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Catching Up With Tarah Gieger

posted Jun 03, 2008 to Featured Articles by Jenn Sheppard
from the Jun 2008 issue

Catching up with Tarah Gieger

Text: Jenn Sheppard

Pics: Glenn Gardner / Photo Frank

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FLmx: How was Texas going as far as the first race of the 2008 season? How was the off season for you?

TG: Texas went well for me. I won the championship at Whitney but then had some tough times at oak hill.

FLmx: In 2007, you made history as the first ever woman to compete at the Motocross of Nations. Has your life changed because of that experience?

TG: I don't think my life has really changed from it, but it was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

FLmx: You are also the first multi-sport etnies Girl?

TG: Yeah, Etnies signed me on to do the moto thing but also do some surfing contests when I can.

FLmx: As for a little personal background, can you compare life in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico to living in Florida?

TG: Growing up in PR was definitely different than living in Florida. The customs and way of doing things are not very similar at all. I moved to Florida after I graduated from high school just because the tracks in Puerto Rico right now are nothing like the national tracks I have to race on.

FLmx: Do you speak Spanish?

TG: Yes

FLmx: What's the best concert you've ever attended?

TG: I went to a Guns N Roses concert a couple years back in San Juan; that was amazing and also a Megadeth concert in Orlando. Both of those take the cake.

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FLmx: Where did #68 come from?

TG: A mouse whispered it in my ear.

FLmx: You have been super successful in moto, surf and skate. Which one is the biggest challenge for you?

TG: Everything I do is a challenge because I strive to be the best at it when I do it. No matter what I am doing I also try to progress at it. I guess it's just my competitiveness.

FLmx: You've also had your share of injuries, including a broken neck not too long ago. What gave you strength during your downtime?

TG: I think just the fact that I didn't want to do anything else. My sponsors really stuck by me during that year and I wanted to prove to them I could come back stronger.

FLmx: Do you get nervous on the line?

TG: Yeah I think it's one of the thrills of racing.

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FLmx: What kind of childhood memories do you have, any early predictions you were destined for motocross stardom?

TG: I think it might have been when I started coming to Mini O's and I was doing really well.

FLmx: Who did you look up to growing up? Who's style did you admire?

TG: I can't really name one person. I think I just watched people ride and picked up little things here and there from everyone.

FLmx: What is your most prized championship win?

TG: I think it would be Loretta's 06. It was exactly one year after I broke my neck and a lot of people had written me off. That really solidified the fact that I was back.

FLmx: What do you think of the WMA and women's racing in general?

TG: It's definitely not equal [to the AMA] at all. Last year was a really bad year with the schedule they gave us at the races and not giving us any TV coverage at all. It's just always a battle with the AMA.

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FLmx: At the Mini O's in November, you and another rider were really dicing it out for a few laps there on the motocross track. Are women races just as aggressive as the men?

TG: I think that the girls have a different mentality racing. Lately it seems that the girls aren't scared to go fast. The only thing is that most of them don't know how to go that speed and they end up just running into everything.

FLmx: What's your favorite part of the track? Jumps, turns, whoops?

TG: I like it all.

FLmx: What's one country you've visited that you can't wait to go back?

TG: I really like England. London is my favorite city to visit for sure.

FLmx: How do guys handle you riding faster and/or beating them?

TG: During practice they don't seem too concerned at all but when I get in a race with them, they will do anything to make sure I don't beat them. And I mean anything

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FLmx: As far as your training goes, is diet more important or fitness?

TG: As long as I am training, I don't worry too much about what I eat. I always try to limit the amount of sugar and junk food no matter what I am doing though.

FLmx: What has been your craziest, funniest, or most memorable experience until now?

TG: I would have to say the MXoN. It was just amazing being there and then to get the opportunity to race it just added to it.

FLmx: Is it true that your favorite track is Waldo?

TG: I have always enjoyed riding Waldo. Especially after traveling the U.S. and riding tons of tracks, I appreciate how well they run that track.

FLmx: Do you prefer supercross, motocross, and do you like mini moto?

TG: I like motocross better. I don't care too much about the mini moto.

FLmx: How did it feel as the 2007 AMA Female Rider of the Year?

TG: It is awesome.

FLmx: How's your relationship with your dad as he is your mechanic? Do you two get along?

TG: Me and my dad get along great. He has always been there for me and my racing or anything I have been into for that matter.

FLmx: What about your mom? How does she feel about her daughter racing motocross?

TG: My mom loves it.

FLmx: What do you think is the biggest obstacle still needs to be overcome for you to get wins?

TG: I think I am the only thing holding myself back from winning the WMA title. I need to get better starts so I am not stuck with all the crazy's,

FLmx: How's your deal with Yamaha and BSY?

TG: Yamaha has been awesome and BSY is always there to help in any way they can.

FLmx: What does faith mean to you?

TG: Believing that things will happen if that's what is intended to happen.

FLmx: Sponsors?

TG: Answer, Yamaha, Etnies, Red Bull, Tim Buffaloe at BSY, FMF, JM Racing, Jayco RV's, Pro Taper, Von Zipper Goggles, Dunlop, Shoei Helmets, DRC Products, Zeta, Alpinestars, Kicker, OGIO, Motorex, Galfer Brakes, CTI Knee Braces, American Racing Wheels, CP Pistons, Hinson Clutches, Boyesen, Leatt Neck Braces, Twin Air Filters, TekBolt, Gary Bailey MX school, Motorsportsproducts.com, and ZLT