve as the exclusive U.S. distributor of the new product line. Some of the collection can be viewed online now, with a fully enhanced and interactive website to be launched on February 1st in conjunction with worldwide product delivery.

About 100%: The 100% brand has always been synonymous with motocross Americana and has been linked to many iconic moments that have built the roots and history of what is modern motocross.

The roots of the 100% brand date back to the early 1980?s when the popular logo graced the factory racing equipment of the biggest names in motocross. Thirty years later the passion for the spirit of racing remains.

Today, 100% is about to inspire a whole new generation of racers and ask them the original tag line, ?How much effort do you give??

The new Spring 2012 collection of 100% premier motocross goggles and accessories will be available worldwide February 1st. 100%. The Spirit Of Racing.

ACCURI: Simplicity: All 100% MX Goggles share the same lens and tear-off profile Fitment: Curvature suited for comfort Foam: Moisture Managing triple layer foam Lens: The Accuri comes equipped with an anti-fog scratch resistant Lexan lens for unimpaired vision Strap: Oversized 45mm silicon coated trap holds your goggles motionless Frame: Constructed out of flexible yet durable urethane.

RACECRAFT: Outriggers: Prevent distorsion of frame, and does assist in achieving perfect fit and balance. Removable nose guard: The attachement of the 100% nose guard is a unique incorporation of the frame co-molding to insure stability and optimal protection in the most challenging conditions. Foam: Thirsty triple layer moisture managing foam Lens: Anti-fog scratch resistant coated Lexan lens for flawless vision. Strap: 45mm wide, silicon coated strap eliminates slippage Co-modling: Dual injection or Co-modling is a high-end precision process allowing 2 different materials and colors to be injected at the same time to create the frame while still holding 100% performance and styling true. Air intakes: Patent pending technology channels air into the foam, aiding in moisture management.

Source: http://www.mxlarge.com/news/5959-100-bevo-forti-joins-100-goggles

Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed

Chad Reed preparing for 2012 Supercross - video

Chad Reed is a two-time AMA Supercross Series Champion. Chad Reed has won an AMA National MX Championship in the 'Motocross' class. Chad started his own race team, TwoTwo Motorsports, for the 2011 race season.

In the video below, Chad shows and tells how he's getting ready for the 2012 racing season.

Source: http://www.supercross.com/features/chad-reed-preparing-for-2012-supercross-video

Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi Joël Robert

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Heads to Phoenix

Pro Circuit Sponsors

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SX Lites West Results 

Anaheim, CA-  Rd 1 

1. Cole Seely

2. Tyla Rattray

3. Eli Tomac

4.  Marvin Musquin

5. Ryan Sipes
6. Dean Wilson

SX Lites West Series Points

After Round 1 of 9

1. Cole Seely 25

2. Tyla Rattray 22

3. Eli Tomac 20

4. Marvin Musquin 18

5. Ryan Sipes 16
6. Dean Wilson 15

SX Results


1. Ryan Villopoto
2. Chad Reed
3. Ryan Dungey
...
12. Broc Tickle

SX Series Points


1. Ryan Villopoto 25
2. Chad Reed 22
3. Ryan Dungey 20
...
12. Broc Tickle 9

CORONA, Calif. (January 12, 2012) - Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Tyla Rattray, Dean Wilson, and Broc Tickle are off to Phoenix, Ariz., for round two of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series at Chase Field on January 14, 2012.
 
Tyla Rattray

Rattray Podium

Following his podium finish last weekend in Anaheim for the first round of the West Coast Lites Championship, Rattray is hoping to keep the momentum going and is excited to get some work done in Phoenix.
 

Tyla Rattray Anaheim 1

?Should be fun racing this weekend,? says Rattray. ?We got the cobwebs off last Saturday so there should be some good racing in Phoenix.?

Dean Wilson

Wilson, Rattray?s teammate on the West Coast, had a tough race at Anaheim. After battling up front with Rattray for the majority of the race, he ended up finishing sixth following a crash in the last lap.
 

Dean Wilson Anaheim 1

?I?m ready to redeem myself after last weekend?s race at Anaheim. It?s really important that I do well in Phoenix,? says Wilson. ?I definitely wasn?t myself. I?ve put in a ton of work this week. I?m a bit under the weather, but honestly that just motivates me even more to stay focused and do well. I?ll be ready for Phoenix.?

Broc Tickle

Tickle, the first Supercross Class rider in history to pilot a Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki machine, had some ground to make up after an early crash in the Supercross Class Main Event. He got the rookie jitters out of the way, and is now focused on what he?s got to work on to make an impact in Phoenix this weekend.
 

Broc Tickle Anaheim 1

?I?ve been working on starts and other little things on the track,? says Tickle. ?I got a few things figured out, and now I?m really excited to race at Chase Field Saturday night.?

Monster Energy AMA Supercross makes its way to Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz., this Saturday, January 14th. Good luck boys!

