MAX ’N’ ME

Our American Motorcyclist correspondent adds his thoughts on the ride

On the last day of the 200, Sunday, I hooked up with Chuck Miller. We originally met in 1991 on a Honda ride where the great Bruce Ogilvie was the trail boss, and we rode Honda’s factory Baja-to-Vegas winning machine. This time we rekindled our friendship on the trail, and decided to ride together more often than every 32 years – or else our next ride will be when we’re both 96.

On Saturday’s 100-mile leg I made it a point to ride with Max Switzer. I’d known of Max, but not really all the things this guy has done as an off-roader. Meeting him before the ride, I was immediately impressed with his friendly, easy demeanor. At 84, he’s 20 years older than me. He’s never stopped riding dirtbikes, and has been doing the Nevada 200 since its beginning.

Something told me I should go out of my way to get together with him on the trail, and we wound up riding most of that 100-mile day together. Nose-to-tail, side-byside, inches apart all day long. He still rides extremely well, and I just kept wondering, “Will I be able to do this 20 years from now?” After that day’s ride I felt like we were instant close friends, and Max has become my inspiration to keep riding. Driving home, I had time to reflect. Going on one of the best dirtbike rides of my life with like-minded legends like Max Switzer and the rest of that crowd? Priceless! —Thad Wolff