Ever wonder what the Motorcyclist staffers do on their days off? We ride. Test Bike Manager Michael Candreia is no exception.
After a three-year hiatus, Motorcyclist's Test Bike Manager Michael Candreia returned to motocross competition during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio, July 27-29.
The odds were stacked against him as he'd spent the previous three years recovering from back surgery, and hadn't ridden a dirtbike at all during that time. He'd also never ridden the 1972 Husqvarna CR250 he'd be racing (graciously loaned to him by sponsor Bob Mathius), which was equipped with an unfamiliar right-hand shift. And he'd never seen the track at Mid-Ohio; even worse, he missed all of practice!
Michael had no choice but to stay optimistic and do his best. And his best paid off: He won the first five-lap moto and finished third in the second to claim third overall.
Michael plans to race a Husky 125 next year at VMD, and we're anticipating first overall! No pressure, Mikey...