07/09/2012 by Jimmy Shoe
Christina Gribble of Colorado Springs got on a bike for the first time three years ago when friends were goofing around on a couple of CR50s and CR80s. She fell in love with riding immediately. Shortly after, Christina went with her father to the local track where he was riding. He asked if she wanted to ride his bike – thinking she wouldn't – and she hopped on and took off. After that, he would bring her back and she’d d ride when he took a break. Many times, he’d get upset because she didn’t want to bring his bike back, so Christina sold some of her dad’s car parts online until she had enough money to buy her own bike, a 2003 YZ250F. Now at 19 years old, Christina has the full-blown passion to race.
Christina wasted no time taking her bike out to the local track in Colorado to practice her newfound passion. As she became more serious about racing, Christina got a job to support the increasing fees, parts and repairs of her bike. In 2010, she won her first race in Pueblo, Colorado. She took first in the state during her rookie season in the novice class. Christina moved up to the more competitive amateur class and felt confident she could keep up.
Last year was Christina’s first amateur season; she got a new bike, a 2007 YZ250F, and started to rise in the rankings. A couple of races into the season, Christina wadded up pretty hard at Sweney Cycle Park in Brush, Colorado, when she got caught in a crosswind at the finish line jump and shattered her collarbone. Before surgery, Christina’s dad reminded her that the sport is risky; she’ll probably get hurt and after major injuries, some racers decide it’s not worth it. He told her if she didn’t want to race anymore, he would understand. The thought to quit had never entered her mind. “Are you kidding? I’ve never been more excited! I love racing; it’s what I do,” was her answer. While in rehab, she would go out to the garage and sit on her bike, anticipating the day she could ride again. Though it was a rough start to the amateur season, she fully recovered and started the season strong. This year, there are more competitive women in the amateur class and Christina continues to push herself to do her best. In May, she qualified for Loretta Lynn and the Norman Oklahoma Nationals. Christina’s goal is to get a pro license and race at a top level in the WMX.
Christina practices regularly at the Aztec Family Raceway in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and races for Team 5 Stones Racing, a Christian-oriented race team with 10 riders. Together, the team does community service such as fundraising and working at the Special Olympics and Homes for our Troops, a program that builds homes for returning, disabled veterans. Christina enjoys being involved because she believes it’s important to give back and support the community. She hopes it can help break down some stereotypes motocross racers might face.
Christina got involved with Pivot works, Cylinder Works, Hot Cams, Hot Rods and Vertex Pistons because while racing, her bike takes a beating and she has to replace parts regularly. After Christina blew up her bike, she wanted to replace the parts with brands she trusted. “I love Pivot Works and the other C&L Companies’ brands because they keep my bike in great shape,” said Christina. “Confidence in my bike is key and they give me that confidence.”
Along with Pivot Works, Cylinder Works, Hot Cams, Hot Rods and Vertex Pistons, Christina would like to thank others who support her and her racing career: “First and foremost, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Team 5 Stones Racing, Maxima Racing Oils, Yoshimura RD, Fly Racing, Fay Myers Motor Cycle World, Aztec Family Raceway, Sidi, Motonation, Works Connection, Sunstar, Risk Racing, Dragon, TM Designs, MotoConcepts, Dirt Candy Graphics, JGR Pirelli, New Vision Hotels, Chick-fil-A and, of course, my family for all of their support.”
