1. Please, introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Josh LaJiness. I am 22 years old and I am from Deer Park, WA. I race professional Motocross and Supercross. I am also trying to become a professional bass angler.
2. How long have you been involved in your sport?
I have been riding dirt bikes since I was 3 years old. In 2006 I began racing and riding a lot more and started to take it really seriously. In 2009 I made the jump to the pros and its been awesome. I have always fished recreationally but two years ago I started to get serious about it. When I am not riding or training I am fishing.
3. Are there any people who have inspired you to get started? Who and why?
My dad got me started in motocross. He used to ride and race quite a bit. We just did it for fun at first but once we knew that I could make a living at racing we put 100% into motocross. I have fished for fun for as long as I can remember. I started to excel at it two years ago and I know that I can't race forever so when I decide to stop racing I hope to start my fishing career.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
I love riding in general and I will always have a bike. To me the greatest feeling is winning on race day and knowing that the work you put in during the week is paying off. As for the fishing there is nothing like hooking into a big bass so I'm always looking for the next one!
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
Over the years I have had the opportunity to ride and train with some of the best racers from the past and present. David Vuillemin, Steve Lamson, Ryan Hughes, etc. I have learned a lot from them and I have used their advice to advance my skills on the bike. I would love to get the chance to fish with some pro anglers. The best way to better yourself is to be around people that know more than you!
6. What has been your goal this year? Are you on schedule?
My goal this year is to get back to where I was at the beginning of 2011. I got injured pretty bad and it has been a long recovery. I started riding again last fall and I am beginning to feel like I am riding really well. So far this year I haven't lost a race so I feel great! I also want to do some fishing tournaments when I have an off weekend from racing.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
To get started in motocross you just need to ride and have fun. You have to ride a lot but if you aren't having fun doing it then it will be harder to become a better rider. Patience is also key. I believe the same goes for fishing!
8. What is the best advice you've ever received?
Maybe it is cliché but "practice makes perfect". It's true!
9. What equipment are you currently using?
I race a 2012 Honda CRF450R and CRF250R. I practice on a 2012 CRF450R. I fish using Shimano rods and reels. I have Boca Bearings Orange Seal bearings in all of my reels (#FR-008C-OS LD). My favorite setup right now is my OS equipped Shimano Calais on a Crucial rod. As for my tackle I use all types because I have not acquired a good tackle sponsor yet.
I would also like to thank some of my sponsors
Boca Bearings
MotoConcepts
Fox
FMF
Specialized
Smith Optics
Motorex
Enzo Racing
Dunlop
Ryno Power
Hinson
Alpinestars