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More than a 7-year-old's hobby

By BRIAN SUMERS
Published July 5, 2006

CRYSTAL RIVER - Usually, Jarred Landes is similar to his classmates at Citrus Springs Elementary.

Except when the soon-to-be second grade student is jumping 10 feet in the air at 45 mph. He likes that.

"When you jump high," he said, "you get butterflies."

Pretty cool for a 7-year-old who won't get his drivers license for nearly another decade.

Jarred is part of the next generation of motocross racers, a sport gaining popularity thanks to ESPN's X Games.

And despite his age, motocross is not just a hobby for him.

"It's not cute anymore," said Lee Hoogerheide, his stepfather, coach and mechanic. "It was when he was really tiny. Now he's a motocross racer."

Jarred said he wants to turn professional someday. His stepfather knows that time is far away.

At this point, video games still compete for his attention.

"Does he have that fire yet?" Hoogerheide said. "No."

But he does have plenty of prizes and trophies. Jarred relishes Thurdays when he and his stepfather drive to Dade City for at least four hours of practice. He also rides most weekends on circuits throughout Florida.

"He's hooked, without a doubt," Hoogerheide said.

Jarred's first motocross bike arrived when he was 4, a Christmas present from his mother, Jamie Hoogerheide, and his stepfather.

In the three years since, Jarred has managed to avoid the broken bones so prevalent in motocross.

But it is not a safe sport.

"You cross your fingers," Lee Hoogerheide said. "Jarred is not a daredevil."

Hoogerheide, who owns Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair in Crystal River, rode as a kid. So he knows it takes a special young person to succeed in the risky sport.

"You have to be somewhat crazy," Hoogerheide said. "I don't think just anyone could do it."

Jarred's half brother, Gavin, is 18 months old. He'll get a bike for Christmas. The only concession: training wheels.

Though he wants Jarred to succeed, Hoogerheide tries not to push his stepson too much.

Jarred said his stepfather is a fine mechanic. Regular maintenance takes about six to eight hours each week. It helps that Hoogerheide fixes cars for a living, so he knows what he's doing.

"He's doing better than I thought he would," Jarred said.

And although he knows the risks of riding, Jarred said he still enjoys it.

"Sometimes it is scary, but it is a lot of fun," he said.

Brian Sumers can be reached at 352 564-3628 or bsumers@sptimes.com.

[Last modified July 4, 2006, 23:24:21]