By Andy Bowyer

This weekend I was able to attend the 2007 FIM Red Bull Motocross of Nations as a spectator. I was really looking forward to attending the event, as I had never been to the historic race in all of my years in the sport. I have to say that I was completely impressed and the day ended up being a unique and enlightening experience. Throw in the fact that Team USA won and it was pretty much awesome all around!

There is something mystical about watching the sun come up at a motocross track

I began the day at 5:30 a.m. after hearing that there would be quite a long line of traffic with the large international crowd. The rising sun gave the entire complex a bronze-and-gold-colored appearance while the sights and smells of a motocross track filled the crisp morning air. It totally reminded me of having the 7:30 a.m. moto at Loretta Lynn's. Everything's fairly quiet, but you get a keen sense that business is going to pick up within a couple of hours. I realized I had the chance to roam around the facility with ease before the oncoming horde of fans showed up, so I took advantage. I ventured over to the podium area and tried to imagine what it may look like later in the day when the winners of the motos were doing their interviews. After snapping a few very amateur pictures I noticed the crowd beginning to roll in, so I decided to go help out my pals at the Racer X booth while I waited for the motos to arrive.

1982 Loretta Lynn Hall of Fame member, Ron Lechien and some fan from Kansas

Before long it was time for the races, and I have to say I was astonished at how many people had packed the facility. International fans waved their country's flags all across the infield, and hardly an inch of green grass was visible. Adding to this impressive feat was the gorgeous weather that soaked the facility with blue skies and sunshine. On my way down to the first moto I ran into someone that I didn't recognize at first, then after a longer glance I realized it was none other than 1982 125 A Modified Youth Loretta Lynn's Champion Ron "Dogger" Lechien. I first met Ron at the 1989 Oklahoma City Supercross when I was 12 years old. I got his autograph in the pits and he ended up leading the entire main event until crashing on the last lap. Of course, I had to stop and get a picture. Just then I had a pretty cool realization that the complete cycle of a motocrosser's career actually gets its beginning at Loretta Lynn's and reaches full potential when he rides for his country at the MxoN. Ron Lechien, for example, raced and won for his country on the 1985 and 1988 American Motocross of Nations teams.

Tarah Gieger racing with the men

My realization began to grow when I looked down at the starting line and watched Ryan Villopoto and Ricky Carmichael choosing their starting positions. For Ryan, this was his second appearance on Team USA and he was looking to show the world the speed that everyone has been hearing about all summer. For Ricky, this race was far more sentimental, as it was likely the last major outdoor ride of his career. Then it really got cool when I saw a shorter rider with long, pretty hair pushing up to the gate - wait a minute, long, pretty hair? It was none other than reigning 2007 Women (12 Plus) Loretta Lynn's National Champion Tarah Gieger. Tarah was mixing it up with the boys while racing for her native country of Puerto Rico. Gieger proved that the girls at Loretta Lynn's can have the exact same dreams and goals as their male counter parts.

The last lap of Ricky's outdoor career

At the end of the afternoon, Team USA dominated the competition and left little doubt which nation carries the title belt in the world of professional motocross. And while Ryan and Ricky put on amazing performances, the most impressive ride of the day may have been by seven-time Loretta Lynn's champion Timmy Ferry. Timmy came from dead last to fourth in his first moto, then put on an incredible charge in moto two to catch and pass MX2 World champion Steve Ramon for second place in the moto and first place overall in the Open class. It was most likely the highlight of Ferry's career, and I think it was the single most inspiring performance of the weekend.

From Loretta's to Team USA, champions all the way

For 2007 FIM Red Bull Motocross of Nations Champions Team USA., the journey began crouched behind the starting gate at Loretta Lynn's and ended standing on the podium as champions of the world at the MxoN.