Have you ever had a bad day or maybe a rough weekend? I believe everyone has those days in life. In San Francisco I did not have the best race, and it was one of those days. Up until this race, I have made the main event every time and have finished in the top ten a couple times. This weekend I had a pretty bad crash on the start straight in my heat race. I literally landed right on my butt. In the last chance qualifier I got off to a great start and battled for the last qualifying position up until the end, but barely missed out on transferring into the main event.

In life we get knocked on our butts from time to time too. These hard falls can really wake you up if you let them. I had a choice to consider this weekend--bad luck or take responsibility for what happened. In general, most people divert the blame on the track or another rider when they crash. It sounds more like an excuse to me. One way to look at the world is that everything is by chance and happens as a result of good luck or bad luck. Another way to look at life is that things happen for a reason and that in some way, shape, or form I caused what happened. I know I can learn from this last weekend and use it to make me a better man and also a better rider. In tough times you get a better sense of reality.

At the San Francisco supercross, I believe I was overconfident in myself. God disciplines those he loves and cares about. God does not bring about bad things in your life, but He can use them for good. I am more appreciative of the gifts God has given me after this weekend. If it was not for my dad sacrificing time and money, I would not be where I am at now. If it was not for my brothers and my Coach Joe DeGano teaching me my whole life, I would not be as good of a rider. If it was not for my youth pastor, Mark Francey, I may not be sharing with you now. If it was not for my mom placing me in a Christian school and directing me to hang with better friends, I would not be the man I am today. So when I really look at me racing supercross, its not Ben Evans alone out there racing, but a little bit of everyone that God has placed around me in my life who has taught me a thing or two.

When I look at my weekend now, I definitely have more appreciation for it. Did I really want to loose and crash this last weekend? No, I did not really want it to go that way. But when I look down the road and see the lessons I took from this weekend, I will be a better racer and, more importantly, a better man. After all this, my advice to you would be to reflect on your toughest days and find the hidden gold that lies within the trash. I can honestly tell you that I did not wind up racing supercross because of luck. Realize that wherever you are at in your life, there is usually a cause behind whatever it is you might be going through. God has placed things in your life and given you talents to use for a reason. Thanks for checking in and God bless!

Ben Evans #350