Rider Of The Month | Mike Giem

Interview by Chris Cumbo #2G

Name: Mike “Orangey” Giem
Age: 53
Home Town: Santa Clarita, CA
Class: 52 Master
Bike: Yamaha YZ450
Number: 726G

Is there any significance to your racing number?
“It’s my birthday!”

Do you have any sponsors?
“VISA.”

What is your occupation?
“After years in the motorcycle and mountain bike industry, I sold my Cobra Motorcycle dealership in 2016. I’ve been managing a company that does power steering for classic cars and race cars.”

What industry do you prefer working in?
“To be honest… I preferred working in the motorcycle industry to what I do now.”

Can you expound on Larry Krisch and the Storm Racing Products?
“Larry and I started Storm Racing in 1994 making mountain bike frames. When I retired from mountain bike racing and joined the Gang in 1998, we began making motorcycle parts; gas caps, oil fill plugs, skid plates, suspension linkage. Larry was a staple in the Old Timers Club and his passion for motocross was unmatched!”

Who got you in and when did you start racing motocross?
“My dad got me into it when I was 4. I raced at Indian Dunes.”

What was your first motorcycle?
“Indian 50.”

What is your greatest accomplishment in MX?
“I have a few that stand out…
1. Winning Vet Worlds at Glen Helen (2004 35+ Expert)
2. OTHG #1 Plate and National title in 2003
3. NMA #1 Plate in 1974″

How did your son Weston get started in motocross?
“He started racing at 3 and did all of the amateur nationals (Ponca, Lorettas, Oak Hill, Whitney) for 6 years, then he had a bad shoulder injury and quit racing when he was 9. He didn’t ride again until last year, when he was 21.”

Any interesting stories about Weston?
“Weston used to battle with Chase Sexton on 50s and 65s!”

Tell us how Weston is healing up from his crash at Hangtown and when plans to ride again.
“The ankle surgery from his crash went well. Hopefully he’s back in another 3-4 months.”

What is your goal with OTHG in 2022?
“I thought it would be pretty cool to get the #1 plate again 20 years later. But that is no easy accomplishment. Took me 5 years the first time!”

Have you taken any motocross riding schools?
“No, but I need to! I went 16 years (2005-2021) without riding a motorcycle and I am rusty. My rutted corners are horrible these days. So, I’ve been thinking about getting a coach, which is strange because I used to train kids back in the day.”

Tell us about your Yamaha and why you like it over the other bikes.
“It was cheaper than a KTM and seems to do just fine.”

Tell us about the incident with Dan McKinley at the 2022 Trans Am Vet (at Glen Helen) on the last lap?
“I was lapping Dan, passed him in the braking bumps going into the last corner. I thought I had him cleared, but I think he was planning on going to the outside rut. I went to the inside… totally my fault. Luckily he was ok and we talked afterwards. But, we shouldn’t have experts and beginners gated together.”

How often a month do you go out and practice or race?
“I try to ride once a week on the weekends when we aren’t racing.”

How often a month do you work out?
“After 2 weeks in the hospital from COVID, lung infection, collapsed lung/pneumothorax this last January, I’ve been hitting it pretty hard. I mountain bike one day a week, run one day a week, and try to hit the gym 2 days a week.”

How has mountain biking helped your motocross riding?
“I race Pro Downhill for 8 years until I turned 30. That was when I got back into moto and joined the Gang. Mountain biking certainly keeps you fit!”

Have you had any major surgeries?
“Yes, knees! 7 surgeries, including both total knee replacements in 2017. They still hurt, but at least I’m out there.”

What other states have you raced in and what tracks?
“Nevada (Fernley and World Mini in Vegas), Arizona (Buckeye), and Oklahoma (Ponca).”

What is your favorite local track?
“By far, Glen Helen!”

What is your favorite OTHG National track?
“I enjoy them all, but Hangtown was great!”

Since the banquet is droppable this year, how will that affect your points for the 2022 season?
“Thank God it’s droppable! Otherwise, my quest for the #1 plate wouldn’t be possible. I will attend next year’s banquet for sure.”

Are you planning to Ironman in 2023 (make every event/race)?
“Injuries will dictate that. Now that I’m racing Expert, the pace is fast and it’s likely there will be a crash sooner or later. Let’s hope not, but it’s part of the sport.”
(Editor’s Note – Mike was recently promoted up to the Master class. Congratulations!)

Tell us about your experiences in 2003 when you were the number one rider of the year.
“I didn’t race much with the #1 plate. My son had started racing and the focus was on him. But, it sure was a good feeling that plate on my bike!”

Can you take a minute to reflect on some of the names in the club from when you were the number one rider in 2003? Or, reflect on the experiences you had on your way to becoming number one?
“Bruce Criswell and Weston Reid were my crew back then. I saw Bruce at Elsinore this year! Jim Henn (RIP) was another I remember, as well as Kon Baur, Steve Piattoni, Chris Cumbo, Rick Johnson, and my NorCal nemesis Aaron Matson. Aaron and I battled at every national that year and it was some of the best races I ever had. We actually had a tie at the finish line in Hollister! It was so close the scorers couldn’t decide who won! Luckily, the final round that year was at Glen Helen and I got the title.”

How were you honored at the banquet that year?
“Back then the top 50 got jackets… I always loved getting those jackets.”

Are there any improvements in the club you’d like to see?
“I suppose my only complaint is that the number of riders in the faster classes are small. I’d rather see 1 less class and end up with a bigger gate. But, it’s impossible to keep everyone happy.”

Congratulations to Mike Giem on becoming Rider of the Month for July 2022!

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