BROTHERLY BOND:
From left: Bobby Lee, 6; Tyler Lee, 10; Brayles Coon, 16; Blaine Coon, 11; Brayden Coon, 7.

Adrenaline. Speed. Big air.

This is what the new generation of local motocross riders thrive on, and this is what keeps them committed to their dreams of becoming professional motocross drivers.

Motocross is alive and well in Anderson, Cottonwood and Happy Valley, where dozens of local riders live and practice their sport.

The Lee and Coon families are a handful of local motocross riders who practice on a homemade three-acre track in Happy Valley.

Motocross is a family affair for the Lee and Coon families, where parents have passed their love of motorbikes on to their children.

Brothers Tyler Lee, 10, and Bobby Lee, 6, race two to three times a week with their cousins in Happy Valley. This week, the young motocross riders held their own as they raced on the same track designed for professional motocross drivers at the Sumercross Nationals in Red Bluff.

Dawn Lee said her son’s first race was at the Nationals in Red bluff.

“We didn’t want to miss it,” she said.

“Just knowing that it is coming up gives me adrenaline,” she said before the race.

Parents of young motocross racers said supporting their children in the sport is a major commitment.

“It’s another full-time job. It takes lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of money. There’s also a lot of dedication,” Dave Coon said.

The Coon and Lee families also said the help of their sponsors makes a huge difference in their ability to take part in the sport.

Dave Coon’s sons; Brayles, 16, Blaine, 11 and Brayden, 7, all started riding when they were about 3 ½ to 4-years-old and haven’t stopped riding since. Today, they travel all over California, and have also gone to competitions in Oregon and Las Vegas. They also competed at last weekend’s Summercross Nationals.

Coon said his children developed the same passion for motocross that he had as a child. Now, he said, he feels proud to see his sons riding the track, and experiencing “the emotions and feelings it gives you because it’s your kids out there.”

16-year-old Brayles said it’s his goal to turn pro by the time he turns 18. He said it’s a benefit to have racing-oriented family, including younger brothers in the sport.

“It’s good because you can help them and see where their mistakes are at. And sometimes they motivate you too,” he said.

Although Dave Coon is a strong supporter of his sons’ motocross endeavors, he said he makes sure his children know their priorities.

“This is a hobby and a passion they love. But I do make clear that school is the most important thing out there. If they’re not doing good in school, they’re not going to be riding,” Coon said.