Member of the Week: Henry Schumacher
What discipline(s) do you participate in?
In Hare Scramble, I ride in the 65 class but I’ll be moving up to the 85 jr class in the spring. For Hillclimb, I race the 65 and 85 jr classes.
When did you begin riding and/or racing?
I began riding a strider bike at 2 years old and finally got to ride my dirtbike when I was 6 or 7. I started racing at 9 when I got my new 65.
Why do you continue to be a member of District 23 ARMCA? What do you think the benefits are?
I have met all the best friends and fastest racers in District 23, both hillclimbing and in the woods. It’s a great group!
What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?
I have learned so much! I’ve definitely learned to be patient with myself sometimes! But my best race finish is 3rd in both disciplines. I also competed in my first national Hillclimb in Red Wing this year and earned 8th place!
What are your goals for 2024? Beyond?
To go faster! I look up to all of my really fast race family who have all competed at the highest level and I want to ride like they do… fast!
What is your favorite track, course, trail, or event and why?
I think my favorite place to ride is at Aaron and Tammy’s house because they have it all, a moto track, grass track, a fun woods loop, and we get to just have fun! Other than that, the Theilman trail ride is my second favorite because we can just ride the wheels off with all our favorite people.
What is the significance of your riding number? Was it given to you or did you pick it for a specific reason?
My mom’s race number is 870, so I have a play bike with 871 and my race bike is 872, and now my sister races with 873!
What 5 words would you use to describe yourself (or your racing/riding)?
Fast, coordinated, silly, crazy, chaos
If you're into music, what are 3 songs you're currently listening to that everyone needs to hear?
That’s hard to pick just songs but anything by Hardy, Morgan Wallen, or any song that gets you pumped up to race!
Who inspires you in racing or riding? And how has motorcycling impacted your life?
I would love to say my mom because she’s been on two wheels since she was little and has won 3 national Hillclimb championships. But I also have some really fast riders I look up to and want to go fast like they do; Aaron, Jacob, Nathan, Brandon, Luke, Corissa, Logan, Bodee, and so many more! Dirtbikes just make everything great! I don’t have to think about school or my chore list when I get to go ride!
What has been your favorite machine to race/ride and why?
I love ripping on the KX 110s! I really like the race bikes too, but I get to destroy the 110! Thankfully our local dealer keeps spare parts on hand!
What else do you like to do for fun?
I love to go hunting, fishing, and mountain biking. In the winter I like to snowmobile too, but there hasn’t been a ton of snow lately.
What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?
So many things! But probably the best is to stand up and hang on with your ankles and knees! The best advice before I take off though is what my mom tells me: “I love you buddy, go fast but most importantly, have fun!”
What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members?
Just go out and enjoy being on two wheels! Life doesn’t slow down so you have to have fun while you can.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
Just a huge thank you to all of the event promoters for doing all the hard work to give us a fun race season! And all the photographers that get dusty and dirty to get the cool action shots! I’m proud to be D23, where all the fastest riders come from!