###

About Pro Circuit 

Based in Corona, Calif., Pro Circuit Inc. is a leader in off-road motorcycle and ATV exhausts and aftermarket performance parts. Started in 1978, Pro Circuit is the go to shop for recreational riders and professionals for everything from suspension work to complete engine packages, and everything in between. 

Created by former desert racer Mitch Payton, Pro Circuit proves its products and services week-in and week-out through its tagline ?We Race.? Every product that dons the Pro Circuit stamp stems from the legendary Pro Circuit race team. A staple in the professional paddock, Pro Circuit Racing has earned 28 AMA championships and more than 200 race wins in more than 30 years of competition.

Source: http://vurbmoto.com/news/monster-energypro-circuitkawasaki-heads-phoenix/8053/

Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett

OTSFF Sports Signs Richard Grey For 2012 MX Season

From OTSFF

OTSFF Sports Marketing Group is pleased to announce the signing of Richard Grey to their 2012 CMRC Nationals motocross team.

The seven-time Canadian National Amateur Champion will join the team as Bobby Kiniry?s new teammate. Grey will campaign the MX2 class while Kiniry returns for his third season in the MX1 class, OTSFF?s Andre Laurin said.

?We?re excited to have Richard join our team because we believe he is at the forefront of a new generation of up-and-coming Canadian pro riders,? Laurin said. ?We?ve kept an eye on him for the past couple of years and have been impressed by his results as well as his professionalism on and off the track.?

Despite campaigning only the eastern leg of the MX2 Nationals in 2011, Grey garnered an 18th place ranking, with his best result being recorded at the final round of the season in Walton. On the strength of 9-3 motos, Grey hammered down third overall in the nearly impossible racing conditions on the rain and mud soaked Walton Raceway track.

The 18-year-old Keswick, ON native, who turned pro this year, has also won a truckload of Ontario Provincial Championships as well as placing top-five, including two moto wins, at Loretta Lynn?s in the U.S.

?I?m super pumped to be joining the OTSFF program and super excited to get the 2012 season going,? Grey said. ?This being my first major team, it?s a huge step for me to be taking and I know I?m in for a huge learning experience. I also know that I?m going to have to put all my effort forth to confirm the confidence Andre has shown in me.?

Source: http://imxmag.blogspot.com/2011/11/otsff-sports-signs-richard-grey-for.html

Jeff Alessi Mike Alessi Thomas Allier HÃ¥kan Andersson

Stage 10: Iquique ? Arica

January 11, 2012 by  
Filed under Dakar, Dakar 2012, Featured

Stage 10: Iquique ? Arica

Surfing Sessions

The drivers will be overcome with even more intense sensations early in the morning. It is precisely at the beginning of the special stage that they will be deeply moved by a spectacular view, combining sand and waves, which continues for several kilometres. The theme will remain constant, since the most experienced experts will be able to surf on the dunes which stretch out for around a hundred kilometres. On the other hand, the difficult fesh-fesh area that will have to be tackled at the end of the special stage will bring everyone back to the tough reality of the long-distance rally.

Source: http://www.race-dezert.com/home/stage-10-iquique-arica-26564.html

Jeff Leisk Victor Leloup Aigar Leok Tanel Leok

Race Tech Riders Show Strong At Supercross Opener

Corona, CA- Just prior to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series kicking off in Anaheim, Race Tech announced the new E2 Logo and showcased the new racetech.com to celebrate completely new suspension valving settings for 2012.

Race Tech?s riders proceeded to show just how amazing the new settings are on the track last Saturday night at the Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA. With one of the deepest fields in the history of the series, just making it through timed qualifying and into the evening program is a challenge. Almost all of the Race Tech supported riders breezed into the night show.

During the evening program, Teddy Maier on his Race Tech backed HyperX CRF250 proved to the world that Race Tech?s suspension components are easily competitive with the factory level equipment. After a mid-pack start in his heat race, the number 312 rider put his head down and charged to a 6th place finish and direct transfer to the main event.

In the main event, Maier would make a few mistakes in the opening laps and find himself near the tail end of the field. After loosening up, Teddy would charge toward the front and finish the main event as the top placing non-factory supported rider just outside the top 10.

?I made some mistakes early, so I just settled down and rode my own race. I didn?t want to do anything stupid. It?s a long series. I?m looking forward to next weekend,? said Maier about his impressive performance on Saturday night.

Teddy and the rest of the Race Tech supported riders will head to Phoenix, AZ for Round 2 of the Monster Energy Supercross Series this Saturday night at Chase Field.

For more information about Race Tech?s products, seminars and rider support program, please visit racetech.com or call our friendly sales staff at (951)279-6655.

Race Tech has a history of over 27 years producing the highest quality suspension components and tools; including Gold Valves, for most types of motorcycles and ATVs, to distribute worldwide.

