By Brandon Brown As I am writing this article it is the week of Sand Del Lee Pro Nationals, which will mark about my half way point of the 2014 season. This year has been a huge learning year for me, moving up to a big bike and new classes. In 2014 I am racing both the Junior and Schoolboy classes aboard an YZ 125. Here are some of the things that I have learned so far this year: A bigger bike… My season started in early March down south at MTF. I also got to ride at JWTF and PAX track. It took me a little time to get used to more power and being higher off the ground. Higher off the ground and farther to fall. By the end of my two weeks down south I was starting to feel more comfortable and confident on my new bike. I jumped the triple step-up at MTF on my last day and realized that while jumping, looking down is a really bad idea. Bigger, older, different…..Racing this year started in Mexico, NY. At my first race of the year I learned that riding a 125 you have to work harder to keep up with the 250 and 450 4-strokes and get good starts. I arrived at the line to see 30 riders and I was one of the only riders without facial hair. Being a little worried about being on the 125 I decided to start on the outside. With so many riders in the class, I got pushed wide on the start and spent the entire moto passing and finished in the top 5. All weekend I struggled with starts, got bumped around by other riders and learned how to pass. Cooking for myself….At my first week of MX101 camps this summer my dad had to work and left early in the morning. I had to fend for myself. I was up at 6 am and after about 10 minutes I figured out how to start the camper stove. I took out some eggs, threw them on the fry pan, added ham and cheese and made a pretty decent breakfast sandwich. I am getting more experimental as the summer moves along and I have even tried chicken pasta and a can of soup together (tasty lunch). Throughout the year I have had a lot of downs and a few ups. I am still learning a lot and trying to improve each time I ride. Looking forward to the rest of the season, we plan to visit ECAN for the first time and have just booked our spot for Walton TransCan.