Rick Scheltema
What’s your name?
Rick Scheltema
Where are you from?
Caledonia, Michigan
Who is(are) your rider(s)?
Currently Brianna Scheltema and formerly Lindsey Scheltema.
How long have you been a moto dad?
20 years.
Were you into motorcycles before becoming a moto dad?
Yes I was. I always had trail bikes as a kid.
Describe a typical race weekend for you.
A typical race weekend for our family is, depending on the location, arriving at the track, setting up and finding a local fun restaurant or local brewery to visit the first night, usually with other moto families, then staying at the track and spending the weekend racing.
What’s your family’s favorite meal to have at the track?
If we are at Gatorback, in Florida, I love the Cuban sandwich! A normal meal at the track usually includes pasta, steak, or whatever Bree chooses. On more than one occasion we score left-overs from the Hazen family.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions while spectating?
I always give Bree a hug and tell her I love her.
Most nerve-wracking moment watching your kid(s) race/ride?
Watching the start and making sure she gets safely through the first turn. Also, watching your kid crash and not get up stinks! With both Lindsey and Bree we have spent several nights in the hospital. I am always grateful to God when they finish safely.
Favorite part about spending time at the track?
My favorite part of spending time at the track is meeting up with and seeing all of the moto friends and families that we have connected with over the past 20 years. We have met wonderful people from all over the United States and it is fun to meet up and share the common interest of motocross!
Favorite and least favorite part about traveling to the races?
Favorite = Packing for a race on a nice sunny day, remembering to pack everything, and having good weather during the whole race. Least favorite = Packing up and leaving for a race in a snowstorm! Since we are from Michigan it happens often. Racing and unloading or loading in the rain is definitely not fun either.
Craziest travel story?
We have driven in many ice/snowstorms. Last year, in mid-Kentucky, we slid totally sideways on an overpass pulling our fifth-wheel heading to a truck stop. No one in the truck said a word and we all held on! Thankful there were no other cars on the road. We have also driven through a tornado on our way out to Colorado for a WMA race for Lindsey. That was scary because there is nowhere to go. You’re just sitting out there on the interstate.
Most important lesson motocross teaches at a young age?
The importance of time spent with family and winning isn’t everything. This sport is all about having fun and making new friends.
Biggest sacrifice you’ve had to make for amateur motocross?
Traveling quite a bit, especially in the spring, and being gone so much, we have missed several events that we would have been able to attend if we would have been home.
Proudest moment of your career as a moto dad thus far?
Watching Brianna take the win and championship in the Women’s Class at Ponca City, OK last fall. This was her first amateur national championship. It makes for a happy ride home and lots to talk about.
What’s your favorite track?
Martin MX or Big Air in Michigan. I am a professional practicer and these tracks are local and fun for me.
Who is your favorite pro racer (past or present)?
Ricky Carmichael!
What is your favorite type of music?
Classic Rock and anything by the Bee Gees.
What hobbies do you have away from motorcycles?
We own a wedding barn in Michigan. I am always improving the property and building new and fun things! We also have a cottage on Lake Michigan that we spend as much time at in the summer as we can.
What is your beverage of choice?
Craft Beer from any local brewery.
Any advice for the moto dads of the future?
Always have fun. If you are not having fun, maybe it’s time to find a new hobby. I have never yelled at my girls.They are hard enough on themselves when things go wrong. In most cases, no one messes up on purpose and yelling and screaming doesn’t fix anything. Positivity is where it’s at!