Check out our website at: www.racetech.com .
Like Race Tech on Facebook
Follow @RaceTechSuspen on Twitter

CATEGORIZED: News
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Source: http://motocross.transworld.net/1000121106/news/race-tech-riders-show-strong-at-supercross-opener/

Broc Glover Rui Goncalves Josh Grant Billy Grossi

So close for Coma and Despres in Dakar Rally

60600 Faria MM 100112 Dakar 9695 1024 e1326280379815 So close for Coma and Despres in Dakar Rally

It was business as usual for the two lead KTM factory riders, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma on Tuesday when riders set out for Stage 9 of the Dakar 2012 on a large arc from Antofagasta to Iquique in Chile. Despres, who had a dramatic day on Monday landing in a mud hole, went out like a man possessed, led throughout to claim the stage and reclaim the overall lead.

It was the French rider?s third stage victory in this edition. Coma has won four stages and with Stage Six scrapped, KTM has claimed seven of eight stages so far. Both riders are chasing their fourth Dakar Rally title and if either of them succeed it will represent KTM?s eleventh successive victory. The Austrian sports motorcycle specialist has shut out all the competition in every Dakar Rally since 2001 (the 2008 edition was cancelled).

Despres ended yesterday with a deficit of around 12 minutes after sacrificing the overall lead to Coma. The mud hole turned out to be a natural hazard that occurred after the final official inspection had been done by organizers and was not marked on the road book. Cyril and six other riders got stuck in the mud and race officials decided a detour was in order rather than deal with the obvious chaos. They later reinstated lost time to the riders disadvantaged and when they left on Tuesday Cyril trailed Marc by just over a minute.

It was with this in mind that he put down the hammer on his KTM 450 Rally bike and rode with a passion to lead throughout the special. His reward for such a doggedly determined ride was his third stage victory in Dakar 2012 to level with Coma?s three stages and a narrow lead in the overall standings.

Despres however went back to the bivouac knowing that the job is far from done. At the fourth Way Point Coma was 3 minutes 55 behind and at the finish, after riders had engaged in the steep descent down to Iquique, he trailed by 3 minutes 54 seconds. With third placed Helder Rodrigues of Portugal behind Despres at 59 minutes 19 seconds, the 33rd Dakar Rally continues to be a two-rider race.

Despres said he was feeling good after the stage. ?I had to get back to my winning ways after a difficult day yesterday when you start to doubt. It wasn?t easy to psyche myself up for it, but I?m very happy with my day?s work. We came into this looking at a battle for seconds or minutes. It?s very competitive. Like any sportsman, if you don?t like confrontation or squeezing the last ounces of strength out of yourself, then you?re not ready for a fight. But, as for me, I?m up for it.?

Meanwhile Coma is very aware that the race is still wide open and he remains cool, strong and ready to apply the necessary tactics. ?We knew that this would be difficult today. It was a long special and there was plenty of navigation to deal with. We?re not coming to the crunch part of the rally. Cyril is a major rival and we do battle over every single kilometer. But I think it?s interesting, its sport.?

Joan Pedrero (Spain) and Rubin Faria (Portugal), the two support riders for the Coma and Despres finished twelfth and thirteenth respectively. Faria made a recovering after having to stop briefly just 1.7 km after the start.

The first part of the timed special was relatively fast with patches of fesh-fesh, very fine dust like flour. The second special tested the navigational skills and the stage finished with a steep descent down to the coast at Iqique, a slope that already was a feature of the 2010 Dakar.

Stage 10 takes the Dakar Caravan from Iquique to Arica right on the border of Peru. It will be the riders? last encounter with Chile?s notorious Atacama Desert with another dose of the power soft and quite treacherous fesh-fesh dust. Arica was the most northern point in last year?s rally. But it will not be the end of the sands. This year they continue into the coastal desert of Peru into the region of the famous Nazcar Lines, the ancient geoglyphs that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Image Maragni M. KTM Images

Results Stage 9

1, Cyril Despres, France, KTM 5 hours 4 minutes 33 seconds
2, Marc Coma, Spain, KTM at 3 minutes 54 seconds
3, Joan Barreda Bort, Spain, Husqvarna at 8:44
4, Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha at 11:44
5, Paolo Goncalves, Portugal, Husqvarna at 15:12
Other KTM
6, Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM at 15:43
7, Stefan Svitko, Slovakia, KTM at 16:19
8, Jordi Viladoms, Spain, KTM at 17:53
10, Gerard Farres Guell, Spain, KTM at 18:56
11, Felipe Zanol, Brazil, KTM at 22:25
12, Joan Pedrero, Spain, KTM at 27:08
13, Rubin Faria, Portugal, KTM at 31:46
14, Alessandro Botturi, Italy, KTM at 31:46
18, Daniel Schroeder, Germany, KTM at 39:04
19, Jacek Czachor, Poland, KTM at 30:03
24, Johnny Aubert, France KTM at 43:11
Overall Results after Stage Nine
1, Cyril Despres, France, KTM, 28 hours 30 minutes 17 seconds
2, Marc Coma, Spain, KTM at 2 minutes 28
3, Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha at 59:19
4, Paolo Goncalves, Portugal, Husqvarna at 1:25:57
5, Jordi Viladoms, Spain, KTM at 1:28:43

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Source: http://moto.mpora.com/news/close-coma-despres-dakar-rally.html

Rick Burgett Jimmy Button Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli